“8/16” it reads. This simple inscription marks the spot of the Veretovoy stolb 8/16 km. But what exactly is a verstovoy stolb? What is its significance?
The Verstovoy stolb 8/16 km is a historical roadside marker. It shows the distance in versts from Saint Petersburg to Petergof. These markers were erected in the second half of the 18th century. This was during the reign of Empress Catherine II. She wanted to mark the distances between populated areas.
The verst, an old Russian unit of distance, is longer than a kilometer. Road markers like the Verstovoy stolb 8/16 km helped travelers navigate. They knew how far they had traveled and how much further they needed to go.
Originally, there were many of these verst markers along the Petergof road. Today, only a few remain. The Verstovoy stolb 8/16 km is one of the surviving examples. It is a cultural heritage object of federal significance.
Most of the stone is shaped like a diminishing tetrahedron. Granite blocks make up most of it. Erect pyramids stand on top of the pyramid. There are two marble boards on each pyramid. One has a sundial on it. The other indicates the distance to ’26’. The fourth board is empty.
Over time, the verst markers have faced threats. In 1937, there was a proposal to demolish all verst markers. Fortunately, preservationists protested and saved some of them. During the Great Patriotic War, many markers were damaged. Some were restored later. The historical marker near Novo Fermy was lost.
There have been debates about the authorship of the verst markers. Many attribute them to Antonio Rinaldi. He was an architect who participated in the construction of the Isaakievsky Cathedral. It was completed together with the Marble Palace.
The verst markers are analogous to milestones. These also mark the start and end points in St. Petersburg. They can be found near Obukhovsky bridge. Another example is the Orlovsky gates in Tsarskoye Selo. The markers are equipped with sundials.
The Verstovoy stolb 8/16 km serves as a reminder of Russia’s imperial past. It is also a testament to the importance of preserving historical landmarks. So take a moment to appreciate this piece of history. It stands as a silent witness to centuries of travel and transformation.