Grottoes under the fountains of the Grand Cascade

Upper and Lower grottoes, built in 1716-1720 according to the plan of Peter I. They are the architectural center of the Great Cascade of Peterhof. Hidden behind the external splendor of the fountains, the grottoes also have an interesting historical and architectural value, where there is something to see and learn. During the tour of the grottoes you can see all the splendor of Petrodvorets "from the inside".

Inside the grottoes are lined with tuff, in the labyrinth of corridors now and then there are gilded and marble statues. The grottoes have their own museum with an exposition dedicated to those who served the fountains of Peterhof in the past, costumes, documents, photographs are presented here. You can also look at the evolution of pipes from Petrine times to the present day. Until now, the grotto has a mini-fountain "joke", created by order of Peter, he pours water from imperceptible nozzles guests, too low above him bent. In 1723, according to the idea of the emperor, another joke was embodied - water curtains, unexpectedly closing the entrances to the grotto. In general, the position of fountain master was very honorable, but the conditions in which they worked were far from ideal, because of the lack of daylight, many developed blindness.