On August 15, 1723, the grand opening of Petergof took place.

On August 15, 1723, the grand opening of Petergof took place.

This summer residence of the Russian emperors is located on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, 29 kilometers from Saint Petersburg.

The idea for the country palace was conceived by Peter the Great. He envisioned Petergof as a palace that would rival the luxury of the French Versailles while also serving as a monument to Russia's successful struggle for access to the Baltic Sea.

Construction of the residence began in 1711. By the time of its opening, the Lower Park was laid out, the Marine Canal was dug, some fountains were operational, the upper chambers were decorated, and structures such as Montplaisir, Marly, and a nearly finished Hermitage were built.

After the October Revolution, a museum was established at Petergof. During the Great Patriotic War, it suffered severe damage. The Grand Palace was almost completely destroyed, the Upper Garden and Lower Park were mined, several pavilions were blown up, and the Catherine Wing of Montplaisir was burned. The fountain system was nearly entirely ruined. Restoration work began in 1946, and restorers managed to recreate the former splendor of Petergof using preserved blueprints and drawings.

Today, the State Museum Preserve "Petergof" includes the palace and park ensemble "Oranienbaum" and the Peter I Palace in Strelna. It attracts over 4 million visitors annually.

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