Summer garden - the pearl of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg Historical and Architectural Ensemble The Summer Garden is a unique example of landscape art. This is one of the most ancient sights of the city, because the park was founded by Peter I in 1704 as the main decoration of his summer residence. The highlight of the complex was its numerous fountains and marble statues, which numbered 250 pieces!

Unfortunately, in its pristine form, the Summer Garden in St. Petersburg did not last long. The flood of 1777 almost completely destroyed the fountains and statues. By the way, most fountains have not been restored to this day. But first things first.

For Russia at the beginning of the 18th century, the idea of public parks was somewhat unusual, however, like all the innovations of Peter I. That is why the Summer Garden with its original fountains and sculptures was perceived by the contemporaries of the progressive king as an overseas miracle. And the fact that for the functioning of the fountains it was necessary to hold the first water pipe in St. Petersburg, for a long time made the Summer Garden in the eyes of the townspeople a symbol of progress and unity with Europe.

True, the first city water supply would not be so hot - it gave a weak pressure of water to the fountains, so they soon ceased to be functioning. And only after the restoration, which ended in 2012, residents and guests of the city had the opportunity to admire them in their original form. But only 8 fountains of those that adorned the Summer Garden under Peter I. were completely restored.

This restoration destroyed 129 trees in the garden and park complex, but the total number of green plantations increased, because a large number of trellis limes were planted and many adult trees belonging to valuable species were transplanted from other parks. Live fences of trees and shrubs today, like a century ago, form labyrinths, which "hide" unique sculptures of the Baroque era.

Pondering the Summer Garden, Peter I planned to spend there court feasts and reception of foreign ambassadors. Today, everyone can enter its territory. Hiking in the park, its fountains and sculptures, and even the fences of the Summer Garden, which are also works of art, give residents and guests of St. Petersburg an unforgettable feeling of beauty that makes you come back again and again.

Walking along the avenues, today you can visit the summer residence of Peter the Great, whose facades are considered a model of architectural rigor and modesty. The Pavilions of the Tea and Coffee Houses invites the guests of the Summer Garden to evaluate the temporary exhibitions, they are constantly updated and changing.

After a two-year large-scale restoration, which, as mentioned above, ended in May 2012, the offspring of Peter I returned the characteristic features of the 18th century garden in operation. Summer Garden, the opening of which for visits this year was held on the eve of Victory Day - May 8, to celebrate the Day of the City (May 25) will launch the restored fountains. By the way, now the guests of the park will be met by two white swans, who settled in Karpiev pond after reconstruction.