Vasilievsky Island - Strelka, Rostral Columns, Stock Exchange

Numerous travel agencies and sightseeing routes bring hundreds of tourists every day to one of the most popular sights of the city - on Vasilievsky Island, the Arrow of which with the Rostral columns and the Exchange building we see on thousands of postcards. Regardless of the day of the week, at any time of the day, you can meet here newlyweds who celebrate the beginning of a new life in the center of the beloved city.

Historical reference

Since the foundation of the city, Vasilyevsky Island has played an important part in his life. Arrow (so called its eastern extremity) was originally designed by architects to be built up by houses. However, the plan was changed, since Peter the Great decided to make this site one of the centers of business and cultural life of the city. At his behest, architect Domenico Trezzini designed a new ensemble, which included the buildings of the Kunstkamera, the Stock Exchange, the Rostral columns.

According to the idea of Peter the Great, the city began with the construction of the Hare Island, which was to become the center of trade. But since it was fairly shallow, the main action site was moved to Vasilievsky Island. The arrow played a big role not only in trade matters, but also in the further development of the city. The Exchange building, customs, warehouses were moved here, the Gostiny Dvor was erected here.

Exchange

The building of the Exchange flaunts at the head of the entire architectural ensemble. It is one of the business cards on which St. Petersburg is known all over the world. The arrow of Vasilievsky Island is one of the most important and beautiful sights of the city. It is nice to be at any time of the year, from here you can see a beautiful view of the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace and the Neva Delta.

The architectural style in which the Exchange building is built is classicism. The architect was JF Toma de Tomon. The space in front of the building was divided into two squares - Kollezhskaya and Birzhevaya. After the construction of the Exchange building on the architects' plan, the space in front of it was increased by 100 meters. Thus, the contrast between architectural components was created and space for the approach of ships was equipped. To the water lead a gentle slope, decorated with granite balls.

Rostral columns

Another symbol is the Vasilievsky Island. The arrow is decorated with two Rostral columns, which were erected as beacons for ships. In their light, they were guided when entering the port. The height of the columns is 32 meters. They were symbols of the greatness of the naval power of the state. Their decorations are the bow parts of the ships, and the figures that are located at the foot symbolize the great rivers - the Volga, the Dnieper, the Neva and the Volkhov.

Currently, one of the most interesting places to visit in the city is Vasilievsky Island. His arrow offers to visit such interesting museums as Zoological, Soil Science, Literary, Kunstkamera and Central Naval. To see their exhibits, and also to enjoy a magnificent view invites the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. The address of these museums is known to many, so do not forget to visit them.