Places to visit in Saint Petersburg, Petergof

Palace Pier and Peterhof


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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
Distance
120.82 km
Duration
7h 22 m
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3
Places with media
75
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This pier, from which pleasure boats depart for Peterhof, is called the palace pier. Not to be confused with the palace pier. The path of the boat is straight, without stopping. The hydrofoil boat has a rather high speed. This is due to the fact that the hydrofoil with water resistance raises the hull of the boat above the water. The way to Peterhof takes about half an hour. On the boat allowed the number of passengers equal to the number of seats. Places are not numbered. A round-trip ticket (as of May 2018) cost 850 rubles. You can buy a ticket at the box office at the pier and at the ticket offices in the city. Translated with Google Translate

The building which houses the museum used to be occupied by the headquarters of the Maritime Customs. It was part of the complex of buildings of the Vasilyevsky Island. The Malaya Neva Embankment in this place is called the Makarov Embankment in honor of the Russian admiral Makarov who was born in Nikolaev in the middle of the 19th century and died during the Russian-Japanese war in 1904 near Port Arthur. Translated with Google Translate

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The Spit of Vasilyevsky Island was created as an open square during the time of Peter the First. Its modern look appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, thanks to the construction of a new stock exchange building (it looks like a classic Greek Roman temple) and two rostral columns. The rostral column is called so thanks to the rostra - the "noses" of ships embedded in it. They stick out in different directions at different levels, symbolizing the naval victories of the Russian fleet. It is important not to confuse the Roman words roster and rostra. The first is the bow of the ship, three times the oratorical tribune in ancient Rome. Why are the noses of ships so important? The fact is that in ancient Rome the ship was equipped with an underwater battering ram in the bow. He punched the side of the enemy vessel and defeated the enemy. Therefore, as a trophy, the Romans depicted the nose of the enemy ships - rostra. That is why the bow of the ship is depicted on the rostral columns. Translated with Google Translate

The bridge is named Tuchkov by the name of the merchant Avraam Tuchkov, who owned warehouses with a forest on Vasilyevsky Island and who took the bridge for maintenance. Once it was the longest bridge of the city. Its length was 900 meters. Translated with Google Translate

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The official name of this bridge is the Big Obukhovsky Bridge. (There is also a small one). However, it is often called the cable-stayed bridge due to its construction. This bridge is not adjustable, its height is 30 meters above the surface of the water. It consists of two bridges parallel to each other - each of which is a four-row road going in one direction. The length of the part above the navigation channel is almost 400 meters, the length of the bridge is about a kilometer. Nearby is another modern building of St. Petersburg - St. Petersburg Stadium, which St. Petersburg people also gave their name: Arena Zenit. Translated with Google Translate

The cable-stayed bridge consists of two cable-stayed parts. It was opened in 2004 and became one of the symbols of the city. Translated with Google Translate

The passenger port is the place of departure of cruise liners. Here come the cruises in the Baltic and the Baltic Sea countries. From this port ferries depart to Helsinki and Tallinn. Translated with Google Translate

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The Lakhta skyscraper is the highest “northern” skyscraper in the world. He is the second tallest in Russia and second only to the Ostankino tower. Lakhta is 88 meters higher than the Federation Tower in Moscow, but less in number of floors. In addition to the high-rise building, the whole complex consists of hundreds of square meters of office and retail space. The whole building is conceived and built as the main headquarters of Gazprom. Translated with Google Translate

Pier Peterhof appeared in the time of Peter the Great. She was universal. Ships came ships with provisions, building materials and pleasure ships moored to it. In Peter the Great, there was a paved canal, and the modern wharf appeared in 1967. Translated with Google Translate

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The entrance to the Peterhof Park passes through the ticket office. A ticket for residents of the Russian Federation and for passport holders differs in price. 450 rubles worth the entrance for the owner of the passport of the Russian Federation. The ticket allows you to visit the territory of Peterhof Park, Lower Park and Alexandria Park. The entrance to the various buildings and structures in the parks themselves can be purchased separately from each object. Translated with Google Translate

