Alexander Column
A colossal granite column in St. Petersburg's Palace Square, commemorating Russia's victory over Napoleon.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Alexander Column
Best Time
Best views and photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal granite column in St. Petersburg's Palace Square, commemorating Russia's victory over Napoleon.
"An impressive column of marble, carved from a single block that is prominent in Palace Square."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The column is a prime spot for photography, especially with the Winter Palace in the background.
🤝 Meeting Point
A popular and easy-to-find meeting point in the city center, ideal for groups.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Column
Palace Square
A colossal monolith of red granite, standing tall as a testament to Russian victory.
Angel Topper
Top of the Column
An angelic figure holding a cross, symbolizing peace and triumph atop the immense column.
Intricate Pedestal
Base of the Column
Detailed relief sculptures adorn the pedestal, depicting scenes of victory and glory.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Palace Square Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The column is a prime spot for photography, especially with the Winter Palace in the background.
🤝 Meeting Point
A popular and easy-to-find meeting point in the city center, ideal for groups.
💰 Costumed Characters
Be prepared for costumed characters offering photos; agree on a price beforehand.
🚶♂️ Explore Palace Square
Take time to explore the vast Palace Square surrounding the column.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The column is a prime spot for photography, especially with the Winter Palace in the background.
🤝 Meeting Point
A popular and easy-to-find meeting point in the city center, ideal for groups.
💰 Costumed Characters
Be prepared for costumed characters offering photos; agree on a price beforehand.
🚶♂️ Explore Palace Square
Take time to explore the vast Palace Square surrounding the column.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Alexander Column as an impressive and iconic landmark in St. Petersburg, highlighting its monumental scale and historical significance. It's a popular meeting point and a fantastic backdrop for photos, though some note the presence of costumed characters who expect payment for photos.
"Great place to meet up in the city center. Right outside the Hermitage Museum. Great place to hang out."
Mustafa Shahid
"Great meeting place to start your adventure into the hermitage. Costumed characters
Expect a good tip for photographs. Respect the local custom. They’re trying to make a living too."
Roxana Spicer
"It's very likely that you will visit the hermitage meuseum if you are in st petersburg. This monument is right outside the museum and it's quite impressive given that the massive column is standing alone on it's own weight without being fixed with any mechanism. The area is very scenic and perfect for photography. Definitely should check it out."
Chamara Sandakelum
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Alexander Column is located in the heart of St. Petersburg on Palace Square. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses and metro. The nearest metro stations are Nevsky Prospekt and Admiralteyskaya. Many visitors walk to the column as it's a central landmark.
Palace Square is a pedestrian zone, so direct car access to the column itself is restricted. However, there are parking areas nearby, and it's best to use public transport or walk to reach the square.
The most common approach is through Palace Square, offering stunning views of the Winter Palace and the General Staff Building. This approach allows you to fully appreciate the scale of the monument.
Yes, many guided tours of St. Petersburg, especially those focusing on historical sites, include a stop at the Alexander Column and Palace Square. These tours can provide valuable historical context.
The Alexander Column is a prominent landmark and can be seen from various vantage points around Palace Square and nearby streets, offering impressive views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Alexander Column is an outdoor monument located in Palace Square, which is a public space. There is no admission fee to view the column from the outside.
Palace Square is accessible 24/7, as it is a public square. However, the surrounding museums like the Hermitage have their own operating hours.
There is no fee to walk around Palace Square and admire the Alexander Column. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
No, climbing the Alexander Column is not permitted for safety and preservation reasons. It is a monumental structure meant for viewing.
While the square is generally open, there might be temporary restrictions during official events or parades. It's always a good idea to check local advisories if you are visiting during a major holiday.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Alexander Column was erected to commemorate Russia's victory over Napoleon's France in the Patriotic War of 1812. It's a symbol of Russian triumph and resilience.
The Alexander Column stands approximately 47.5 meters (156 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.
It is carved from a single piece of red Rapakivi granite, weighing between 600 and 700 tons.
It is considered the largest monument in the world to stand solely by its own weight, without any anchoring or additional support.
The column is situated in Palace Square, facing the magnificent Winter Palace and adjacent to the General Staff Building, home to parts of the Hermitage Museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. Sunsets can be particularly stunning over Palace Square.
Experiment with different angles from various points in Palace Square. Capturing it with the Winter Palace or General Staff Building provides context.
General photography in Palace Square is allowed. However, if you plan to use professional equipment or drones, check for specific regulations.
Yes, you can take photos with costumed characters, but be sure to negotiate a price beforehand as they expect a tip.
Its immense scale, historical significance, and prominent location in Palace Square make it a captivating subject for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be aware of costumed characters in the square who may approach your children for photos. It's a good idea to set expectations beforehand and agree on any payment if you choose to participate.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2 Aim for early mornings or late afternoons to capture the best light, especially during the 'golden hour' for dramatic sunsets. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the entire column with the Winter Palace or General Staff Building in the background.
Look for details on the pedestal's relief sculptures for close-up shots. Be mindful of other visitors and costumed characters, but they can also add a dynamic element to your shots if captured thoughtfully. 🏛️ History Buffs
Learning about its construction, the single-piece granite monolith, and its unsupported standing method adds another layer of appreciation. Consider visiting the nearby Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace to further immerse yourself in the imperial history of Russia.
+1 The column's placement in Palace Square, the historical center of imperial power, makes it an integral part of understanding the city's past. Reading up on the architect Auguste de Montferrand and the challenges of its construction will enrich your visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Standing on Its Own
This feat of engineering was achieved by French architect Auguste de Montferrand, who designed the column between 1830 and 1834. It remains the tallest of its kind in the world to be erected this way, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. This unique construction method means the column is a powerful symbol of strength and permanence. Visitors are often awestruck by the sheer scale and the fact that such a massive structure can remain upright without any artificial anchoring.
When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the base of the column. The pedestal is adorned with intricate relief sculptures that depict scenes of victory and glory, further enhancing its commemorative purpose.
A Symbol of Victory and Imperial Grandeur
Its construction, completed between 1830 and 1834, was a deliberate act to immortalize this significant historical event and showcase the might of the Russian Empire. The column is crowned with a statue of the angel Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, holding a cross. This imagery reinforces the theme of divine favor and national pride associated with the victory.
The entire monument, from its colossal granite shaft to its symbolic finial, is designed to inspire awe and remind onlookers of Russia's historical achievements and imperial power. Standing in Palace Square, the column is juxtaposed with the opulent Winter Palace and the impressive General Staff Building, creating a grand architectural ensemble.
This setting further amplifies the column's significance as a central piece of Russia's imperial narrative and a key landmark in the city's historical landscape. 
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