Summer garden in summer, new old fountains

The fountains appeared in the Summer Garden recently, after the reconstruction. But to be more precise, we can say that the fountains appeared in the Summer Garden more than 300 years ago, this would also be a correct statement. Fountains were arranged in the Summer Garden at the very beginning of the XVIII century by order of Emperor Peter the Great. But after the devastating flood of 1777 the hydraulic system of the fountains was destroyed, and they were not restored.

New fountains appeared in the Summer Garden after the reconstruction in 2009-2012. It was a thorough reconstruction, which took three years. The Summer Garden is one of the important tourist attractions, many thousands of tourists add "visiting the Summer Garden" to their obligatory plans. Therefore, the works were tried to be carried out as quickly as possible, but not to the detriment of quality. Archaeological excavations and scientific research were carried out. According to the results of these researches it was decided to restore the fountains of the XVIII century according to the old drawings and pictures, taking into account the data obtained during the archaeological research.

The part of the Summer Garden with fountains became one of the most pleasant places in the city during hot summer days. There are benches in the shade of shrubs and trees, and you can spend hours here if you bring a sketchbook for sketching or a book to read. But it is still a bit of a pity that it was impossible to simultaneously restore the 18th century regular garden and preserve the 19th century landscape park with its tall old trees and quiet, shady alleys.

The green battens along the alleys appeared during the reconstruction. It protects the greenery, but at the same time prevents free communication with nature. Copies of marble sculptures made during the reconstruction attract a lot of attention. The old marble sculptures were moved to the museum collections. The copies look too clean and new for now, but a few years of communion with St Petersburg weather will correct this deficiency.

I turn off to the side of the flower garden and notice that visitors in lavish dresses are strolling along the alleys. What is surprising is that none of them tries to approach ordinary tourists with an offer to be photographed together. These are not animators, these are not film actors, who are they? The answer to the riddle is at the next intersection. There is a rental of historical costumes for everyone. There is also a mirror hanging here, and I take the opportunity to take selfies.