Chesme Obelisk
A striking marble obelisk resembling a lighthouse, commemorating a naval victory and set against the serene backdrop of Beloye Lake.
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Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See marble details clearly
Chesme Obelisk
Best Time
See marble details clearly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking marble obelisk resembling a lighthouse, commemorating a naval victory and set against the serene backdrop of Beloye Lake.
"A picturesque corner of Gatchina park, a heartfelt romantic place."
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit on a calm, clear day for stunning mirror-like reflections of the obelisk in Beloye Lake.
🚶♂️ Explore the Park
The obelisk is part of the Gatchina Park; take time to wander the paths for different vantage points.
Highlights
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The Chesme Obelisk
Beloye Lake, Gatchina
A striking marble monument resembling a lighthouse, commemorating a significant naval victory.
Ruskeala Marble Construction
The Obelisk itself
Admire the skillful blend of four marble types—pink, gray, silver, and red—creating a unique visual appeal.
Picturesque Lakeside Setting
Shore of Beloye Lake
The obelisk's location surrounded by water offers stunning reflections and a serene, romantic atmosphere.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Monument
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit on a calm, clear day for stunning mirror-like reflections of the obelisk in Beloye Lake.
🚶♂️ Explore the Park
The obelisk is part of the Gatchina Park; take time to wander the paths for different vantage points.
💡 Appreciate the Design
Notice how the different colored marbles and the high base create a sense of lightness and expressiveness.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Reflections
Visit on a calm, clear day for stunning mirror-like reflections of the obelisk in Beloye Lake.
🚶♂️ Explore the Park
The obelisk is part of the Gatchina Park; take time to wander the paths for different vantage points.
💡 Appreciate the Design
Notice how the different colored marbles and the high base create a sense of lightness and expressiveness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Chesme Obelisk to be a picturesque and historically significant monument, particularly admired for its unique marble construction and its striking appearance as a lighthouse on Beloye Lake. The serene setting within Gatchina Park enhances its romantic and contemplative appeal, though some note it's not a place for close-up interaction.
"The obelisk is simple in shape, it is impossible to approach it, but this is probably not necessary. It looks like a lighthouse on the shore of a small bay. The obelisk was erected in honor of the victory of the Russian fleet over the Turkish in the Battle of Chesme by the architect Antonio Rinaldi in 1770."
Antonius
"Picturesque place!
Obelisk in the frame of the victory in the Russo-Turkish war, made of Ruskeala marble."
Татьяна Л
"The Chesma Obelisk was erected in honor of the victory of the Russian squadron over the Turkish fleet in 1770 in the Mediterranean Sea. In this battle, the overall command of the land and naval forces was carried out by Admiral General Alexei Orlov, the elder brother of Count Grigory Orlov.
After the victory at Chesma, Alexei Orlov received the right to bear the surname Orlov-Chesmensky. His younger brother Fyodor Orlov also took part in the battle, having demonstrated miracles of courage on the ship "Eustathius" and miraculously surviving.
The monument in honor of the victory at Chesma, erected on the shore of Beloye Lake, is one of the oldest in Gatchina. It is assumed that it was created according to the design of the architect Antonio Rinaldi.
In appearance, the Chesma Obelisk has a simple shape and looks light from afar, although four types of marble were used in its creation. The skillful combination of its colors and the high base give the stele a feeling of lightness and expressiveness.
The total height of the monument is 13.4 meters, and the height of the tetrahedral stele itself is 6 meters. The upper part of the monument is made of light pink marble. The base is divided into three parts and consists of marble of different colors - gray, silver and red.
The architect very successfully determined the location of the stele. The Chesme Obelisk is surrounded by water on almost all sides and therefore looks very impressive, reminiscent of a lighthouse in the bay. In addition, it is visible from the windows of the Gatchina Palace, from the observation deck of the Signal Tower, from the islands of Lake Beloye and from the paths running along its shore. The image of the monument was included in the Orlov family coat of arms."
James QKK
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chesme Obelisk is located in the Gatchina Park, accessible by public transport or car from St. Petersburg. Consider taking a train to Gatchina and then a local bus or taxi to the park entrance.
Parking is available within the Gatchina Park, though it may be limited during peak seasons. It's advisable to arrive early if driving.
Yes, the obelisk is visible from the Gatchina Palace and can be reached by a pleasant walk through the park's scenic paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Gatchina Park, where the Chesme Obelisk is located, may require an admission fee. Check the official park website for current pricing and hours.
The obelisk itself is an outdoor monument and is generally accessible whenever the Gatchina Park is open. Park hours typically vary by season.
While you can't typically approach the base of the obelisk directly, its location on the lake allows for excellent viewing and photography from the shore.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the obelisk and its reflections. Clear, sunny days are also ideal.
For reflections, a wider aperture can help keep both the obelisk and its reflection sharp. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare on the water.
Drone usage is often restricted in park areas and near historical monuments. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Design of the Chesme Obelisk
What makes the Chesme Obelisk particularly captivating is its construction from four distinct types of marble: light pink for the upper stele, and gray, silver, and red for its multi-tiered base. This skillful combination of colors, along with the obelisk's high base, imparts a remarkable sense of lightness and expressiveness to the structure. Standing at a total height of 13.4 meters, with the stele itself measuring 6 meters, the monument is a significant yet elegantly proportioned landmark.
Its placement on the shore of Beloye Lake is no accident. Rinaldi masterfully situated the obelisk so that it appears almost surrounded by water, evoking the image of a lighthouse guiding ships. This strategic location ensures the monument is visible from various points within the Gatchina Palace complex and its surrounding park, including the Signal Tower and the paths along the lake, making it an integral part of the picturesque landscape. The obelisk's image was even incorporated into the Orlov family's coat of arms, underscoring its historical and familial significance.
Experiencing the Chesme Obelisk and Gatchina Park
The surrounding park offers numerous opportunities for exploration. Walking along the paths that skirt Beloye Lake provides varied perspectives of the obelisk, each offering a new angle for photography and enjoyment. The interplay of light on the water and the marble structure can be particularly captivating. Many visitors recommend taking the time to simply stroll through the park, enjoying the natural scenery and the historical ambiance that the Chesme Obelisk contributes to.
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