One of the two Rostral Columns situated on the Strelka, designed as lighthouses in 1810. During the
19th century, the oil lamps were replaced by gas torches which are still used today. Following a
Roman custom, the columns were decorated with protruding ships’ prows, in celebration of naval
victories. The figures around the base represent four Russian rivers, the Neva, Volga, Dnieper and
Volkhov.