Title: Alexander Column in St. Petersburg City Centre | Expedia.co.uk [Alexander Column Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Alexander-Column-Hotels.0-l6066705-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Alexander Column Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Alexander-Column.d6066705.Car-Hire-Guide)[St. Petersburg City Centre Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/St-Petersburg-City-Centre.d6200526.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Alexander Column ![Alexander Column featuring a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102608-Alexander-Column.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alexander Column which includes a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102607-Alexander-Column.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alexander Column showing a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102609-Alexander-Column.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alexander Column featuring a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102605-Alexander-Column.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Alexander Column](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102606-Alexander-Column.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Alexander Column Activities --- --- #### Towering over St. Petersburg’s Palace Square, this column commemorates Russia’s victory over Napoleonic forces. Palace Square is dominated by the imposing Alexander Column, which stands 155.8 feet (47.5 metres) tall. It is an iconic city landmark that acts as a gathering spot for tourists and locals alike. Marvel at this engineering wonder and ponder Russia’s military history while inspecting the depictions of various battles. This lofty monument was designed by French architect Auguste de Montferrand and constructed between 1830 and 1834\. It was built under orders from Nicholas I, who wanted to memorialize Russia’s victory over Napoleon and to pay tribute to his brother, Emperor Alexander I. Note the inscription near the base, which reads ‘To Alexander I from a grateful Russia.’ Look up to see the sculpture crowning the top of the column. Alhough it may be difficult to see from the ground, this depicts an angel carrying a cross. The angel was sculpted by Boris Orlovsky and is one of the most distinctive features of the column. The face of the angel is supposedly modelled on Emperor Alexander I, who led Russia to victory against Napoleon. Despite weighing an astounding 1,322,760 pounds (599, 994 kilograms), the column was erected in less than 2 hours. As you look at it, consider the skill and effort it must have taken to accomplish this in the early 19th century without any of the advances of modern engineering. The column also required a high level of craftsmanship as evidenced in the detailed decorative details. Get a closer look at the pedestal and you’ll be able to see various bas-reliefs depicting symbols of Russia’s military strength, including the shield of Prince Oleg of Novgorod, a helmet belonging to Alexander Nevsky and Emperor Alexander I’s breastplate. Linger a while in Palace Square and take in its other sights, such as the General Staff Building or the famous Winter Palace. Once the home of Russian czars, the opulent Winter Palace building now plays host to the renowned Hermitage Museum. To reach Alexander Column, take the bus to nearby Dvortsovaya naberezhnaya station or the metro to Nevsky Prospekt, Gostiny Dvor or Admiralteyskaya stations. As it’s a public space, it is open all the time. It’s worth visiting both during the day and again at night, when it is illuminated by lights. ### Popular places to visit ![Palace Square showing a square or plaza](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102597-Palace-Square.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Palace Square 4.5/5(82 reviews) The architectural epicenter of St. Petersburg, this square is of great artistic and historical significance. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Palace-Square-Tsentralny.d6066703.Attraction) ![Anna Akhmatova Literary and Memorial Museum which includes interior views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/103000/103228-Anna-Akhmatova-Literary-And-Memorial-Museum.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Anna Akhmatova Literary and Memorial Museum Be inspired by a fascinating story of literary resistance in this museum, which is dedicated to one of Russia’s literary greats. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Anna-Akhmatova-Literary-And-Memorial-Museum-St-Petersburg.d6303385.Attraction) ![Hermitage which includes a garden and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102283-Palace-Square-Hermitage.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### State Hermitage Museum 4.5/5(94 reviews) Immerse yourself in a collection of prehistoric artifacts, Middle Eastern jewelry and European art that spans 6,000 years in one of the world’s oldest museums. [](https://expedia.co.uk/State-Hermitage-Museum-St-Petersburg-City-Centre.d6066673.Attraction) ![Hermitage showing heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/102000/102280-Palace-Square-Hermitage.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Palace Embankment 4.5/5(3 reviews) During your visit to St. Petersburg, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Palace Embankment. Amble around the area's parks or experience its museums. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Palace-Embankment-Palace-District.d6265245.Attraction) ![Admiralty Building which includes a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/103000/103153-Admiralty-Building.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Admiralty Building 4/5(12 reviews) A historic naval landmark, this stately building is a formidable reminder of Russia’s naval might. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Admiralty-Building-St-Petersburg.d6303353.Attraction) ![Palace Bridge showing a bridge and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/103000/103135-Palace-Bridge.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Palace Bridge Watch the raising of one of St. Petersburg’s most well-known bridges, an event that brings out the party spirit in locals and visitors alike. 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