Peterhof palace is one of the richest and most interesting summer palaces in Russia. It is the gem of Peterhof Palace and Parks ensemble including parks with a total area of 1000 hectares, five palaces, dozens of fountains, thousands of works of painting, sculpture and applied art. It remained one of the most important royal residences in the St. Petersburg suburbs, retaining its significance and splendor even when European monarchies went into crisis and decline. Peterhof was founded by Peter I on the bank of the Gulf of Finland in the beginning of the 18th century to commemorate gaining the access to the Baltic Sea. The emperor dreamed of building a palace that could rival Versailles in its opulence and glory.
Why go to Peterhof palace?
Its opulent and vast interiors produce and overwhelming impression. The arrangement of halls and rooms in long enfilades was perfect for festive processions and ceremonies. The Main Staircase glittering with gold leads to the luxurious Ballroom and further to the new Anteroom, also richly adorned with guilt carving and ceiling paintings. On passing it, you will find yourself on the axis of the enfilade of state rooms that seem to be infinite. You will find here a great number of superb works of painting, sculpture, furniture, bronze, porcelain and glass ware. Even though Peterhof palace was completely destroyed during the Second World War, its restored interiors delight numerous guests of Peterhof.
Peterhof park
The magnificent fountain park is one more reason to visit Peterhof palace, in fact, a lot of people come here just to see the magnificent fountains of the park. Peterhof itself is often called "the kingdom of fountains". There are about 150 fountains on the territory of the Lower Park of Peterhof. The Great Cascade with powerful streams of water sparkling against the golden background of its numerous pieces of sculpture is truly spectacular unforgettable sight. The fountains bring joy to everybody who comes to see the marvel of Peterhof, a place which will never lose its aura of beauty and poetic mystery.
Notes for the visitors of Peterhof palace
When planning your trip please keep in mind, that unfortunately there are huge crowds of tourists willing to get to the Great Palace of Peterhof during high season (May to mid-September) so it may take you about an hour just waiting in line in front of the palace. That is why we offer special early admission tickets to the Great Palace that allow you to enter it before it is officially open for public. That saves a lot of time and nerves.
Keep in mind, that there is also a number of small private palaces scattered around the park: Bath Block, Catherine's Block, Hermitage, Marli palace, Mon Plaisir palace - these are the most famous ones. We can arrange tours there as well.
Closed on: Monday and last Tuesday of the month
Duration of a tour:5-6 hours (including visits to the palace and fountain park as well as the drive there and back to St. Petersburg)
Official web site: Peterhof palace
Please contact us if you would like to arrange a tour.
Please see below the itineraries that cover Peterhof
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This tour includes the landmarks that impress the most while in St. Petersburg according to Trip Advisor's web site rating. They are on your "to do list", aren't they?
9 hours
From: $165
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The tour is very active, including the absolute must-sees of St. Petersburg.
11 hours
From: $285
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This full day tour focuses on the magnificent royal residences of Russian empresses in the 18-19th centuries. You will see the splendid Grand palace of Peterhof first, with a special early admission and then, after lunch (optional) you will go to Pushkin and...
9 hours
From: $215
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This tour is relaxing, showing you the gems of St. Petersburg and leaving enough time for evening activities.
14 hours over 2 days
From: $285
