Alexander II memorial, Bronze monument in Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
The Alexander II memorial is a bronze statue in Senate Square, Helsinki, standing about 10.67 meters tall with the emperor in military dress on a red granite pedestal. Four allegorical bronze figures surround the base, each representing a different concept of society.
The statue was unveiled in 1894 and honors Alexander II for restoring Finland's Diet and advancing Finnish autonomy within the Russian Empire. It marks a key moment in the history of Finnish self-governance.
The four bronze figures at the pedestal represent fundamental aspects of society: Law wearing a bearskin, Labor as farmers, Peace with doves, and Light for arts. These symbols remain visible today as visitors move through the square and observe the monument.
The memorial stands in the center of Senate Square next to Helsinki Cathedral and is easy to reach. The square serves as an orientation point and meeting place for exploring the surrounding area.
During the period of Russification from 1899 to 1917, citizens quietly placed flowers at the monument's base as a form of resistance against Russian rule. These silent gestures became a symbol of opposition through everyday actions.
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