Lower Park

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One of the greatest attractions outside of St Petersburg is the jaw-dropping collection of gilded fountains, statue-lined lanes and picturesque canals that make up the Lower Park of Peterhof. Even if you'd rather not brave the crowds to visit the palace, it's still well worth a visit here, to see its over-the-top Grand Cascade and other water features, including trick fountains that douse unsuspecting visitors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Hermitage

0.16 MILES

Along the shore to the west, the 1725 Hermitage is a two-storey yellow-and-white box featuring the ultimate in private dining: special elevators hoist a…

2. Marly Palace

0.22 MILES

Named after the French royal residence near Paris, Marly Palace was originally envisioned by Peter the Great to host his most distinguished visitors…

3. Special Treasury

0.3 MILES

This small museum within the main palace is a repository for the personal effects of the Romanovs from Peter the Great onwards. On display you'll see…

4. Grand Cascade

0.32 MILES

Peterhof's uncontested centrepiece is the Grand Cascade, a symphony of over 140 fountains and canals partly engineered by Peter himself. To see the…

5. Water Avenue

0.35 MILES

Criss-crossed by bridges and bedecked by smaller sprays, the Water Avenue is a canal leading from the hydrofoil dock to the palace. It culminates in the…

6. Grand Palace

0.35 MILES

The Grand Palace is an imposing building, although with just 30-something rooms, it is not nearly as large as your typical tsarist palace. From the start…

7. Upper Garden

0.42 MILES

The Upper Garden is the charming formal garden that leads to the Grand Palace's southern front.

8. Raketa Petrodvorets Watch Factory

0.43 MILES

This watch factory produces some of Russia's finest timepieces and can be visited on a fascinating guided tour. Call ahead before visiting.