Imagine a shimmering veil of water. This is the Roman Fountains at Peterhof. These majestic fountains stand tall in Peterhof’s Lower Park. Their beauty is undeniable. They are truly a spectacle.
The Roman Fountains are not just pretty fountains. They are a testament to history. Tsar Peter the Great inspired their creation. He envisioned a Russian Versailles. He wanted fountains like those in Rome. This is where the name comes from. They were originally built of wood and lead. The original design was similar to fountains in St Peter’s Square in Rome. The initial construction was in 1738 and 1739. Master gardener Fock helped with landscaping.
Later they were rebuilt. The fountains were moved in 1763. They were reconstructed in marble between 1798 and 1800. The new marble fountains incorporated features of Classical architecture. Italian architect Carlo Rossi was involved. The use of Jyvan Tivdia and Ruskeala marbles is noteworthy. This gives them a unique color and texture. Talented craftsmen like Fiodor Stengel Franz Brouer and Timofey Nasonov worked on this project. They added bronze sculptural ornaments. These include masks laurel wreaths garlands and seashells.
The fountains survived World War II. They were destroyed during the Nazi occupation. They were meticulously restored by 1949. The restoration was complete. The fountains were working again. Gurzhy recreated the masks from surviving casts. He reproduced decorative details from drawings and photos.
Today the Roman Fountains stand as a symbol. They represent Peterhof’s grandeur and resilience. Each of the ten-meter-tall fountains consists of two octagonal forms. These support a disc. Water cascades down in lacy patterns. It creates a mesmerizing visual effect. The fountains are truly a remarkable sight. They are an amazing feat of engineering and artistry. They are a must-see for any visitor to Peterhof. The Roman Fountains are a lasting legacy of Tsar Peter the Great. They show Russia’s rich history and architectural prowess.