The Palace of Peter I

Peter's ensemble is located between the Lower and Upper Peterhof roads. At the west it borders with the Port Canal; and in the east, adjoins the valley of the Strelka River. The ensemble includes: the Palace of Peter the Great, the Vertugarten (green garden) with two fountains and the Fruit Garden.

The Palace of Peter the Great has a three-partite design: to the central two-storey volume completed by the triangular pediment are attached two wings. The palace is adorned by a six-column portico supporting a balcony and lending the building an imposing view.

The architects who created the palace skillfully blended it with the environment. The main facade of the palace overlooks the sea. It produces a monumental impression on the north side - its height is largely enhanced by the natural slope of the hill. The architectural solution of the south facade, extended along the hill in a line, is marked by a more modest decor. Its horizontal extension is emphasized by the clear-cut rhythm of the windows with small panes; the central part of the building is singled out by an attic storey and a porch with four steps. Now it serves as the entrance to the museum.

During World War II the palace and park complex at Strelna was destroyed. In 1987 the estate with the wooden Palace of Peter the Great became a branch of the Peterhof Museum-Preserve and restoration work began there. The lost details of the decor of the building were restored, its overall layout was recreated and twelve of its interiors were redecorated.