The original fountains were powered by a steam engine, the first of its kind in Russia, designed to pump water from the Fontanka River.
The famous ornate iron fence is frequently cited in Russian literature, most notably by Alexander Pushkin.
During the massive 2009-2012 restoration, the garden's layout was returned to its original 18th-century appearance, removing unauthorized 19th-century modifications.
Many of the marble statues are Venetian works from the early 1700s, commissioned specifically for Peter the Great.
The garden was intentionally designed to resemble the gardens of Versailles, albeit on a smaller, more intimate scale.
The Summer Garden is the oldest park in St. Petersburg, established in 1704 by Peter the Great as his personal residence garden. Its formal design follows the Dutch style with symmetrical layouts, fountains, and marble sculptures imported from Italy. The garden is enclosed by a famous cast-iron fence designed by Georg von Veldten, installed in the late 18th century. It features the Summer Palace of Peter the Great, a modest two-story building that served as the Czar's summer residence. The park underwent a major multi-year restoration ending in 2012, which restored the historic fountain system and replanted thousands of trees. Visitors can observe replicas of original statues, while the fragile originals are preserved in the nearby Russian Museum. The garden is bordered by the Neva River, the Fontanka River, the Moyka River, and the Swan Canal. It remains a hallmark of 18th-century European garden architecture in Russia.
The central alley looking towards the main fountain with the iron fence in the background.
Walk the perimeter to view the intricate details of the wrought-iron fence from both the street and garden sides.
Visit the small Summer Palace within the grounds to see how the Czar lived in a comparatively modest space.
Explore the side alleys to find the hidden, smaller garden squares away from the main central axis.
Do not attempt to touch the marble statues, as they are historic artifacts, even if they are replicas.
Closed on Tuesdays for maintenance and periodically closed for a month in the spring for the drying of the soil.
Walking on the lawns and flowerbeds is strictly prohibited.
