Peterhof is located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, about 30 km from St. Petersburg. The city belongs to the Petrodvortsovy district of St. Petersburg. Tourism and natural sciences characterize this university town. Peterhof is home to 73,200 people.
Peterhof was founded in 1705 as the residence of the tsars. The outstanding sight is the Grand Palace with its park, which is in no way inferior to the palace in Versailles in its splendor and opulence. The most beautiful time of year for the people of Peterhof is undoubtedly the summer, when the fountains are opened at the beginning of the season. It is a unique natural landscape that encompasses the whole of Peterhof; gardens and parks of more than 1000 hectares and 20 individual museums. The 4 cascades and 176 fountains run without a separate pumping station.
Peterhof is famous for its parks, which are particularly well integrated into the landscape. These include the English Garden with the English Pond and the Colonists' Park on the banks of the Olga Pond. Alexandriapark consists of a landscaped park, the Farmers' Palace, the Kottege and the Gothic Chapel. The city is framed by a huge meadow park comprising a total of eight ponds and two castles: Belveder and the Lakes Pavilion.
The people of Peterhof are particularly proud of their railroad station, which was built in the Gothic style. It is one of the oldest railroad stations in Russia. To the north is another landscaped park, Alexandriskij Park. In the heart of the city is the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is a kind of landmark of the city with a height of 70 meters. Right next to it is the Olga Pond with its two smaller palaces, the Tsar's Pavilion and the Olga Pavilion.
Peterhof is both a scientific and a cultural center. It is home to various faculties that are outsourced from St. Petersburg State University. Since 2005, Peterhof has officially borne the title "Naukograd" (City of Science). Today's Peterhof is a modern city which, although part of St. Petersburg, has its own independent and unique dynamic. There are several cultural centers, a cinema and a total of four libraries. The city is proud of its 11 schools and grammar schools, 14 kindergartens, 2 music schools and various centers for children.
Peterhof is especially worth a visit in summer, but it also has a very special atmosphere in winter. The center of St. Petersburg can be reached in 45 minutes by public transport.
