The Russian Versailles | Peterhof Palaces & Gardens.

Walk with me around the breathtaking, elegant, 300+ year old palaces & gardens. The site was selected by Peter the Great around 1705 as a landing for ships that would take him on state excursions to Europe. Approximately an hour's drive out of central St Peterburg, the palace sits on the Gulf of Finland.
During World War II by Hitler’s direct orders, the occupying forces of the German Army largely looted & destroyed Peterhof. Many of the fountains were destroyed, and the palace was partially exploded and left to burn. Restoration work began almost immediately after the end of the war and continues to this day. The Lower Park was reopened to the public in 1945 and the facades of the Grand Palace were restored in 1952.