Summer Garden

The ensemble of the Summer Palace and Garden is one of the earliest in Saint Petersburg. It was built by the order of Peter I, who took an active part in developing the park's design. Beginning in 1704, on the site chosen by the emperor, various species of trees and flowers were planted. Marble sculptures, brought here from different countries around the world, were later installed on the grounds of the garden. Great attention was paid to correct geometry when designing it, so the alleys were laid out in strict geometric order, the bushes and lawns were neatly trimmed, and sculptures and fountains were arranged symmetrically to one another. Architects such as Zemtsov, Leblon, Matveev and Miketti worked on creating the architectural style.

During the reign of Peter the Great the Summer Garden served as the tsar's ceremonial residence, where court life across all of Petersburg thrived: spectacular balls and other entertainments for members of high society were often held there. Imperial receptions were frequently held directly on the garden alleys, where temporary pavilions, grottos and mazes were built for the amusement of the dignitaries. The fact is that the Summer Palace, built by the architect Trezzini, was not very suitable for hosting entertainments: the modest two-storey building was executed in a strict style and could not accommodate all who wished to attend a reception.

The Summer Garden was subjected to floods many times; the most terrible consequences resulted from the flood of 1777. After it, most of the unique sculptures and fountains were destroyed, and many rare trees perished. After the waters receded, work began to restore the Summer Garden. Many elements were transformed, but the layout of the garden was not changed.

The most valuable sculptures, works by masters such as Boccas, Borat and others, were restored and returned to their former places. Although the majority of the sculptures have not survived to the present day (in the 18th century there were more than 200 in the garden, compared with today's 89), the Summer Garden is rightly considered the oldest collection of garden sculptures in Russia. The best-known sculpture and symbol of the Summer Garden is Flora, made of white stone. Its appearance dates back to the beginning of the 18th century; unfortunately, the artist who created the statue is unknown. Today it is very useful for schoolchildren to visit the Summer Garden for educational purposes, and the budget hotel in Saint Petersburg "Shuvalov" will gladly accommodate a tour group. Schoolchildren can also buy everything they need for their studies in Petersburg, as finding a school supplies store in the city is not difficult.

Between 1773 and 1786 the famous wrought-iron fence for the Summer Garden was erected, a project developed by P.E. Yegorov and Y.I. Felten. This fence, located on the Neva River side, is a stunning work of art that attracts by its simplicity and elegance. A memorial plaque is installed on the railing at the site of the assassination attempt by the revolutionary Karakozov on Emperor Alexander II.

In the 19th century new pavilions were built on the territory of the Summer Garden — the "Tea House" by the architect L. Charlemagne and the "Coffee House" built by the architect K. Rossi.

If while reading you felt the desire to see with your own eyes the indescribable beauty of the Summer Garden, to stroll along its quiet alleys and enjoy viewing works by famous sculptors, simply book a hotel room and go to Saint Petersburg, where you will be able to see other remarkable architectural monuments as well.