Rostral columns
In Ancient Rome there was a tradition of constructing monument columns with rostra (bows) of Carthaginian galleys captured in battle.
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St. Petersburg, Birzhevaya Square
The rostral columns on Vasilyevsky Island are monuments in honor of Russian naval victories.
The rostral columns give the entire Strelka ensemble classical stability and balance, at the same time being symbols of reliability and constancy. At the base of each column there are two figures symbolizing the great Russian rivers: the Volga and Dnieper (the column closest to the Palace Bridge) and the Volkhov and Neva (the far column). The figures were executed by Samson Sukhanov. Two powerful columns of Thomas de Thomon initially served as navigational beacons - they seemed to illuminate and indicate the path to the capital of the Russian Empire.
The rostral columns are made of Pudost stone and covered with plaster. The height of the Rostral columns is 32 m. On the upper platforms of the columns, metal tripods hold bowls-lamps, into which hemp oil was previously poured. In 1957, gas was supplied to the bowls, and on holidays a fire is lit here. However, according to a very authoritative historian in St. Petersburg, E.V.
Anisimov, “no one knows exactly who the figures at the foot of the Rostral columns represent, but tourists are usually told that these are symbols of rivers.” In youth slang, the Rostral columns are called “Torches”. On holidays, two gas torches are lit on them.
The rostral columns give the entire Strelka ensemble classical stability and balance, at the same time being symbols of reliability and constancy. At the base of each column there are two figures symbolizing the great Russian rivers: the Volga and Dnieper (the column closest to the Palace Bridge) and the Volkhov and Neva (the far column). The figures were executed by Samson Sukhanov. Two powerful columns of Thomas de Thomon initially served as navigational beacons - they seemed to illuminate and indicate the path to the capital of the Russian Empire.
The rostral columns are made of Pudost stone and covered with plaster. The height of the Rostral columns is 32 m. On the upper platforms of the columns, metal tripods hold bowls-lamps, into which hemp oil was previously poured. In 1957, gas was supplied to the bowls, and on holidays a fire is lit here. However, according to a very authoritative historian in St. Petersburg, E.V.
Anisimov, “no one knows exactly who the figures at the foot of the Rostral columns represent, but tourists are usually told that these are symbols of rivers.” In youth slang, the Rostral columns are called “Torches”. On holidays, two gas torches are lit on them.
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