Peterhof was built to be one of the greatest summer residences in Europe. Founded at the beginning of the 18th century by the Russian imperator Peter the Great and close to the country's capital — Saint-Petersburg — the building process was done at breakneck speed. In August of 1723 the ceremony of the official opening of Peterhof took place. The Lower Park was already planned and the Sea channel, most of the fountains were functioning as well as such palaces as "Monplaisir" and "Marli" built.