Monument to Peter I, Russia

In 1997, Russia hosted a large military celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Russian Navy base. This important event coincided with an opening of the new monument in Moscow. It was the magnificent statue of Peter the Great, which is regarded as one of the greatest in the world. The project was developed by the eminent sculptor, Zurab Tsereteli. It was decided to place a monument on an artificial island, which was created specially for that purpose. This place lies in waters of the Moskva River, near Vodootvodny Canal.

The monument was not only incredibly amazing and impressive, but also quite large. Its height is 98 meters. The construction is unique from the technical point of view. Initially, the monument got a complex framing of stainless steel. Subsequently, it was faced with bronze plates. The detailed embodiment of the ship's layout strikes with its majesty. Gold was used to decorate the monument too. It was added to the scroll that Peter the Great holds and to the crosses on the St. Andrew's flag ship.

The bulk island that serves as a kind of monument pedestal also has some special features. It has a special fountain system. Fountains create an effect that the ship is sailing and cutting the water. Many disputes and misunderstandings are related to the monument. They began appearing just after construction. According to one version, the majestic monument to Peter I is nothing else, but the rebuilt monument to Christopher Columbus. It was made by Tsereteli for the United States, but the author was not able to sell it. People in the capital treat the sculpture different ways. Some criticize it as cumbersome and alien to Moscow, others admire its grandeur. Next - Statue of Liberty