Peterhof

Eric, Frankie & Delmer at Peterhof

After our orientation drive through St. Petersburg, we headed out of town to Peterhof, about 20 miles west of the city. Peterhof is an immensely luxurious and beautifully preserved Imperial estate, founded in 1710 by Peter the Great on the shore of the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). It combines several ornate palaces, a number of beautifully landscaped parks and a dazzling array of magnificent statues and fountains, lending it the epithet "The Russian Versailles."

We arrived early -- ahead of all those bus tours arranged by cruise ships -- and had a delightful stroll through the gardens. "Peterhof" literally translates as "Peter's yard." The place is enormous. As we walked through Lower Park, we arrived at Monplaisir Palace -- "my pleasure" -- a small residence by royal standards, which was the favorite home of Peter the Great. This house sits right at the very edge of the sea and enjoys cool breezes on hot summer days.

After Monplaisir, we walked back through the Lower Park to the canal leading to the Grand Palace -- a magnificent sight to behold. It should be noted that 2003 was the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, so many of the palaces and other historical sites were methodically restored for the occassion just the year before our arrival.

They call this the "Russian Versailles." I've been to the French Versailles, and I can assure you that Peterhof is far more spectacular.