In 1917, the Russian Revolution over through the Romanov monarchy. Peterhof become property of the state, and finally was to be seen by commoners. It actually becomes a museum, and historical site that anyone could visit, taking in the fountain, the architecture, and the gardens.
During WWII, as the Nazi Troops advanced, the Soviet curators in Peterhof tried to save some of the valuable and priceless piece of art and statuary. They even buried some of the fountains before the Nazi’s arrived, but all these efforts were useless, as the Nazi Troops overtook the city, including Peterhof, and help it from 1941 to 1944. Palaces were burned down, mines were set under the Hermitage, the gardens were shelled and burned, and the fountains were a source of target practice. There was an estimated 34,000 pieces of Russian art that was destroyed. All in all, Peterhof was completely demolished.
After the war ended, the task became figuring out how to rebuild the ravaged nation. Reconstructing Peterhof would be an enormous, daunting, and expensive task. Most of the money came from Germany, in the form of war damage reparation. Peterhof first reopened in 1952, even though it was nowhere near being completely repaired. Reconstruction was so slow, because precise attention was given to each detail. The outdoor fountain actually did not begin running until 1996. Since then, there have been thousands of visitors from all over the world to be inspired by these magnificent fountains!
Many of the original artworks, that were saved, are still in hiding, with detailed art restoration taking place behind the scenes. Some of the unrecoverable pieces have even been restored. The current technologies available to us, nearly 60 years later have allowed for this kind of immense restoration. Today, Peterhof has been restored to its former glory, with tended gardens, and replicas of the statues that once stood inside!
Peterhof is a testament to the water that Peter the Great loved so dearly. The power of the water is symbolized in his waterfalls and fountains. It is the charm of Peterhof that lured millions to the Baltic. Peterhof represents the power of humanity, the ability of the human spirit to persevere anything. Peterhof, the beautiful palace, created from the muddy mountainside, destroyed by a war, and rebuilt to its previous glory, is a testament to the power and capabilities of humans.
