On the grounds of the Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia!

Here I am walking outside the grounds of the Peterhof Palace. I couldn't shoot any video inside the palace but just from the checking out the grounds you can feel the opulence, grandeur, and captivating of this place deeply embedded in the rich Russian history and culture. This is a must see for any one ever going to St. Petersburg. Bring some good walking shoes and be prepared to stand a lot! The tour of this palace is nearly 3-4 hours but worth it!

Located in the town of Petergof about a 45 minute drive from St. Petersburg, the grounds are nestled along the seafront overlooking the Gulf of Finland, and are considered Peter the Great’s crowning achievement.

The Russian tsar commissioned his extravagant summer residence back in the 1700s, and after being badly damaged a couple centuries later during World War II it was beautifully restored. That work resulted in Peterhof being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the greater St. Petersburg area, and is now one of the country’s most popular attractions.

Today, visitors passing through the gates are greeted by the sight of the palace’s sunshine-yellow exterior, majestically perched on a hill overlooking the expansive grounds that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Heading back outside, guests make their way onto a walkway overlooking Peterhof’s crown jewel: the Grand Cascade. The most impressive out of the all the fountains found throughout the Peterhof Lower Park and Upper Gardens—which Peter designed himself—the towering, golden gilded statue depicts Samson prying open a lion’s jaws.

While touring the entire estate in just one visit is virtually impossible, even a quick wander through the Grand Palace and surrounding gardens is enough to give guests a taste of the opulent life of Peter the Great, making a Peterhof Palace tour a must-do for anyone travelling to St. Petersburg, Russia.