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Located on the southern shore of the Finnish Gulf 14 miles (29 kilometers) away from St.Petersburg, Peterhof is a place to visit during the summer when the fountains are operating. It is well worth spending an entire day here enjoying the various palaces, parks, and the sea view.
Petrodvorets' history began in 1704 when Peter I built a wooden house on the Gulf while overseeing the construction of the nearby Kronstadt Fortress. In 1713 he began transforming the area into an imperial residence. The palace was inaugurated in 1723 and later expanded by Empress Elizabeth. The Grand Palace with its lavish interiors, gilded decorations, mirrors and paintings dominates the estate. The estate includes several other mini-museums of interest. The outwardly-modest Monplaisir Palace, which Peter I preferred to the Grand Palace, has a nice sea view and several interesting rooms, such as the State Hall where Peter would force his guests to drink huge quantities of wine until they passed out. The nearby Hermitage Pavilion, which also has nice views and artworks.
Peterhof is the kingdom of fountains. There are 144 fountains, all operating without the use of pumps by a combination of naturally generated water pressure and magic. Each fountain is unique and once you step in the area of the kingdom of fountains you will be surprised by this splendid oasis, a reminder of the beauty that man can create.
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