The Russian Versailles: Peterhof

[Cruise Day 5:  Sunday, July 8, 2018]

We arrived this morning at 7 a.m. in the Russian port city of St. Petersburg on the Baltic Sea. We’ll remain in port for two days. Marsha, our tour guide for the day, says that she has lived in two cities without moving:  first, Leningrad, and now St. Petersburg.  St. Petersburg is named after the Apostle Peter and not its founder, Peter the Great.  He didn’t quite achieve sainthood, but he did achieve a great deal for Russia.  Peter is known best for his extensive reforms in an attempt to make Russia a great nation.  He created a strong navy, reorganized the army based on Western standards, secularized schools, and focused on the development of science, commerce and industry.  He founded St. Petersburg in 1712 and moved the capital there from its former location in Moscow.  St. Petersburg became known as Russia’s “window to Europe.”  

Peter “the Great” however was not a saint.  He was a cruel and tyrannical ruler.  He was a handsome man, a daunting 6 1/2 feet tall, and an excessive drinker who apparently harbored violent tendencies.  He married twice, had 11 children, most of whom died in infancy.  He convicted his eldest son of treason  and had him secretly executed in 1718.  Nice fellow, Peter!

This is my second trip to Russia and I wanted to see Peterhof (Peter’s Court) this time around.  I scheduled the Peterhof excursion before leaving home so as not to miss the opportunity.  The Palace and Grand Cascade with its system of fountains is one of the most famous and popular attractions in St. Petersburg.  It is often called “the Russian Versailles.”  I was not disappointed!

Peterhof, like many estates in suburban St. Petersburg, was ravaged by German troops during WW II.  Fortunately, some of the valuable pieces were removed and taken to Siberia for safe storage beforehand.  The gardens and parks were resurrected and the Grand Palace restored with amazing authenticity.  What a sight to see!