Chesme Column, Commemorative column in Catherine Park, Russia.
Description
The Chesme Column is a freestanding marble monument in Catherine Park that rises about 25 meters above a pond. It features a bronze eagle at its peak and three bronze reliefs adorning its sides that depict maritime battles.
History
The monument was built between 1774 and 1778 to commemorate three Russian naval victories against the Turks in the Battles of Chios, Chesme, and Mytilene. It stands as a record of Russia's peak sea power during Catherine the Great's reign.
Culture
The column embodies Russia's naval traditions through its bold imagery of ship prows and an eagle crushing a crescent moon. This symbolic language was typical of 18th century Russian monuments celebrating maritime achievement.
Practical
Visitors can reach the column from the shore via stone steps behind a grilled archway. The approach is well-maintained, allowing you to view the bronze details from different angles as you walk around it.
Did you know?
The monument is built from pink and white Olonets marble, a rare stone selected specifically for this project. After damage during World War II, the bronze reliefs were faithfully reconstructed in 1996 based on historical photographs.
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