MONUMENT TO CATHERINE THE GREAT

This monument to Catherine the Great was unveiled in 1873. Empress Catherine has done lot to the benefit of St. Petersburg and its people for which she was very much loved. Her time was often considered the "golden age" of Russia. That is why the statue of Catherine is surrounded by statues of the most prominent people of her reign: politicians and poets, military men and courtiers. The monument is located in the middle of a nice square, just off Nevsky Prospekt, and is surrounded by the Anichkov Palace, Alexandrinsky Drama Theater and the Russian National Library. As an enlightened monarch Catherine could not have chosen a better spot.

The idea of the monument came from an artist M.O. Mikeshin, who drew a master-plan for it. The plan was implemented by best sculptors and architects of the time. Catherine the Great is dressed in her official gown and holds a scepter in her right hand and an olive wreath in her left hand. The pedestal is decorated with the symbols of royal power. Among the dignitaries, who's statues were placed around the pedestal are Alexander Suvorov, perhaps the most famous Russian general, prince Potiomkin, general and politician, Ekaterina Dashkova, the first woman to chair the Russian Academy of Sciences (in the 18th century !!!), poet Gavrila Derzhavin and others. Where? Ploschad Ostrovskovo, just off Nevsky Prospekt Metro: Gostiny Dvor