Peterhof (Petrovsky Dvor) begins its history in 1705, as one of many coastal marinas along the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. These sites were important in terms of navigation, and they inherited the sites of the former Finnish villages. Landscape works began in 1710 and were designed to create a suburban summer residence of Russian emperors. Translated with Google Translate

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The complex fountain systems, which still operate on the basis of the natural pressure of water supplied to Peterhof using a forty-kilometer aqueduct and swimming pool system, were designed by Count Minih. He was invited by Dolgoruky in Warsaw to the service of Peter. Minich, who has earned an impeccable reputation under the banner of the Prince of Savoy and the Duke of Marlborough, will be one of the closest and most trusted people of Peter the First, and it will be he who will be able to persuade the king to move the construction of summer comfort (fountains) from Strelna to Petergof. Otherwise, vast territories would be flooded and many lands lost. Translated with Google Translate

This two-story house is called the Hermitage and is not casual. This word meant solitude, a place for meditation and contemplation. Such buildings were very popular in parks and estates. Peter was the first to hold meetings in a small circle of people in the Hermitage. Over time, the first floor was used as a lobby and kitchen, and the second as a living room and dining room. Translated with Google Translate

The lion cascade is a fountain belonging to the Hermitage house. At the very beginning of the design of Peterhof, it was decided to construct a fountain complex at each house or building. Translated with Google Translate

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Initially, the lions were not here, and were, as usual, sculptures of Greek myths. Lvov was presented to the fountain by the sculptor Prokofiev - the son of the cutter and a talented pupil of the best craftsmen. And the fountain itself was redesigned in an contemporary form by the architect Stakenschneider - great-grandson tanners from the German city of Braunschweg. In tsarist times in Rossi, children of a commoner could gain talent and fame for themselves through the ages. Translated with Google Translate

A large pond in front of the Marley Palace was laid for practical purposes. It grew fish. From the left of it is the garden of Bacchus, and to the right is the garden of Venus. The garden of Bacchus was intended for the cultivation of grapes, but this attempt was unsuccessful. Translated with Google Translate

Garden of Venus, on the contrary, in contrast to the garden of Bacchus was intended for the cultivation of fruit to the table of the palace Marly. It was protected by an earthen wall from the side of the bay and very much succeeded as a garden for the palace's kitchen. Translated with Google Translate

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Marily's Palace was built in the image of the Marley le Roi Palace near Paris, where Peter was the first to visit in 1717. The French palace did not survive the revolution, and the Peterhof Palace was originally supposed to be one-story. The construction of the second floor was ordered by the king himself, and the entire structure took the form of a regular cube, which gave special proportions and harmony to the whole complex. Translated with Google Translate

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Marley's palace was meant for Peter the First. Over time, it began to have notable people who came to Peterhof. There are 12 rooms in the palace and there is no main hall. After the death of Peter the Great, the Marly Palace began to turn into the Peter Museum. it contains today the sovereign’s personal belongings, including diaries, the legendary overcoat and a table with a slate board made by the sovereign’s hands. Translated with Google Translate

An important place in any walk Translated with Google Translate

The Shingark River originates on the Izhora elevation and feeds entirely on spring waters. Together with the Peterhof Canal, it supplies all the fountains of Peterhof with water. Translated with Google Translate

The waters of the river went to the fountains and created pressure on the system of communicating vessels. At a higher level, the slopes and elevation of water create pressure at the lower level, which allows you to create a fountain in the lower part. Excess water goes to the Gulf of Finland. Translated with Google Translate

The upper alley passes through the park, in which part of the tanks are located, which supply water to the fountains of the lower part. The height difference is from 5 to 20 meters. Together with skillfully changeable pipe diameter from larger to smaller, different pressure is created, which allows reaching greater or smaller height of the fountains. Translated with Google Translate

