Sights of St. Petersburg: Rostral columns on the arrow of Vasilyevsky Island

Much beauty has been said about St. Petersburg. In this city an extraordinary number of historical and archaeological sites. The arrow of Vasilievsky Island more than two centuries ago was one of the most significant places in the city. Until now, there are the Rostral columns, which are a symbol of the victories and sea glory of the country.

They were built in the early XIX century, designed by Tom de Thomon, a French architect. The custom of erecting triumphal columns, which are decorated with rostra (noses) of enemy ships, came from ancient Rome. Once they served as lighthouses for ships that come to the port. The Rostral columns of St. Petersburg rise to 32 meters and are one of the symbols of the city. By tradition, they are associated with strength and power. Sculptural figures, placed at the foot, embody these qualities.

To the upper areas on which the tripods are located for signal lights, lead spiral staircases. The first time for the torches used hemp oil. At the end of the XIX century, they were supplied with electricity, but this method of lighting was not used for long. Only in the middle of the last century, gas was brought here, thanks to which seven meter torches are lit on solemn occasions over the columns. Sculptures that adorn the ensemble are inseparably linked with architecture, forming together a single harmonious system.

To see the Rostral columns (Petersburg) is recommended to all those who are interested in Russian history and came to the northern capital to get acquainted with local sights. To get here is quite simple on public transport, the map of travel can be found in virtually any guidebook.

The sculpture, which adorns the Rostral columns, was originally intended to be cast in bronze. However, due to the fact that it was too complicated, the figures were made of pudost limestone. They extracted this material from the quarries near Gatchina, in the village of Bolshaya Pudost, where its name came from. Because of the special properties that limestone possesses, the artist working with it is difficult to convey a delicate ornament or texture of certain materials. However, this stone has its advantages, among which strength and a beautiful shade, effectively looking at the background of the main composition.

Rostral columns were recently restored. For this, the efforts of many researchers, patrons, museum staff involved in the protection of monuments were united. For the procedure, a special technique was used. As a result, nowadays guests of St. Petersburg can admire the unique architectural ensemble.

The rostral columns attract tourists who came from neighboring countries. This monument of courage and power of the Russian state is very bizarre and surprising. And on solemn dates or during certain events, when huge torches light up, the composition has a fascinating look.