Whale fountain

Have you ever seen a fountain shaped like a whale? Right here in the Lower Park of the Peterhof Palace you’ll find the Whale fountain. This isn’t just any ordinary fountain. It’s a fascinating piece of history. Originally a wooden sculpture in 1740 it was quite a sight. Imagine a huge brightly colored wooden whale spouting water. Lead sea bulls surrounded it adding to the fantastical scene. By the late 1700s the wooden whale had deteriorated. A new design replaced it. This time it was a menagerie style fountain. A water column surrounded by four gilded dolphins. The Whale fountain wasn’t always as it is today. It was dismantled in the mid-1800s. The fountain was not restored until the post-war era in 1963. Despite the changes the original name stuck. The Whale fountain remains a beloved part of Peterhof. Its location in the Sand Pond is also interesting. The pond itself has a story. It was dug in 1724 for a granite cascade project. The project was never completed. The name Sand Pond stuck however. The Whale fountain stands as a testament to the area’s history. Its different forms and long history are quite fascinating. This spot is a must see in the beautiful Peterhof. The Whale fountain is a symbol of endurance. It shows us that even after changes the essence remains.