Sea channel with alley of fountains

The creation of the Sea Canal with a width of 12 meters was the idea of Peter I. The canal was assigned not only a decorative, but also a navigable role, through it in the middle of the XVIII century light ships could sail into the harbor in front of the Grand Palace. The Alley of Fountains is 22 pools with fountains on lawns on both sides of the Sea Channel.

According to Peter I, 22 swimming pools were installed along the canal. They were originally called Nichelles because they were located in niches and farther from water than they are now. Four pools were with fountains decorated with sculptural groups on the plots of Aesop’s fables. There were also fountain vases. In 1835, the pools with fountains were moved closer to the canal, the pipes of the fountains were redesigned so that the jets of water formed different geometric shapes, including pyramids. The fountains were called the Pyramids.

In 1854-1860, fourteen pools were replaced by new ones made of Carrara marble. Eight pools remained the same, only were painted under the color of marble, they were replaced later, in the 60s of the XX century. Single jet water cannons were installed in the pools, hitting a four-meter height, perhaps it was from this time that the name Fountain Alley appeared, since the jets were like amazing trees from the water.