From Hydrofoils, fountains, and gold by Ming the Merciless

Known as “the Russian Versailles,” Peterhof near Saint Petersburg, Russia off the Gulf of Finland is a wonderland of beautiful gardens and ornate palaces. Incredible fountains cascade from gilded statues, just one of the features that make this conception of Peter the Great a World Heritage Site.

Today’s travel photo of the day is of the Samson Fountain, snapped by Ming the Merciless, a RealTraveler who was awed on his visit here:

“After around five hundred yards we came to the main Summer Palace House. The building was raised up and in front was a elaborate stepped areas and at the bottom a large fountain. All was very impressive but still no water. It was at this point I spotted a man peering into a man hole and sticking out was a large “T” shaped object. The man then started earnestly to turn the handle and the water started to flow, slowly a first then a torrent of splashing, foam and noise. Water seemed to pour out of every sculpture and from unexpected parts of the figures. We walked up to the house and marveled at the fantastic cascades of water…

We walked around the grounds and gardens and discovered fountain after fountain. Everyone had the same look on their faces, it was one if disbelief and awe. The palace grounds were vast and laid out over one hundred and thirty hectares with many palace buildings, sculptures and fountains throughout.” (more…)

See more incredible sites by visiting our Russia Travel Guide and Russia Pictures.