Rostral columns are two architectural columns in St. Petersburg, which symbolize the power and victories of the Russian navy, and originally served as lanterns of the port of the capital of the Russian Empire.
Today, Rostral columns are a majestic symbol of St. Petersburg.
They are located on the eastern tip of the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, on both sides of the Stock Exchange Square at a distance of about 200 meters from each other.
The columns are 32 meters high. They are decorated with rostrums and three-dimensional sculptures
The rostral columns were erected in 1805-1810 by the French architect Thomas de Thomon. At that time, even before the columns were erected, Peter I decided to organize the city center on Vasilyevsky Island, where a trading port with warehouses and commercial buildings was moved from the Kronverkskaya Bayou at the mouth of the Malaya Neva River and built: The Old and New Gostiny Dvor, the Exchange building, Warehouses and Customs.
The opening of the Rostral columns took place in 1815. Initially, and until 1885, the columns served as lighthouse lanterns for ships. The columns were lit at night and in the fog.
Today, the columns are lit only on particularly significant events and on the days of the "Scarlet Sails" - the holiday of graduates of schools. The columns are also called "Torches".