Alexander Column

Why go

Alexander Column rewards attention to scale, orientation, and setting. The Alexander (Алекса́ндровская коло́нна) also known as Alexandrian Column, is the focal point of Palace Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Before leaving, compare one close detail of Alexander Column with its broadest public view.

What to look for

• Alexander Column: Read the main silhouette against the open space around it.
• Alexander Column: Look closely at facade materials and ornament.
• Alexander Column: Step back to place the landmark in the skyline.

The full story

The Alexander Column (Алекса́ндровская коло́нна) also known as Alexandrian Column, is the focal point of Palace Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The monument was erected after the Russian victory in the war with Napoleon's France. Named after Emperor Alexander I, who ruled Russia between 1801 and 1825, the column is an interesting piece of architecture and engineering. Column The Alexander Column was designed by the French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand, built between 1830 and 1834, and unveiled on August 30, 1834. The monument — the tallest of its kind in the world — is 47.5 m (155 ft 8 in) tall and is topped with a statue of an angel holding a cross. The statue of the angel was designed by the Russian sculptor Boris Orlovsky. The face of the angel bears great similarity to the face of Emperor Alexander I. The column is a single piece of red granite, 25.45 m (83 ft 6 in) long and about 3.5 m (11 ft 5 in) in diameter.

Useful to know

• Walk Alexander Column in daylight, then compare its outline with Palace Square.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.