The Favorite Fountain, also known as the Favorite Fountain, is one of the fountains in the Lower Park of the Peterhof Palace and Park Ensemble in Peterhof (Saint Petersburg).
This fountain is not particularly noticeable among the other more massive, powerful and architecturally distinguished fountains of the Lower Park, in addition, it is slightly hidden from view behind the western one Voronikhinskaya colonnade at the Sea Channel.
The fountain "Favoritka" was created, as well as The large Peterhof Palace with parks, according to the plan of Peter I, serves as a reminder that Peter planned to create a series of" fable " fountains based on the subjects of Aesop's instructive fables, which had an actual political meaning.
The fountain was built in 1725 by M. Zemtsov. The fountain has figures of animals-ducks and dogs, which were first carved from oak, but later cast from copper.
During the Second World War (German occupation), the fountain was destroyed, all its sculptures disappeared, with the exception of one duck found in 1946 in the park. In 1957, the fountain was restored.
This is a" moving " fountain. In its small circular pool, four ducks move in a circle, which the Favorite dog tries to catch up with (hence the name of the fountain).
Water jets shoot out of the pug's duck beaks and mouth.
At the same time, the whole action is accompanied by the barking of the Favorite and the quacking of ducks. In the 18th century, sounds were produced by the vibration of plates in copper tubes mounted in the figures; in the chamber under the fountain pool there was a water wheel, which, rotating under the action of falling water, set the figures in motion.
Video of the fountain "Favorite»
Practical information
The fountains of Peterhof are closed for the winter (do not work) - from about the middle of October until the 20th of April.
In winter, when the fountains are not working, the entrance to the Lower Park is free (free of charge).
During the summer season, 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.
The opening hours of the park and fountains, as well as the conditions of visiting and the cost of tickets, are recommended to check on the website of the State Museum-Reserve "Peterhof": peterhofmuseum.
You can visit 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 →
All accommodation facilities in St. Petersburg, including in the city center and in Peterhof, can be viewed and booked here
