Peterhof Palaces as complex, Palace complex in Peterhof, Russia.
Peterhof Palaces is a palace complex in Petergof near Saint Petersburg, Russia, stretching across hilly parkland overlooking the Baltic Sea. The buildings display beige and white facades with gilded domes and statues linked by fountains and cascades.
Peter I began construction in 1714 to create a summer residence that could rival the courts of Western Europe. Later rulers expanded the site over decades, adding new pavilions, waterworks, and gardens.
The complex takes its name from Peter the Great, whose vision continues to shape how the grounds appear today. Visitors walk through pavilions and gardens that merge French and Italian influences with Russian forms.
The complex opens daily except Mondays, and guided visits lead through ceremonial rooms and galleries. Paths through the gardens cover wide distances, so wear comfortable shoes and allow several hours for a visit.
The waterworks function without electric pumps, relying solely on the slope of the surrounding hills. Spring water flows through underground channels and feeds the fountains with constant pressure.
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