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The Golden Mountain fountain was built along with the Marley Palace complex and, like the palace, was created under the impression of a similar fountain that Peter saw in France. The name "Golden" comes from the gilding of the steps. In total, it was conceived to create 60 steps, but 21 were created. The whole composition is about Greek sea deities and myths. The fountain ends at the bottom with two high jets, called designer fountains. Translated with Google Translate

Designer fountains mean thrifty or thrifty. This word has such a meaning in French in this context and fountains are named so because, despite their pomp and luxury, they do not use much water. Just the pressure in the pipes causes the water to rise high. Translated with Google Translate

The forest of the upper alley is part of the natural forest surrounding Peterhof. Translated with Google Translate

This is one of the upper ponds, which are used as reservoirs for the supply of water to the fountains of the lower cascade. The area outside was called the Spanner Square because the guard's quarters started from here. Translated with Google Translate

In the lowland remains sand pond. It was called "Sand" or "Shoot" for the reason that it was bred sterlet. Fish farming was a very popular activity in the ponds of Peterhof and even today you can fish in the pond near the Marley Palace. Translated with Google Translate

The side hulls and the creation of a magnificent palace occurred during the reign of Elizabeth. Under her order, the Upper Chambers, the upper palace in the days of Peter, was so frustrated by the architect Rastrelli and underwent a rebirth from early Baroque to classical with a characteristic gold and green color combination, woodcarving and rich stucco. Today there is a scientific library in this wing. Translated with Google Translate

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The Grand Cascade is the main fountain structure of Peterhof. This complex is one of the largest in the world. Its construction began in 1716 and lasted 7 years. Peter the first wanted a magnificent portal leading from the pier to the palace, showing the strength and power of Russia, which had won the access to the Baltic Sea. The initial appearance of the portal has changed over time. The history of construction, the change of sculptures and fountains, as well as the history of restoration, we learn on the way back when we go up the avenue and go down the path to the pier. Translated with Google Translate

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The Museum of the fountain business is located in the east wing of the large palace. This part of the palace, as well as the western one, was added later, when during the reign of Elizabeth the palace underwent a great reconstruction and renovation. The Museum of the fountain business was opened only in 2013 and tells about the history and technology of creating the Peterhof complex. In it you can find out and see diminished copies and video materials about European palaces that inspired Peta to create Peterhof. Ancient wooden and cast-iron pipes, various devices creating fountains and complex engineering structure, hidden behind the lightness and beauty. Translated with Google Translate

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The kiosk in the lower greenhouse turned out to be almost the only one in the park. Whether time is the beginning of May, or not forethought, but practically two or three points where you can buy water in such a large space, were a little disappointed in terms of convenience and accessibility. But, since we were already at the kiosk - not only water was bought, but also coffee and ice cream and on a large scale 😊 Translated with Google Translate

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The large greenhouse was intended for the cultivation and storage of tubers of flowers, which were planted flower beds in the palace parks in the springtime and prepared Peterhof for the summer. Over time, the greenhouse was expanded and rebuilt, and the fountain, standing in the garden, has not changed. It depicts a newt - the son of Poseidon defeats the sea monster allegory of Peter the Great's victories over the Swedes. Translated with Google Translate

Over time, additional facilities were created near the large Orangerie, such as a cellar for storing bulbs. Later, added to the territory for breeding seedlings. But all of them did not reach our days, just like the greenhouse itself, which was destroyed during World War II. Everything that we see today is restored. Translated with Google Translate

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The cascade chess slide was originally conceived as a dilapidated fortress. So Peter wanted to portray the first victory over the Swedish fortresses, along the Gulf of Finland. So they wanted to call the whole complex - Ruin Mountain. Later, this cascade of waterfalls was named Dragon Mountain. Dragons symbolize sea victories and fountain jets erupt from their mouths. Only when the cascades of the plates, painted in black and white in a checkerboard pattern, revealed the main descent for the water - the fountain was called the chess slide. It is noteworthy that 10 statues of Greek gods decorating the fountain were buried in the ground on the eve of the Nazi occupation. So they survived and were restored after the war. Translated with Google Translate

