During the reign of Peter the Great, the Upper Garden was far less decorative and served practical purposes. Crops were grown in the kitchen garden and the fish ponds were gravity-powered water reservoirs for the Lower Park. In the decades following Peter I’s death in 1725, master architects, sculptors, gardeners and fountain builders transformed this approach to the southern façade of the Great Palace into a sculpted parterre of beauty. Nearest the palace are the Square Ponds Fountains. This eastern Square Pond has been accented with various mythological sculptures during its history surrounded by gilded bronze dolphins. Missing from its platform in this photo is the sculpture of Apollo. In the background is the Court Church.
