Слава воинам победителям Obelisk

Across the vast Tsaritsyn Meadow, now the Field of Mars, it stood. The Rumyantsev Obelisk. A silent sentinel against the ever-changing Saint Petersburg sky. This isn’t just a towering monolith of Serdobolsky granite. It’s a tribute to a man and his victories. It’s a story etched in stone and marble. The Rumyantsev Obelisk honors Field Marshal Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky. He led Russian forces to victory during the Russo-Turkish Wars of 1768-1774 and 1787-1792. Empress Catherine the Great first conceived the idea for the monument in 1795. However, both she and Rumyantsev died the following year. It was her son, Emperor Paul I, who finally brought the project to fruition in 1799. The original design, by Vincenzo Brenna, featured not only the granite obelisk and base but also a pedestal of pink Tivdia and gray Raskolsky marble. Admire the intricate friezes and bas-reliefs. They are crafted from white Italian marble and depict military trophies and bronze garlands. High above, a gilded ball supports a triumphant eagle with outstretched wings. The front of the pedestal bears a simple yet powerful inscription: “Rumyantsev’s victories”. The Rumyantsev Obelisk has journeyed across Saint Petersburg. It was first placed on the Tsaritsyn Meadow, then moved to make way for the Suvorov Monument. Finally, in 1818, it found its permanent home here, on Vasilyevsky Island. Architect Carlo Rossi chose this spot deliberately. He placed the obelisk on a granite stylobate between the Imperial Academy of Arts and the Menshikov Palace. This location is significant. The Menshikov Palace housed the First Cadet Corps, where Rumyantsev himself had studied. Over the years, the Rumyantsev Obelisk has endured its share of challenges. Some of its bronze ornaments were even stolen. But thanks to restoration efforts, particularly by Andrey Voronikhin in 1809, it continues to stand tall. The gardens surrounding the obelisk, a gift from city merchant S. F. Solovyov, enhance its beauty. They provide a tranquil setting for reflection on Rumyantsev’s legacy. So next time you pass through Rumyantsev Square, take a moment to appreciate this more than just a monument. It is a symbol of military prowess, a testament to architectural ingenuity. It is a piece of Saint Petersburg’s rich history.