This was not possible to be in St. Petersburg, he heard one of his characters thanks to the works of Pushkin."I have erected a monument without hands ...".For the great poet of the attraction of the city on the Neva is the true measure of height in all sense of the word.I would like to really know: what is it, Alexander Column?
pole and pillars
way, ignorant people sometimes do not tell the pillar and post.What is the difference?Theoretically - no: Pillar - is the ancient name well-known to us the word.But in fact the difference between the two is enormous: the post - it's just something long and dull, and the pillar - this architectural column, and a symbol of majestic, bright.You can tell about prominent people "pillars" can be about the monuments.
Familiar hearing the term Alexander Column, strictly speaking, is not correct: in fact, the name of interest - Alexander Column.But Pushkin abandoned words sunk into the soul, and it is the informal name stuck.And because the views of the monument is consistent with the definition of architectural pillars, so that the construction is really majestic.
Granite miracle
Alexander Column in St. Petersburg was built in 1834, its location - Palace Square.Order famous architect A. Montferrand made himself Emperor Nicholas I. This monument, executed in the Empire style, it was dedicated to his older brother autocrat Alexander I - Russian Army mastermind victory over Napoleon.
work on the project of the monument was not easy, discussed various options.Was formulated task: get the structure that looks reminiscent of Trajan's Column in Rome, but at the height exceeding Vendome in Paris.Such a narrow scope of Montferrand did not allow to fully express individuality in the design of the monument are thinly veiled, albeit modified, but other people's ideas.Yet the monument is unique: he was the highest among other triumphal buildings in the world.Architect, abandoning the additional elements that adorn the monolithic column of 25.6 m height, thus emphasized the natural beauty of the pink polished granite.
total height of the building, together with the set on top of a statue of an angel is greater than 47 meters.Equally impressive dimensions do not allow to consider in detail, what the Alexander Column.Photos, on the other hand, allow us to estimate all the features of the monument and, in particular, a great song in its upper part.
about angels and eagles
monument is not only an object of enthusiastic admiration, but also a complex engineering structures.And the very pillar and crowning monument angel B. Orlovsky keep working without additional supports by its own weight.Such an architectural solution for a long time led to fears of citizens, it is assumed that the monument suddenly collapse.To allay these fears, the architect began to walk in the morning at the foot of the column.
magnificent bronze figure of an angel deserves special attention.One hand lifted up to heaven, the other he holds a cross trampling a snake.The statue should symbolize peace that brought to Europe Russian Army, freeing it from Napoleon.The face of an angel is somewhat reminiscent of the facial features of the Emperor Alexander I.
Setting fence and hit the monument sophistication and complexity of execution.Monument to Alexander Column is surrounded by a five-foot fence made of bronze, the author of the project which was also Montferrand.The decoration of the fence were present in considerable amount of double-headed eagles and triceps, and captured the gun.Unfortunately, in recent years, these magnificent birds in large numbers "killed" at the hands of the citizens, the barbarians, and are replaced by copies.
From the history of the monument
Alexander Column was opened August 30, 1834 (after five years).Established in the heart of the Palace Square, the monument was the final touch to its design.The opening ceremony was attended by all the royal family, headed by the emperor, as well as numerous representatives of the diplomatic corps.At the foot of the monument took place solemn liturgy in the square was built a huge Russian army kneeling.
history of the Alexander Column eventful.The monument survived and revolution, and war, and the rainy climate of St. Petersburg.Of course, from time to time it restored, but most of the work are only cosmetic.
Monument and the USSR
hardest design had in the early years of Soviet power.The space next to the monument changed, the fence in the 30s of the last century melted on cartridge cases.It does not fit well with the principles of secularism angel before the holidays covered in red cap of canvas or masked balls descend from the airship.
said repeatedly and seriously discussed the change of religious figures in the cult (in the beginning it was a question of Lenin, then Stalin).But, fortunately, these ideas have not been implemented, and the angel takes his rightful place.They do not come true, and plans to replace bronze bas-reliefs of the pedestal new, based lie revolutionary subjects.Later, Alexander Column was the fence, carefully recreated from old photographs and historical materials.Its unveiling took place in 2004.
Summer Garden
Alexander Column though is the original card of the city, but apart from that there is something to see.Attractions St. Petersburg are able to impress even the most experienced traveler.For example, the summer palace of Peter I. It is one of the city's oldest buildings, made in Baroque style and did not like the royal abode.Peter, furnished the northern capital, wanted to build a summer residence, reminiscent of Versailles.Renowned architects and gardeners have worked not in vain - the place where the palace complex (the Summer Garden) is striking in its beauty and elegance.Park and to this day remains a favorite vacation spot of the townspeople and the purpose of pilgrimage for many tourists.
Bronze Horseman
On this sight are those who have never visited the city on the Neva, also know from the works of Pushkin."On the shore of desolate waves he stood, full of great thoughts" ... Who are these words?Oh man, the monument?
With a light hand of the great poet called Bronze Horseman is one of several available sites in the city of Peter I. The monument is indeed similar to copper, but is made of bronze.Its author is a French sculptor Falcone, who showed his work in a new and somewhat unexpected image of the founder of the city.Catherine II, who ordered the sculpture of Peter wanted to see like a Roman emperor in his ceremonial appearance, and with all the trappings of power.Falcone acted differently.His Peter - a rider on a rearing steed.According to the authors, the horse, covered with bearskin, hooves and crushed the serpent - all ignorant and wild, but conquered by the emperor.The figure of the same Peter - is the embodiment of strength, the desire for progress and steadfastness in upholding its principles.
Bronze Horseman - it is not just one of the many great attractions of the city.This figure is in its own sign;It is composed of many local tales and legends.
Hermitage
If you try to list at least the most famous sights of St. Petersburg, with the names you can easily get confused - too many of them.And yet there is a place in the city, which is required to visit any tourist (about townspeople speech does not go - they have to come here as often as possible).This Hermitage - the legendary art museum!The complex covers 6 buildings, each of which - a historical monument and the main of them is the Winter Palace.The museum contains about 3 million items, including the immortal works of Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Raphael.List all the masterpieces that are stored here can not be.But worth a try at least some of them look.
cruiser "Aurora»
This ship, staying in the parking lot of the eternal city's waterfront, in Soviet times knew every child."Aurora" - battle cruiser, the participant of many heroic battles, was, however, known for other reasons.Having October 25 1917 blank shot at the Winter Palace, "Aurora" determined the fate of the revolution and the Russian Empire.
In the 70s of the last century in the Soviet kitchens loved to tell an anecdote.Brezhnev wakes in the night in a cold sweat, his wife asked what was the matter.The Secretary-General tells of his nightmares.They say Lenin swims along the Moscow River on a boat, pokes a long stick to the bottom and says: "Here," Aurora "will be held.And here, too! »
Modern man does not understand the meaning of a joke.But for people living in those years, "Aurora" was associated with the changes that are so coveted society, and so afraid of power.Changes in the country really happened - the truth, a little later, and without naval volleys.Society and to this day is split disputes, and whether it was necessary to do it?In general, for "Aurora" just in case, keep an eye does not hurt!
