The hydrofoil is a 30 minute ride to Peterhof, the summer residence of Peter the Great. We had a nice view of the City during the ride plus we went by a number of the 31 islands that surround St Petersburg, particular note to Basil's Island which formerly housed the judiciary so the buildings are very impressive.
Peterhof was built as a result of Peter's visit to Versailles. No one ever accused old Peter of thinking small!! We took a break for lunch in front of the Peterhof, feeling a bit jet lagged. Thankfully, we have a good tour guide!
Walking up to the Peterhof, it is large and beautiful, with 18 fountains and 3 separate buildings - hard to do it justice with a description. There are three levels of grass and fountains leading up maybe 100 feet to the main structure, which is probably 300 yards long and four stories high. The exterior is classic architecture, with a yellow exterior and white treatments around the windows. Gilded statues stand at the foot with fountains and two parallel stairways leading up to the main structure. Inside, all is restored so there is nothing of historical interest. There are lots of beautiful halls, the Throne Room, oak study etc. Restoration is still ongoing including to a gorgeous church next door.
We then spent quite a bit of time walking around the extensive grounds which are over 250 acres. Definitely a nice second home! And my guess is, like most second homes, this one doesn't pencil.
The grounds include many different types of fountains and statues by 18th Century Italian masters as well as other homes (we saw at least 5) that were apparently used by various members of the royal family in the 18th and 19th Centuries.
Now back to the hydrofoil. We have had a full day of sight seeing...
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