Grand Peterhof Palace

Il Petherhof si trova a circa 20 Km ad ovest di San Pietroburgo, per raggiungerlo la soluzione più economica sono i "marshrukta" (minibus) che partono all'esterno della stazione metro di Avtovo o di prospect Veteranov. Se non avete problemi di budget potete arrivarci in aliscafo, costo 300 rubli per tratta.
(costo del viaggio in agosto 2008 € 1,50 ovvero 50 rubli). Il posto è molto bello sopratutto i giardini (10 euro) ed il great palace (10 euro) e consiglio a tutti di pagare il biglietto solo per queste due attrazioni perchè le altre forse non valgono il prezzo richiesto per entrarvi.
Godetevi una passeggiata nei magnifici giardini tra la grande cascata e il viale dell'acqua, oltre a tante fontane giochi d'acqua, dopo aver visitato il "gran palazzo" che avendo un percorso obbligato e per la grande folla di visitatori in estate si compie in modo frettoloso e superficiale. Se vi scappa di andare in bagno tenete disponibili un po di rubli, perchè anche questo è a pagamento.

The Great Palace started by Peter the Great is outside of St Petersburg on the Gulf of Finland. I recommend taking the hydrofoil there from St Petersburg, either one way or both. That way you get to see the river Neva, and St Petersburg from the river as well as seeing Peterhof as guests would have seen it when arriving on a boat or ship.

The palace is not the only thing to see there. The gardens around it has many many fountains, and the Grand Cascade leading to the terrace of the palace from the gulf is magnificant. I suppose if you come at night, the lights would be even more spectecular. After visiting the palace, you should walk around the garden, maybe through some trick fountains like the kids do, and have lunch at the restaurant Standard. You can have photos taken with people in period costumes in many parts of the palace and gardens. They wanted more money than I felt like spending, but maybe I should have taken ONE photo with them.

The palace itself was also enhanced by Elizabeth the spender and Catherine the Great. However during WWII it was almost completely destroyed. So it was amazing to see how the restoration has so marvelously brought it back to its glory. Please see my blog for more photos of Peterhof.

If you visit St Petersburg, this is a must-see place, you should plan on at least half a day here.