Rostral Columns

The Rostral Columns on Vasilevsky Island along the Neva River are among the most famous landmarks of St. Petersburg.

The Rostral Columns were built in the Greek revival architectural style on both sides of the sock exchange on the point of Vasilevsky Island on the Neva River in St. Petersburg in 1811.

The columns were designed by the French architect Thomas de Thomon. The Doric columns sit on a granite plinth and are constructed of brick coated with a deep terra cotta red stucco and decorated with bronze anchors and four pairs of bronze ship prows. Seated marble figures decorate the base of each column each representing the major rivers of Russia — the Volga and Dnieper at the northern Rostral Column, Neva and Volkhov at the southern one.

The Rostral Columns were originally intended to be beacons and were topped with a light in the form of Greek braziers lit by oil. However the braziers have been removed and replaced by gas torches which are still lit on ceremonial occasions. 

The location of the Rostral columns at the point of Vasilevsky Island along the Neva is a popular place among tourists for its beautiful views of the Neva with the Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage in the background, as well as with locals as a popular place for wedding photos to be made!

Make your way out to the Rostral columns during summer at night to see the raising of the Palace Bridge for a spectacular view.