The lands of Alexandria Park were originally granted by Peter to his close associates. Soon, these lands were acquired by Menshikov. Here he wanted to build a cottage Monkurazh (My courage), but construction did not start. Translated with Google Translate

After the death of Peter, Menshikov fell into disgrace and political intrigue led to the transfer of land to his opponents - Dolgoruky. But they did not develop the territory. Translated with Google Translate

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Only in 1733, the lands of the park become the property of Empress Anna Ioannovna and hunting grounds are organized here. They bring wild boar, roe deer and even tigers. In the wooden house in the lower part they arrange a safe place for shooting animals that are driven by dogs and huntsmen from the upper part of the park. And we sat on the bench. Practically there were no people. The kings and animals seemed so distant, and the sun, foliage and silence so close. And as it was relaxing in Alexandria. Translated with Google Translate

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Later Tsarskoye Selo becomes the resting place of the sovereigns and the park again falls into decay. Only at the beginning of the 19th century after the Napoleonic Wars, the park again attracted the attention of the rulers and became the property of Emperor Nicholas I. In honor of his wife Alexandra Feodorovna, who receives this estate as a gift from her husband, the name Alexandria Park or Alexandria Park is assigned to the property. Translated with Google Translate

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The labyrinth in Alexandria Park is relatively modern. This is a kind of replica on the unfinished and at the end of the maze of Peter’s time not preserved in the opposite part of the complex - near the Marly Palace. Alexandria Park extends to the east. In the eastern part of the park is the house of Nicholas II, the last Russian tsar. At this dacha, a decree was signed on Russia's entry into the First World War, and in the same place on July 30, 1904, the only son of Nicholas, Alexei, was born. Translated with Google Translate

The paths of the park cross the canals - this is water descending from the slopes of the upper garden and highlands - spring water. Alexandria Park and its sandy beach is one of the most quiet and romantic places in the complex of Petergof gardens. Translated with Google Translate

The coast of the Gulf of Finland in this place is very shallow. Depth can be up to a meter, and the water warms up in summer. For this reason, a channel for the fairway of ships was even dug at the bottom of the bay. Translated with Google Translate

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Despite the fact that cold spring water flows into the bay, the sea is still salty, but not so much so as not to freeze in winter and almost the entire bay is covered with ice in winter. It is said that the coat of arms of Alexandria, which depicts a sword, passed through a wreath of white roses, carries one of the symbols of spring waters that penetrate the waters of the Neva Bay of the Gulf of Finland. This emblem was invented by the poet Zhukovsky. Translated with Google Translate

Here, the embankment of the bay acquires color and shape, invented by the builders of the bath complex and the Japanese garden. We will return here later by purchasing a ticket to visit the complex itself, but for now let's go to see the nearby fountains. Translated with Google Translate

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Fountain Sun appeared in Peterhof in the time of Peter the Great. Initially, 20 jets were beaten from its base, and a column was located in the center. Later, the base was laid round design, driven in rotation using water pressure. She rotated the column, on top of which a ball was installed, teeming with small jets and resembling the sun. In fact, even without a ball and small jets, the impression of light and joy is created - so extensive and light areola of this fountain. Translated with Google Translate

Near the Sun Fountain there is a small pavilion, which contained ducks and swans. They freely swam in the pool in front of the fountain. In this pool fish were bred. Translated with Google Translate

Fountains, surprises, or fountains of crackers - are created in Peterhof at the end of the 18th century. The fountain umbrella seems to have been created under the influence of Chinese culture, which the royal family was fond of at the time. Later, the umbrella was altered into an amanita, and only at the present time the fountain returned its original name and appearance. Translated with Google Translate

