PETERHOF, Introduction

Hi, my name’s Rick, and I’m your personal guide. Along with MyWoWo, I’d like to welcome you to one of the Wonders of the World: Peterhof, the summer residence of Peter the Great.

Peterhof - German for "the court of Peter” - is known as the Russian Versailles, and is the most beautiful palace ever built in the country.

Shortly after founding St. Petersburg, Peter the Great planned to build a country residence, but had to postpone its construction as a result of the Great Northern War, decisive for imposing Russian supremacy over the Baltic Sea.

During the war, Peter took up residence in a modest dwelling near what is today the Peterhof Palace, to oversee the construction of the fortifications in Kronshtadt, on the island of Kotlin. Together with his wife Catherine, he chose this location to build the country residence he so desired....