Fountains-firecrackers "Sofas" or fountains-firecrackers "Benches" - one of the fountains located in the Lower Park of the Palace and Park Ensemble" Peterhof " in Peterhof (St. Petersburg).
These fountains are among the so -called firecracker fountains, of which there are several in the Lower Palace Park.
Fountain-firecracker-water fun, - a kind of hidden fountain with a comic surprise, disguised as familiar objects or hidden in the landscape, and the idea of which is that the water jets of the fountain appear unexpectedly and spray visitors, thereby creating a playful mood and immersing guests in the atmosphere of the game.
Fountains-firecrackers were one of the frequent elements of the ceremonial residences of the regular park style, including such fountains were created in the Lower Park under Peter I. The emperor liked to amuse himself by watching hidden fountains spray the expensive clothes of high-ranking and noble guests of the royal residence.
Fountains-firecrackers "Sofas" are located in the corners Montplaisir Garden, on the south side of the palace "Montplaisir".
These are the oldest of the park's firecrackers that have survived to our time. They were created according to the drawings of N. Michetti, personally corrected by Peter I, and "tested by water" in 1723.
Since then, the appearance of the fountains has not changed.
Fountains-firecrackers "Sofas" - two benches in the open air.
The benches look like "Sofas", the appearance of which was characteristic of the 18th century and is a park structure of the trellis type with lattice backs and legs. On the curved backs in the middle are mounted mascarons of newts-examples of decorative sculpture of the 1720s.
In Peter's time, these firecrackers were called "wet places" and covered alleys led to them, which disappeared by the middle of the 18th century. Guests who left the palace "Montplaisir" through the wings, strolled along these covered alleys and, in order to enter the park, were forced to step on small stone platforms located near the "Sofas", where they were met with a "surprise" - water jets splashed the hems of the magnificent silk dresses of the ladies and the velvet doublets of the gentlemen.
Today, there are still stone platforms near the benches-sofas, from which water jets beat. Only now the water jets are not unexpected - in the summer they work constantly.
These fountains are very popular among the guests of the Lower Park.
Practical information
The fountains-firecrackers "Divanchiki" and the adjacent ensemble of the Monplaisir Garden are located near the Gulf of Finland, in the north-eastern part of the Lower Park of the Palace and Park Ensemble "Peterhof".
The fountains of Peterhof are closed for the winter (do not work) - from about the middle of October.
In winter, when the fountains are not working, the entrance to the Lower Park is free (free of charge).
During the summer, the fountains are open and the entrance to the park is paid.
Tickets to the park can be purchased at the ticket offices located directly near the entrances to the park or in advance-online on the official website.
We recommend that you check the working hours of the park and fountains, as well as the conditions of visiting and the cost of tickets, immediately before visiting the official website.
Website of the State Museum-Reserve "Peterhof": peterhofmuseum.
You can also visit the State Museum-Reserve "Peterhof" with one of the excursions
All the ways to get to Peterhof from St. Petersburg (the airport and the city center) can be found here →
Near the Palace and Park Ensemble "Peterhof" you can stop
The 4-star Novy Peterhof Hotel features a restaurant, a bar, parking, a tour desk, a spa area with an indoor pool, a gym, a steam bath, a Finnish cedar sauna and an aroma sauna.
The rooms are decorated in a modern style and feature a TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, a safe, bathrobes and slippers, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms have a seating area.
The room rate can include: breakfast, breakfast + dinner or breakfast + lunch + dinner. Link to the hotel
EGO-LOFT Apartment (Holgin Pond) they offer views of the lake and the city.
The apartmentfeatures air conditioning, a balcony, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, a bedroom, a kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, and a bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Link to the apartment
Apartments Severnaya Venezia featuring a balcony with lake views, offers free Wi-Fi, a children's playground, a garden and a shared lounge.
The apartmentfeatures a bedroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and a refrigerator, a washing machine, and a bathroom with a shower. Link to the apartment
All accommodation facilities in St. Petersburg, including in the city center and in Peterhof, can be viewed and booked here
