Peterhof Palace

Yes, you can absolutely tour the interior of the Great Palace, which features lavishly decorated state rooms designed in the Baroque style by architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. While the Grand Cascade and golden fountains are the main outdoor draw, the interior offers a closer look at Peter the Great's opulent summer retreat.

The fountains at Peterhof operate seasonally and are typically turned off in early to mid-October due to the harsh Russian winters. They are turned back on in the spring, usually celebrated with a grand opening ceremony in late April or early May.

Many visitors take a scenic hydrofoil ferry (the Meteor) from the Hermitage Museum pier directly to the palace grounds, which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a commuter train from Baltiysky railway station to the Novy Peterhof station, followed by a short bus ride.

Yes, during the Siege of Leningrad in World War II, the palace and its grounds suffered immense damage, and many of the original golden statues were buried or evacuated for safety. The complex was meticulously restored after the war, returning the fountains to their original grandeur.