The Dubok Fountain was created a little earlier than the Umbrella Fountain and is an artificial tree with numerous tubes running in the “branches”. Later, an additional “unexpected” system of additional water cannons was created next to the oak. They are driven by a man from a hidden booth in the bushes. Translated with Google Translate

At the intersection of Marlinsky Alley and Monplaisir there is a monument to Peter the First by Antakolsky. It was installed in 1884. Here, a little further on the way to the Monplaisir Palace, there is a ticket office where you can purchase a ticket to the Bath complex of the Monplaisir Palace. Translated with Google Translate

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The Monplaisir Palace Park, like the palace itself, witnessed numerous celebrations and events. Celebrations were celebrated here and important delegations were received. Even in the time of Peter, the rule was introduced to fill a special “penalty” cup with wine to the brim and give it to the bottom of the “guilty” guest to drink - to those who did not observe or disobey the rules introduced by Peter first. Translated with Google Translate

A fountain in the garden fed water to the kitchen in the palace, where a large stone sink was installed for washing dishes. Translated with Google Translate

In general, at the time of Peter, the palace had running water and a sewer system. The garden in the courtyard was made in the English style, and the palace itself, its rooms and the kitchen in Dutch traditions - so beloved by Peter the first. Translated with Google Translate

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One of the most popular and famous bath complexes in Peterhof was the manna complex of the Monplaisir Palace. Despite the fact that the construction of this complex is much later than the construction of the palace itself and this complex was intended for Empress Maria Alexandrovna - the wife of Alexander II, the name of Mon Plaisir is translated as My pleasure and in no small measure it was reflected in the complex of water procedures and entertainment. Translated with Google Translate

Room for preparation before making water treatments. Here the empress could rest and prepare herself in front of the baths. The ceiling and walls are cleaned with a cloth - a fashionable at the time technique for decorating rooms for rest or bedrooms. Here was a lavatory. Despite the fact that we are talking about the middle and second half of the 19th century, the restroom was emptied manually. Translated with Google Translate

Here, right in the floor was built oak bath. It had cool water and room temperature water. The water came through a special copper pipe coming down from the ceiling. Here was the entrance to the garden. Translated with Google Translate

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The empress's bathroom was covered with towels so that there was no unpleasant contact with the cold marble walls of the bathroom. Hot water came from the reservoir behind the lintels. Cold water was supplied by hand. For mixing water used a special shovel. Even here under the glass presented an interesting porcelain painted object. He received the name of Bardale. It was used by ladies for hygienic purposes, without leaving the premises. And it was named after the famous French speaker, whose speeches were heard by young ladies and could not leave even for a second. Therefore, they invented such a subject. Translated with Google Translate

Interestingly, to heat the sauna they used a real Russian stove, and instead of stones, cannonballs. The use of iron cores to maintain the temperature in the bath appeared during the military campaigns of Peter the First and then became a common practice in the baths. Translated with Google Translate

The kitchen near the bath complex served the banquet hall. In the kitchen there were different ovens and practically all methods of cooking, frying and cooking known at that time. The floor is bricks designed by Rastrelli. Translated with Google Translate

The Chinese garden near the bath complex was created to rest the Empress. It corresponded to the spirit of the times and hobbies of the royal family. Alexander II took the country from the hands of his father Nicholas the First in a state of disruption and world isolation. The defeat in the Crimean War led to the loss of dominance on the Black Sea, and the European powers believed that they could isolate Russia. Translated with Google Translate

The course of the enlightened emperor to the east and the strengthening of ties with Asian countries are also reflected in the park. The main motive was the streams and bridges, which is typical of the Far Eastern park architecture. Translated with Google Translate

The garden passes into the second part of the bath complex, designed for guests. Here, in this one-story red brick room, there is a playful room of an internal fountain, where jets of water surprised by their appearance from under the floor already rested and leading their bodies to fragrance by the nobles and guests of the palace. Translated with Google Translate

