Not so long ago, the Grand Palace (Peterhof) celebrated its 300th anniversary. For several centuries, the former summer ceremonial residence of the emperors was inextricably linked with the history of the country. The Primorsky architectural ensemble was erected as a grand triumphal monument glorifying the greatness of the Russian Empire, which during the Northern War gained such access to the Baltic Sea that it needed. The Grand Palace is a world famous attraction that attracts people from all over the world. The monument created by Bartolomeo Rastrelli himself for many years delighted the audience with its luxury and solemnity.
From the historical information about the palace
The Grand Palace, Peterhof, was conceived as the suburban residence of Emperor Peter the Great. Initially, it was a very modest building, which was called the Upland (Upper) Chambers. The place for the construction of modern attractions was chosen by Peter the Great himself. The monarch also indicated the architectural appearance of the palace. It was supposed to be a palace built in a style called Peter's Baroque, which was widely used in the new capital of the state of St. Petersburg. Peterhof was built during the years 1714-1725. First, Jean-Baptiste Leblond worked on his project, and later - Nicolo Michetti. During the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna, the object was rebuilt: a model was used by Versailles architects Jules Arduin-Mansard and Louis Levo as a model.
There is another date for the creation of the attraction. So, the Grand Palace - Peterhof - began to be built in 1710. But this start was ultimately a failure. The architect Johann Braunstein, who worked on the project, did not take into account the features of the territory, and the construction began to precipitate. As a result, construction work was entrusted to Leblon. In his project, groundwater drainage was taken into account, which negated the subsidence of soil under the building. The new architect expanded the doorways and windows, making the palace look more magnificent. Nicolo Michetti had to complete the residence. His merit was the symmetrical galleries provided on both sides along the length of Peterhof.
Today we see the palace as Bartolomeo Rastrelli erected it in 1747-1754.
Beauty is a terrible power
The Grand Palace, Peterhof - this is really an incredibly beautiful building. He is called an “adherent” of linear symmetry, since 300 meters of the basic facade of the baroque structure of the object is directed to the Gulf of Finland. The platform with a balustrade, located on the terrace of the palace, served as the place from which it was customary to stare at the Grand Cascade or the Sea Canal. The former once played the role of the palace front staircase.
The construction and design of Peterhof was thought out to the smallest detail, the creation of the object was a brilliant idea that came to life more than successfully. The palace itself so wonderfully blended into the surrounding landscape that the chief architect of St. Petersburg Leblon once said that the attraction belongs to those miracles that must be seen in order to have the right to judge their beauty.
general description
The Grand Palace in Peterhof, the architect of which is indicated above, is the center of the integral architectural ensemble of Peterhof. This sophisticated three-story building with galleries is located on the edge of a natural 16-meter terrace and reaches a length of 300 meters. The height of the central part of the palace is 17 meters. It is decorated with a relief shield with the monogram of Peter I under the crown of the emperor.
A gilded vase crowns the roof. The church and coat of arms with curly golden domes are symmetrically placed on both sides of the central building. A rotating weather vane, depicting a three-headed eagle with spread wings and holding a scepter and power in its paws, completes the dome of the Stamp Corps. The Orthodox cross, rising to a height of 27 meters, crowns the leading dome of the five-domed Church building. One-story galleries connect the central part of the palace with both buildings.
Interesting Rastrelli story
Buy tickets to the Peterhof Grand Palace is also in order to look at the work of the ingenious Rastrelli. The great architect was invited to the palace by Elizaveta Petrovna, who barely took the throne, began to rebuild the residence. In 1745, Bartolomeo began to develop new drawings. The center of the palace was left the same as it was under Emperor Peter. The changes affected the side galleries, which were supplemented by the arms and church buildings.
Rastrelli was ordered to decorate the Ballroom in a special way. He was supposed to be as wealthy as possible, and gilding should be used in it. The architect completed the task: he created amazing mansions that surpassed Versailles in splendor. Elizaveta Petrovna was genuinely pleased with the work of a genius, but she didn’t pay a single penny to the architect.
30 halls of the palace
The palace has at its disposal about 30 halls, which can rightfully be proud and admired. The halls of the Grand Palace in Peterhof contain all the luxury of this building. All the main rooms of the building are clearly located according to the "rules of the palace" - on the second floor. So, for example, the Chesmensky Hall was such a room for waiting for the beginning of a ceremony. The mirror gallery of Versailles itself became the prototype for the arrangement of the Ballroom in Peterhof. Mirrored fake bogus windows were the highlight of such rooms.
The largest in space was the Throne Hall. Its area reaches 330 square meters. This room was equipped for concerts, balls and formal receptions. The picture hall is considered the oldest palace building. In addition, it was originally the largest front room. Among the front apartments of Own half were bedrooms, toilets, imperial offices and salons. Only close persons were allowed access to these premises.
Cabinets in the palace
Incredibly interesting for many tourists may be an excursion to Peterhof with a visit to the Grand Palace. Incredible delight will be caused by the Chinese cabinets and the Oak cabinet of Peter I. The first are rooms that shine and shimmer with gold, like Chinese varnished pictures. And the Oak Office has been preserved as a historical relic and restored with maximum authenticity.
Palace in the XIX-XX centuries
The Grand Palace in Peterhof, whose style is designated as the Peter the Great Baroque, was rebuilt from 1845 to 1850 by the architect A.I. Shtakenschneider. He was engaged in the construction of the eastern wing and, as a result, made the palace composition balanced and gave it symmetry.
After the end of the Great October Revolution, the palace turned into a historical and art museum. The Great Patriotic War practically destroyed the attraction: the Nazis stole a significant part of the museum’s exhibits, and the palace building was subjected to fire and shelling.
Architects, historians, restorers and various craftsmen in 1952 restored the Grand Palace from the ruins with their own forces. And in 1956, gilded domes were reinstalled on it. The portrait hall was the first accessible room for inspection in the museum of the Grand Palace. An event happened in 1964.
Nowadays, the attraction is a historical and art museum.
