| Peterhof, Russia is a small suburb of the former | | | | gardens one could hope to see. Peter and later Tsars |
| Imperial capitol of Russia. It is located a pleasant one | | | | were well served by some of the most talented |
| hour hydro-foil ride across a portion of the Baltic Sea | | | | architects that ever lived. The illustrious list includes |
| from St. Petersburg. In the winter one needs to go | | | | Alexander Le Blond, Johann Braunstein, Niccolo |
| by electric train or by some sort of wheeled | | | | Michetti, and Mikhail Zemstov. The grounds are |
| transport. It is a fact that Peterhof has literally | | | | sprinkled with the sculptors of Carlo Bartolomeo |
| thousands of sister city relationships across the world. | | | | Rastrelli and one of the greatest fountain masters of |
| Peter I started it all when he chose the spot on | | | | all time, Paul Sualem. The fountains form a wonderful |
| which his palace rests as a recreational spot when | | | | combination of whimsical and changing pattern of |
| sailing the Baltic. It is for sure that once upon a time | | | | water jets and streams that culminate with the |
| it was a favorite spot for him to use as a duck | | | | Samson Fountain and the Grand Cascade. The Grand |
| hunting spot. His interest in Peterhof began in 1705 | | | | Cascade consists of 241 statues and other forms of |
| and in 1714 he began to build his fabulous palace | | | | world class sculpture. Even though German invaders |
| complex.On 15 August, 1723, Peter celebrated the | | | | stole some of the most famous originals they have |
| opening of the grand cascade and the sixteen | | | | been painstakingly recreated. The Neptune Fountain in |
| fountains that to this day still dominate the landscape. | | | | front of the palace is a little like the German fountain |
| In the last three hundred years ongoing work has | | | | at Ludwigsberg but larger and more grand.The |
| made this one of the most famous in the world. The | | | | Monplaisir Complex consists of a number of small |
| palace is a fantastic and beautiful example of Russian | | | | pavilions erected by Peter the Great and was one of |
| Baroque architecture filled with beautiful rooms and | | | | his favorite recreational places. To be able to see this |
| marvelous art. From the very beginning Peterhof was | | | | marvelous combination of architecture and nature in |
| a source of amazement to both foreign visitors and | | | | full bloom is a treat that makes the trip to Russia |
| Russian alike. I have been there on dozens of | | | | more than worth while. The same may be said of |
| occasions and in all seasons of the year. I have never | | | | the brilliant fall colors and the stately white blanket of |
| been disappointed and felt as if I had seen enough of | | | | snow that covers everything in winter. There are |
| this spectacular setting.As beautiful and endearing as | | | | several fish ponds built on the grounds as well as a |
| the palace is what makes this one of the finite | | | | small Hermitage. There are just too many beautiful |
| wonders of the world is the ingenuity and planning | | | | features to list in this newsletter but believe me |
| that went into the magnificent fountains and the | | | | Peterhof must be seen to be believed! I only hope as |
| grounds. The grounds are a marvelous combination of | | | | many people that can go to Peterhof will take |
| nature allowed to flourish and grow in a natural state | | | | advantage of this marvelous opportunity.Michael E. |
| mixed with the most beautifully groomed formal | | | | |