Along the north side of the Grand Palace is this checkerboard-tiled terrace over the Large and Small Grottos. Stand behind this marble balustrade and savor the moment. In front of you are the Neva and Volkhov fountains representing two rivers in northwestern Russia. Below your feet is the spectacular Grand Cascade. In the background is the Sea Canal stretching to the shores of the Gulf of Finland. Peter the Great’s guests floated along this waterway in the early 18th century. Also called Fountain Alley, it is the centerpiece of Lower Park. To the left and right of your position are the Terrace Fountains. These Carrara marble water cannons were created by A. N. Voronikhin in 1800.
