Window to Russia: Peterhof celebrates 300th anniversary
12.09.2023
Sergey Vinogradov
Peterhof Palace has achieved a significant milestone by celebrating its 300th anniversary. August, 1723 holds a special place within the annals of this renowned museum complex. It was on the 15th August, according to the old calendar style, when the Russian emperor extended a personal invitation to foreign ambassadors, assuming the role of their tour guide. Presently, this museum-reserve continues to attract about 7,000 visitors every day.
Peterhof Palace, the Grand Cascade. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
After touring various European countries, Peter the Great was inspired to construct a “Russian Versailles.” However, rather than simply replicating foreign style, he amalgamated diverse cultural influences with the Russian perspective. Peterhof emerged as a symbol of Russia's willingness to embrace the world. Peter the Great effectively opened a gateway to Europe, and this magnificent city of palaces and fountains, nestled in the outskirts of St. Petersburg, served as a "the window" to new Russia.
Mikhail Lomonosov wrote for a reason following verses:
Between swamps, ramparts, and fearsome enemies
Bargains, courts, regiments, and fleet, and hail ready.
As with the sun the Indian waters rise to the Indian shores,
So to the mouths of the Neva the peoples flowed to Peter.
( "Poems composed in Peterhof on Peter's Day", 1759)
“The Peoples Flowed to Peter”
The museum-reserve researches state that Peterhof was built to demonstrate the renewed and modernized Russia of Peter the Great. "Peter conceived Peterhof as a symbol of Russia's greatness. It was important for him to show how great is the young Russia. It was important for him to reflect the meaning of his first naval victories," notes the Acting General Director of The Peterhof State Museum-Reserve Roman Kovrikov.
Three centuries later, the museum continues to captivate and enchant both Russian citizens and visitors from around the globe. In the words of Lomonosov, peoples have been "pouring and continue to pour" into Peterhof. Before the onset of the pandemic, the museum-reserve, being among the top popular museums in Russia, welcomed up to 5 million visitors. Notably, Peterhof enjoyed immense popularity among Chinese tourists.
Furthermore, the museum actively participates in international endeavors. Recently, exhibitions with views of Peterhof estate and exhibits from the museum were held in many European countries, including the palaces that Peter the Great visited during his foreign tours, getting inspiration on creation of his own city of fountains.
“The Peoples Flowed to Peter” multicultural exhibition project by the St. Petersburg Museum was presented on the eve of Peterhof's 300th anniversary. To emphasize the mix of cultures embodied in Peterhof Palace, the authors of the exhibition divided it into four thematic blocks, calling them by four cardinal directions: "North", "South", "West" and "East".
From a Finnish village to a St. Petersburg miracle
There were three Finnish villages on the site of Peterhof until the 18th century. The chronicle of Peter's future residence starts in September 1705, as evidenced by its mention in Peter the Great's campaign log. The log reads, "The Munker, carrying the Tsar on board, sailed through the Gulf of Finland to Kotlin Island and dropped anchor at 4 o'clock in the afternoon opposite Peterhof. By evening, we arrived in Petersburg." This historical entry marks the early stages of what would later become the Peterhof.
Peter the Great's country residence was founded in 1710. During the next few years the work was completed on many palaces, buildings and a system of fountains. Prominent architects and engineers from Russia and abroad were involved. Peter personally drafted plans for both the parks and buildings, supervised the works.
In 1723, foreign ambassadors had the opportunity to visit several key attractions within Peterhof, including the Grand Palace, Montplaisir and Marly palaces, the Sea Canal, the Lower Park, and the Upper Garden. These distinguished guests marveled at the Grand Cascade and the fountains in the Montplaisir Garden. Notably, they also beheld the Pyramid, Adam, and the renowned fountains.
Peter the Great himself took great care in explaining the concept and design of these structures. He worried that foreign visitors familiar with Versailles and other European countryside residencies might perceive Peterhof as a mere imitation. The tsar was keenly interested in the impression of the ambassadors following their visit, and it seems he was satisfied with the effect produced.
