In late summer 2019, we took a Baltic Sea cruise on the Norwegian Getaway. We booked a bus tour of St. Petersburg, Russia through Norwegian Cruise Line.
During our second day, we booked a tour called “Imperial St. Petersburg” which included a tour of Peterhof’s grand palace and surrounding grounds.
Once our group got inside, we were instructed to put on these protective shoe bags to keep the floors clean. While we were in the rooms, the staff would instruct us to keep moving so they could efficiently get all the crowds through. (This is why I was constantly panning with my camera because we were told to keep moving.)
Fun Facts
- Peter the Great commissioned Peterhof after visiting the Versailles in 1717. It was built and expanded throughout the 18th century and today serves as a museum.
- “Peterhof” translates to “Peter’s Courtyard.” Though the palace may look huge, it only contains 30 rooms (small compared to Versailles’ 700).
- Peterhof housed Russian monarchs for over 200 years until 1917, when the empire collapsed.
- The throne room was the largest room in the palace at 1,082 sq/ft (330 sq/m). It was used for receptions, balls, and concerts.
- In one of the dining rooms ice cream was commonly served, which was considered a rare desert during the time.
- Another peculiar room was the picture hall, which contained portraits of several famous Russians, friends, and relatives of Peter the Great.
- And of course, we ended up in the Master Bedroom of Peter the Great. To the left of the bed was a fancy chair which we learned was his personal toilet. It was emptied whenever it was used by a servant, and the task was seen as an honor.
Next, we walked outside to see the gardens. We also saw a few adorable red squirrels that were pretty comfortable with people and looking for snacks.
The property has 144 fountains total and over 200 statues. One rather interesting fountain looked like a slanted chessboard with dragon sculptures at the top. We learned this was in fact referred to as the “Chessboard Hill Cascade.” It has an “impregnable” home of three winged dragons that guard the entrance of the upper grotto.
Then we walked toward the forested area and came upon “Trick Fountain.” Peter the Great was known for frequently walking his guests through the pathway to have them soaked. This allowed him to see their true selves.
We saw some kids screaming and getting wet from one of these fountains, and our tour guide told us there was a “magic man” hiding in a little shack-like building that had a pedal that would activate the fountain whenever guests walked through. The garden alone was 250 acres large!
Then it was time to go. We boarded the hydrofoil, which looked like a single-level boat. When it picks up speed, the hydrofoils – which was wing-like structures under the boat – lift the boat’s hull above the water level, allowing it to reduce drag and move fast. It was super neat and definitely felt speedy! Inside, it looked like we were in an airplane. However, the cabin didn’t have A/C and it was a hot summer day, so I fell asleep.
The bus ride to Peterhof took about an hour, whereas the hydrofoil ride back only took 30 minutes.
Once we arrived back in downtown St. Petersburg, we boarded a bus to lunch at a restaurant called Gimnaziya. Lunch was delicious but rather simple – rolls, salad, chicken with sauce, and a boiled potato. But it was pretty good nonetheless! And then my camera died.
Fam & Friends in This Vlog: @thetristandunn | @lerieannem
