St. Petersburg, Russia (Day 2)

Our journey started with a transfer to Peterhof, the town of palaces, fountains and parks. It was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. It lies on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 22 miles west of St. Petersburg. The Grand Palace, built in the beginning of the 18th century, is known as the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. The estate construction spanned two centuries and upon its completion, it encompassed seven parks and more than 20 smaller palaces and pavilions. The layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular fountains was designed by Peter himself.

We were not permitted to take any photographs inside Peterhof, but it was very similar to Catherine's Palace (see previous post) with a lot of goldleaf, ornate inlaid wood furniture, spacious dining halls, etc.

Out back we saw The Grand Cascade, often considered the chief delight of the grounds.  It consists of three waterfalls, an avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues.

Samson, the main attraction of Peterhof, is located at the base of the Great Cascade.

During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. For many years, the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration. Now all guests of the city can enjoy the spectacular view of the fountains and the palace.

After our tour of the Grand Palace, we proceeded to the magnificent gardens of the Low Park to admire the numerous fountains and statues.

As part of this Imperial tour experience, we got a special hydrofoil boat transfer from Peterhof back to the city center, which took us on a short 30-minute ride across the Gulf of Finland.

After arriving back to town, we got a second peak at the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, where we enjoyed views of St. Peter and Paul Fortress.

Our tour continued with lunch at a 5-star hotel. We had great food both days - today was some kind of stroganoff with saffron rice and this awesome banana-fruity cake thingy...

Then onto tour the St. Peter and Paul Fortress.

At the crossing to the Fortress Island:

Our guide summed it up nicely: "Basically, you are not allowed to do anything."

Going into the cathedral:

(???)

 

Once inside the Peter and Paul Cathedral, we were surrounded by marble columns, glittering chandeliers and painted decor, combined with carved and gilded iconostasis to create a magnificent setting for the tombs of Romanov monarchs.

In July 1998, the remains of the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family were laid to rest here.  Buried here are the Tsar's wife, Alexandra (granddaughter of Queen Victoria), and their 4 daughters: Olga, Tatiana, Marie, Anastasia (who's remains where never found, hence the fairytale stories about her), and their only son Alexei (who was a hemophiliac). To learn more of their tragic fate, click here. (A truly fascinating story). I read the biography of Alexandra a few months ago, so being in this room was very meaningful to me; like meeting up with an old friend.

Outside the fortress, the girls climbed all over this rather disproportionate statue of Peter the Great.

Then we followed our guide around as she expounded on various aspects of Russia's history.  She was very kind and let the girls help her lead our tour group.

Then some shopping time at an outdoor market as well as a local handycraft shop and some more city sights.

(I would really love to know what this sign says... My guess is: "Beware! More Communist cement housing ahead!")

Finally, back to the port -