From the Lower Garden, we ascended the steps of the Grand Cascade to the upper terrace overlooking the Gulf of Finland, near Peter the Great’s beloved Monplaisir Palace.
The Grand Cascade is the magnificent centerpiece of Peterhof, an extraordinary ensemble of 64 fountains and more than 200 gilded bronze sculptures, cascading dramatically from the Grand Palace down toward the sea. At its heart stands the famous Samson Fountain, depicting the biblical hero tearing open a lion’s jaws - a powerful symbol of Russia’s triumph over Sweden in the Great Northern War. Surrounding this dazzling display are elegant pavilions and palaces: the opulent Grand Palace, serving as the focal point of the estate; Monplaisir Palace, Peter’s intimate seaside retreat; and Marly Palace, built to host royal guests in refined seclusion.
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| Samson Fountain. |
The canal that leads from the Grand Cascade of Peterhof Palace to the Gulf of Finland is approximately 400 m (about 1,300 feet) long.
This canal, known as the Sea Channel or Marine Canal, was designed to provide a direct visual and navigational link between the palace and the sea, symbolizing Russia’s new “window to Europe.” It allowed small royal boats to sail directly from the Gulf of Finland up to the palace’s fountains and terraces - a dramatic feature meant to impress visiting dignitaries arriving by sea.
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| Part of Lower Garden seen from the Upper Terrace. |
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