Samson fountain, Baroque fountain at Peterhof Palace, Russia
The Samson fountain is a Baroque fountain at Peterhof featuring a bronze statue of Samson prying open a lion's jaws, with water shooting upward from the animal's mouth. The sculpture sits at the center of an elaborate pool surrounded by smaller water features and landscaped gardens.
The fountain was created in 1735 to commemorate Russia's victory over Sweden in the Battle of Poltava. It was destroyed during the 20th century conflict and later reconstructed, becoming a monument to both the historical triumph and the resilience of restoration.
The fountain's name references the biblical story of Samson and his strength, which was understood as a symbol of Russian power and dominion. Visitors can see how the water display embodies this reference to superiority and creates a connection between ancient narrative and national identity.
The fountain operates from spring through autumn using a gravity-fed water system that requires no mechanical pumps to function. Plan your visit for the warmer months when the water feature is active and most impressive.
The original bronze statue was removed by German forces during World War II and remained lost for years. Soviet sculptors recreated the figure in the 1940s based on surviving drawings and photographs, making the current statue a careful reconstruction rather than the original work.
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