St Petersburg - Day 3 (Peterhof Gardens)

Today we planned to visit the Peterhof Gardens which are situated overlooking the Gulf of Finland and are most easily reached by hydrofoil (about 30kms/half hour).  But, as with most StP "attractions", they didn't open until 1030 so after an early breakfast we had another wander around town.

Church on the Spilled Blood again (can't resist it, although it does look like the main tower is encased in a giant condom).  

StP is also known as The Venice of the North but personally I think this is a gross exaggeration; both Amsterdam and Copenhagen have considerably more waterways.

Another chance for an arty-farty reflection.

Russia was the proud host of the 2018 World Cup.

No H&S here to prevent you falling into the freezing Neva River after a few too many vodkas.

Waiting for the 1000 hydrofoil to take off (it was eventually about half full).

Although I ventured outside on the trip down it was very windy and freezing cold so no pictures.

The landing station.

Our hydrofoil.

Looking across the Gulf to the north of StP, the old city is way to the right - as you can see the water was very choppy.

The Palace of Peterhof (closed on the day we visited) stands at the end of a canal about 100 meters long with two bridges spanning it.  

The bridge nearest the buildings was covered in ants (tourists) and the air was full of anticipation.  I elbowed my way to the front and waited and before long some classical music started and the fountains of the Grand Cascade burst into life - perfect timing.  

The only reason I took this was to show just how many ants wear red.

Some of the figurines are quite graphic.

Looking back along the canal to the Gulf.

Fed up with fighting through the crowds (hate to be there in high season) we set off for a walk in the Lower Gardens which are beautiful and very tranquil. 

Peter the Great apparently preferred to stay in the Marly Palace which was tiny in comparison to the main residence.

These long lines of trimmed limes (Tilia cordata) look wonderful "in the flesh" but didn't photograph as well.

The whole palace and gardens were heavily bombed and wrecked during the German occupation in WW2, so a huge amount of rebuilding/restoration was needed.

I was taking this shot when a little Japanese voice said "excuse me, excuse me, hello can we take a photo" so I quickly turned a posed with them.  They were very gracious but seemingly didn't want my photo but for me to get out of their way :).

This parterre garden incorporated lovely displays of autumn fruits.

After a couple of hours wandering round, we headed back to the pier and had a hot drink whilst waiting for our hydrofoil to come in.  The wind direction on the way back was better so I tried to get a few shots from the boat.

This newly completed building is apparently 50% than London's Shard and houses the HQ of an energy company.

Most of these high rises are living accommodation.

The usual area for cruise ships to dock which is about a 20 min tram ride from the city centre.

The Kadyrov Bridge.

Blurry photos as taken through the window, this was a breakers yard or similar.

Church of the Assumption.

Museum of Anthropology (Kuntskamera).

And back to our landing station near the Hermitage.