The fountain operates without the use of pumps, relying entirely on gravity-fed water pressure.
The 1947 replacement statue was recreated by sculptor Vasily Simonov using only old photographs and surviving descriptions.
The original lead statue was melted down and lost during the Nazi occupation of Petergof.
The water jet from the lion's mouth is strictly vertical and remains the highest point of the Grand Cascade.
The fountain symbolizes the 1709 Battle of Poltava, which occurred on Saint Samson's Day.
The Samson Fountain, officially the Grand Cascade's center point, features a gilded bronze statue of Samson tearing open the jaws of a lion. It stands at the heart of the Lower Park in Petergof, serving as the focal point of the Grand Cascade water system. The fountain utilizes a unique gravity-fed water system supplied by springs in the Ropsha Heights. The jet of water ejected from the lion's mouth reaches a height of 20 meters. Originally installed in 1735, the current statue is a 1947 reconstruction after the original was looted during World War II. The sculpture serves as an allegory for Russia's victory over Sweden in the Great Northern War, with the lion representing the Swedish coat of arms. The fountain is surrounded by 64 fountains, 255 bronze sculptures, and cascading marble stairs.
From the terrace of the Grand Palace looking down, or from the bank of the Marine Canal looking up toward the palace.
Arrive early in the morning to capture the monument before the peak crowds from St. Petersburg arrive.
Observe the fountain from the middle of the Marine Canal path to get the best perspective of the entire Grand Cascade.
Do not attempt to visit in the winter months, as the fountain mechanism is drained and the sculptures are protected by wooden encasings.
The fountains operate only during the summer season (typically late spring through mid-autumn); they are shut down and winterized during colder months.
Walking on the grass and climbing on the fountain steps is strictly prohibited.
