The Sofa trick fountains

The Sofa trick fountains are disguised water features in Peterhof's Lower Park that look like ordinary garden benches with curved backs. They have decorated seating areas with newt mascarons and hidden pipes that spray water upward when activated.

The fountains were built in 1723 following designs by architect Michetti with ideas from Peter the Great. They were among the first Russian water constructions that made garden tricks popular at the palace.

These fountains show how garden designers in the 1700s wanted to surprise visitors with hidden water systems. You can see how the technique works today when you sit on the benches.

From late April through mid-October the fountains are active and you can trigger them by standing on the stone platforms in front of each bench. It helps to be prepared for getting wet since you need to sit on the benches to see the water effects.

The fountains have newt masks built into the curved benches as decorative details that you can spot while examining them closely. These animal faces give the trick fountains a playful character that fits the lighthearted spirit of the garden games.