Curious about what Peter the Great envisioned for Russia? He personally designed the Summer Garden in 1704. It is located on an island between the Neva, Fontanka, Moika, and Swan Canal.
The Summer Garden shares its name with the Summer Palace of Peter the Great. This public garden is a branch of the Russian Museum. It showcases landscape architecture with sculptures of classical mythology characters.
Imagine the early 18th century. Russia had just taken these lands from Sweden in the Great Northern War. Peter wanted a garden like the famous European ones. He sought to create the first imperial garden of European style in Russia.
Peter enlisted the help of Dutch gardener and physician Nicolaas Bidloo. Jan Roosen, another Dutch gardener, elaborated on the planting starting in 1712. French architect Jean-Baptiste Le Blond added a French garden touch. The Summer Garden was largely completed in 1719.
Walks were lined with a hundred allegorical marble sculptures. Francesco Penso, Pietro Baratta, and other Venetian sculptors created them. Sava Vladislavich acquired these sculptures. In the late 20th century, the surviving statues were moved indoors. Modern replicas took their place in the Summer Garden.
Notice the delicate iron-cast railing. It separates the Summer Garden from the Palace Embankment. It was installed between 1771 and 1784. Anna Akhmatova considered the grille a pinnacle of art-casting. She saw it as one of the symbols of St Petersburg.
In the 1820s, a grotto pavilion became a coffee house. A porphyry vase, a gift from Charles XIV of Sweden, was installed in 1839. Fifteen years later, a monument to Ivan Krylov opened. It was the first monument to a poet in Eastern Europe.
The Summer Garden suffered damage over time. A flood in 1777 destroyed statues and broke fountains. However, it was soon restored. Today, 79 sculptures adorn the avenues. These are the oldest garden statues in Russia.
The selection of mythological themes is no accident. The images of gods and heroes reflected Peter’s state and transforming activity.
The Summer Garden became a favorite walking place in the 19th century. It evolved into a public garden for a well-dressed audience.
During World War II, statues were buried. An anti-aircraft battery was located in the garden. After the war, the Summer Garden was completely restored.
From 2009 to 2012, restoration recreated many elements from Peter’s time. Today, the Summer Garden is an integral part of St. Petersburg. It is a cultural treasure of Russia and a world cultural-heritage site.
Take a moment to appreciate the Summer Garden. It reflects Peter the Great’s vision and the history of St. Petersburg.