The Seaside House of Peter
Gavrila Derzhavin's poetic comparison of Peterhof to a paradise on earth, where "art and nature argue among themselves," beautifully captures the essence of this remarkable place. While Peterhof boasts a vast territory with numerous attractions, let's name those that are definitely important to see.
Let's start with Grand Palace, which was under construction for more than ten years and appeared in its completed form in the year of Peter the Great's death. It had became an opulent three-storied palace under the direction of the emperor's daughter Elizabeth. The reconstruction was carried out by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. The palace had two floors and was used for official receptions and festivities during Peter's reign.
The Monplaisir Palace was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland according to Peter's drawings. The Tsar not only sketched the facade, but also paid attention to the layouts of rooms and interior. Both installations of water supply and sewerage systems in the palace marked significant technical innovations for their time. These advancements were not only crucial for the comfort and functionality of the palace but also showcased Peter's commitment to modernizing Russia and bringing it in line with European standards of infrastructure and engineering.
Probably, he felt at home here. His authentic belongings, such as a night cap, a towel, a basin for washing are exhibited here today. Despite thepersonal touches, it is not merely a "sleeping palace," as the emperor also introduced a gallery adorned with European paintings.
The Marly Palace drew its name from Louis XIV's residence in Marly-le-Roi, a place visited by the Russian emperor. During the Peterhof's era, this palace served as accommodations for guests visiting the estate.
The Upper Garden, situated in front of the Grand Palace, was also meticulously designed according to Peter the Great's own sketches. He gave careful thought to this space, which served as the gateway for guests entering the main palace. The garden boasts ponds, lush vegetation, inviting pathways, charming arbors, and exquisite sculptures, all contributing to its splendid beauty. The Upper Garden covers an area of 15 hectares, while the Lower Garden expands over a vast 100 hectares. To immerse visitors in the ambiance of the 18th century, museum staff wear authentic period costumes and gracefully traverse the garden's pathways. Moreover, there are hidden whimsical fountains, which merrily surprise, sprinkling visitors. This delightful experience lets visitors to fully embrace their roles as esteemed guests of the Russian Emperor.
I.K. Aivazovsky "View of the Grand Cascade and the Great Peterhof Palace." Photo: ru.wikipedia.org
Peterhof is most famous for its fountains. The Grand Cascade, featuring the iconic figure of Samson, stands as the symbol of this entire complex. This figure represents Russia's victory over Sweden, as Samson triumphantly tears apart the lion's mouth, which was a symbol of Sweden's coat of arms. It's worth noting that during the Great Patriotic War, when many of Peterhof's sculptures were evacuated, the original Samson was lost; the replica was meticulously recreated from photographs in 1947.
The fountain complex made its debut five years after the commencement of the residence's construction. Fountains grace various corners of Peterhof. An extensive network of pipes, spanning approximately 28 kilometers, is responsible for their operation. It was Peter the Great who made the visionary decision to adorn Peterhof Palace estate with these fountains.
Russian tsar, known for his technical prowess, came back home from his travels abroad, where was captivated by the beauty of European fountains. Peter I delved into the subject with fervor. His personal library featured a plethora of books on fountain craftsmanship, he meticulously studied countless blueprints and his own drawings from Europe's finest parks.
However, Peter the Great had his own way. Unlike their European counterparts, these fountains relied solely on natural water sources. The water was supplied by the springs and aquifers of the Ropsha Heights, showcasing Peter's distinctive approach to engineering and his commitment to creating something truly exceptional at Peterhof.
Indeed, it is intriguing to observe that despite centuries of study and expertise, some of the secrets behind Peterhof's intricate fountains continue to be concealed in obscurity. Even among the museum's staff, which comprises approximately 2,000 people, including seasoned fountain specialists, there are elements of these fountains that continue to evade full comprehension, notes the former general director of the museum-reserve Elena Kalnitskaya.
Meanwhile, the visitors from all corners of the world arrive to Peterhof Palace with the aim of unraveling the enigmatic interplay of "art and nature" that outstanding Russian tsar ingeniously crafted over 300 years ago.
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