Peterhof and Versailles share a strong resemblance due to the period of their construction and their layout which combines palaces and fountains. Peter I brought master builders and craftsmen from Europe to Russia to ensure that Peterhof did not lag behind its contemporaries in its architectural style. Peterhof is smaller than Versailles in terms of size and also has fewer ornate facades and fountain ensembles. However, the two palaces share a common characteristic – symmetry, achieved by regular architectural design and layout. Time has brought many changes to the exterior aspect of Peterhof, including modifications to all the facades of the Palace. The Grand Palace was altered several times up until the beginning of the 20th century. Today, Peterhof has difficulty piecing together the missing links of its architectural history, which have either disappeared over time or been destroyed, mainly during the Revolution and the Second World War.