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MANILA, Philippines - Where is Peterhof located?

It is this place’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estates, nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland (part of the Baltic Sea). Made up of a series of palaces and gardens, it was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base at Kronshtadt, but the Tzar was quick to recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles.

The Grand Palace is filled with fascinating and elaborate interiors built between 1714 and 1725 by the architects Braunstein, Zemtsov and Leblond. Later that century the palace was extended to its present size and redesigned by the court architect Francesco Bartholomeo Rastrelli, creator of the Winter Palace, the Catherine Palace, Smolny Cathedral and many more landmarks. The original Baroque decor was preserved in some of the rooms, while others were redesigned throughout the 18th and early 19th century. During WWII the palace was seriously damaged but most of the rooms have now been restored to their former glory.

The park’s unique fountain system was designed in the 18th century by the engineer V. Tuvolkov, and doesn’t require the use of any pumps to operate the fountains. There are three major cascades and over 120 fountains in the park. The most impressive is the Grand Cascade, located directly below the Grand Palace and featuring an impressive golden statue of Samson grasping the mighty jaws of the lion. The park’s other cascades feature black and white chess board designs, Chinese dragons and numerous other features. The park features numerous pavilions and small palaces, amongst which is Peter the Great’s favorite, Monplaisir.

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Last week’s question: Who is the Italian-born celebrity chef who has become the leading exponent of Italian cuisine in Australia through his restaurants and books?

Answer: Stefano “Steve” Manfredi

Winner: Stephanie Capistrano of Parañaque City

Text your answer to 0917-9498721 with your name and address. One winner will be chosen through a raffle of texts with the correct answer. The winner will receive P2,000 worth of SM gift certificates for use at Our Home, SM Department Store, or SM Supermarket. They can claim their prize at Our Home in SM Megamall. Call the store manager at 634-1950, 634-1943. Bring photocopies of two valid IDs and a clipping of the Design Quiz issue in which you appear as winner.