The exit from the bath complex leads to the embankment of the Monplaisir Palace, from where a beautiful view of the bay opens up. Translated with Google Translate

From here there is a view of the pier and in good weather the Kronstadt fortress and the Vyborg side can be seen. From this point, skillfully found by the planners of the whole bay, one can see almost the entire territory of large St. Petersburg. Translated with Google Translate

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The octagonal fountain corresponds to park avenues diverging from it. This is one of the central places of Peterhof Park. In the center is the statue of Adam, made of Italian marble. It is an exact copy of the statue of Adam from the Doge's Palace in Florence. The sculpture itself and the entire composition of the fountain was created by decree and under the personal observation of Peter the First, who advocated the inculcation of real manners, as he himself said: “Russian aristocrat” Translated with Google Translate

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This graceful bridge over the channel of the central cascade serves as the basis for the most important avenue of the lower park - the Marley alley. It leads to the Marly Palace and to the Monplaisir Palace. The canal itself goes down to the pier and is understood to be up to the palace. This is the main intersection of the general plan of construction of Peterhof. The canal is artificial and serves to collect and divert water from the 64 fountains of the main cascade. Translated with Google Translate

Small fountains are installed along the canal, and along the canal walls there are mascarons from which water also flows into the central canal. In addition to the beauty of the ensemble, each of these elements has an engineering function. Different levels of water discharge regulate the power and volume of water in the upper part and allow you to adjust the pressure of fans of the main fountain complex. Translated with Google Translate

The central fountain of the entire complex is the Samson fountain, tearing apart the lion's mouth. The lion is a symbol of Sweden and a super-Swedish Swedish sign. The fountain is dedicated to the victory in the Battle of Poltava, which finally decided the outcome of the northern war. Victory celebrations were celebrated annually. Translated with Google Translate

The central bowl in which the Samson fountain is located is supplied with water from the Fountain Basket, located at the exit from the grottoes of the middle level. Openwork and lightweight fountain Basket seems even more light and elegant against the dark arches of the grottoes. This is an allegory of the dawn of the empire and the exit from wartime into a new time of dispensation and development. Translated with Google Translate

On both sides of the central cascade are compositions symbolizing the Neva and Volkhov rivers. They were connected by the Ladoga Canal, providing shipping and trade with remote regions. Translated with Google Translate

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The statues were originally made of lead, some of the structures were wooden and almost the entire complex fell into disrepair by the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century, general restructuring and reconstruction of the central cascade began. At the same time, the whole complex took on the appearance that we see today. The statues were replaced with copper, and wooden structures with stone. Translated with Google Translate

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The central stage is filled with grottoes. They have a separate tour. They are the system of water supply to the fountains on a complex system of water drainage from the upper storage ponds. In addition, the central ceremonial grotto was the exit from the palace. There was a table with fruit in it, and when a person extended his hand to the basket, the fountains of the crackers were turned on, and so did the exit from the grottoes - the veil fountains were turned on. All these were ruled by a specially trained person. By order of Peter, no one had to leave the garrot dry. Translated with Google Translate

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Here you can eat and relax after a beautiful day. There are several restaurants here, ranging from simple dining to a restaurant with a high tone and quality look. However, we chose a simple dining room. It was delicious, very inexpensive and free. Our choice was influenced by the menu of the "cool" restaurant and a simple description of dishes in the dining room. It seemed that the kitchen was one, just the descriptions were different. Translated with Google Translate

And again the quiet shore of the bay. The sun was setting, the long shadows of pines and birches lay on the sand. Asya fed pigeons with bread from our lovely dining room and unwittingly remembered the song of Rosenbum, in which she sang about how to crush bread crumb with blue-gray pigeons. Translated with Google Translate

And again, the hydrofoil launching us through the bay in just half an hour back to the palace pier. Translated with Google Translate

Thank you, Peterhof - Petrov yard for such a sunny, beautiful and pleasant day - it was beautiful! Translated with Google Translate

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