Versailles Eclipsed: A Self-Guided Trip to Peterhof

#saint-petersburg Peterhof is famous, first and foremost, for its grandiose fountains. The city is often compared to Versailles—and I don't deny the similarities. However, in my opinion, the St. Petersburg "analogue" is somewhat more pompous. 💎Start your stroll in the Upper Garden, located on the terrace in front of the southern façade of the Grand Palace. We admire the fountains (Neptune, Mezheumny, and Oak) and contemplate the ancient statues. 💎Then we descend into the Lower Park, where the most interesting part awaits! The Grand Cascade, an allegorical celebration of the country's victory in the Northern War. And Monplaisir, Peter the Great's favorite palace, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. And lots and lots of fountains. There are also so-called "jokes"—they suddenly turn on and spray visitors! Just for fun. 📍The best way to get there is by commuter train from the Baltic Station. Buses also run from the Kirovsky Zavod, Avtovo, and Leninsky Prospekt metro stations. #fountains