Chesme Column
The Chesme Column (Russian: Чесменская колонна) in Tsarskoye Selo commemorates three Russian naval victories in the Russo-Turkish War, 1768-1774, specifically the Battle of Chesma. It was constructed in the Large Pond of the Landscape Park of the Catherine Palace to Rinaldi's designs over the years 1774-78. The column should not be confused with the Chesme Obelisk in Gatchina.
The monument is a Doric rostral column of white-and-pink marble, decorated with ship bows rostra and crowned by a bronze figure of an eagle (symbol of Russia) trampling a crescent (symbol of Turkey). The column stands on a grey marble pedestal lined with bronze bas-reliefs illustrating the Russian victories: these were destroyed by the Germans during the World War II and subsequently restored from old photographs. The pedestal rests on a stepped pyramid-like granite platform.
Catherine II strolling in the park at Tsarskoye Selo with the Chesme Column in the background
Marble Bridge in Tsarskoe Selo (1774). The Chesme Column may be seen in the distance
Side view shows an entrance leading to the base pedestal.
Coordinates: 59°42′36″N 30°23′37″E / 59.7101°N 30.3936°E
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