Address: Peterhof, Lower Park
Coordinates: 59 ° 53'15.9 "N 29 ° 53'50.8" E
Content:
There are two unusual fountains in the stalls of the Golden Mountain Cascade. They are called "Menager", from the French word "menager" - to save or save. Thanks to original nozzles, these fountains throw powerful jets of water. But in reality, there is a void inside the streams.
Marlinsky pond against the background of the Golden Mountain cascade (center) and Menager fountains (right and left)
The history of fountains
By the beginning of the 18th century, hydraulic engineers had mastered the art of fountains to perfection. One of their achievements was the ability to create special nozzles or manipulators, which made it possible to visually increase the pressure of water jets. Such devices had different shapes and could make a fountain stream like a tall pillar, a spreading tree or a bell. Discharge fountains looked very impressive and saved a lot of water.
It is interesting that the nozzles for the new fountains of Peterhof were invented by Peter I himself, who was extremely eager for technical innovations. The decree on the creation of new fountains near the Golden Mountain cascade was signed by the emperor in August 1921. Their design was entrusted to the talented architect Nicola Michetti. For several years, the Italian architect served at the Russian court and was the chief architect of St. Petersburg and its environs. The construction of the Menager Fountains lasted more than two years - from 1722 to 1724. And the nozzles for them were made according to the drawings, which were compiled by Peter I.
View of one of the Menager Fountains from the Golden Mountain Cascade
The twin water cannons have undergone repeated renovations. In the second half of the 18th century, the Menager Fountains lifted up gilded copper balls or, as they called it, “apples”. Hanging over the water, they shimmered beautifully in the sun.
There was a metal rod in the center of the nozzle. It regulated the movement of the "apple" and did not allow it to move from the center of the stream. When the fountains were turned off, the balls lay on a copper net. The last time about hollow "apples" is mentioned in 1794. As follows from the surviving records, they weighed about 30 kg.
During the Great Patriotic War, the territory of Peterhof was occupied, and the palace and park complex was severely damaged. In the Menagerie fountains, stone reservoirs were broken, there were no pipes and nozzles for water withdrawal, so their restoration took time.
View of the fountains
A team led by A.P. Smirnov was involved in the restoration of the fountain complex. Since the original managers have not survived, The fountain locksmiths had to carry out several experiments until they achieved the desired height and power of the fountain jets. And finally, at the beginning of autumn 1949, everyone could see through the updated water cannons.
Discharge fountains today
Paired water cannons are located inside circular pools with a diameter of 20 m. Their water surfaces look like large mirrors. In the 18th century, these pools were faced with Pudot stone. In 1912, it was replaced by granite. After 50 years, the dilapidated pools were finished with beautiful Saarem dolomite, and the bottom was lined with marble slabs.
View of one of the Menager fountains
In the center of the reservoirs there are metal pipes about one meter high. So that they are not visible to visitors, the water supply devices are lined with pieces of tuff, which form small islands.
The low stone parapets of the pools are lined with neat green hedges. Both fountains are supplied with water from the Marlin basin, located behind the Golden Mountain cascade. Near the fountain complex there are two white marble statues that were brought to Peterhof from the park in Oranienbaum in 1928.
Until now, both fountains use a type of parabolic-shaped manager, invented by Emperor Peter I. The water pipe has a diameter of 30 cm. An inverted copper cone is fixed on it. Flowing around it, a high-pressure stream escapes through a narrow circular slot with a diameter of 0.5 cm. As it rises, the water forms a hollow column. A powerful jet rushes to a height of 8 m and makes a very strong impression. From the outside, it seems monolithic, and rarely any of the visitors realizes that in fact it is an illusion.
General view of the fountain
Manager fountains are located in the Lower Park. This part of the palace and park ensemble is open to tourists from 9.00 to 21.00, and on holidays - until 20.00. Get here on tickets. In summer, the water in the fountains is run every day from 11.00 to 19.00.
