Monument to Nicholas I
Monument Equestrian statue of Tsar Nicholas I in St. Petersburg
A 19th-century equestrian statue on St. Isaac’s Square in Saint Petersburg. Sightseers see it alongside St. Isaac’s Cathedral and major central boulevards as part of walking routes.
The Monument to Nicholas I is an equestrian bronze statue of Emperor Nicholas I on St. Isaac’s Square in Saint Petersburg. It was unveiled in 1859 and is noted for its engineering, balancing the horse on two support points.
The statue was produced in the mid-19th century with sculpture by Pyotr Klodt and architectural work on the pedestal by Auguste de Montferrand, and it was unveiled in 1859. It was celebrated at the time for the technical achievement of balancing the bronze horse on two hooves.
Sited on St. Isaac’s Square in central Saint Petersburg, the monument stands immediately beside St. Isaac’s Cathedral and within the historic city centre.
- Location advantage: Sited on St. Isaac's Square directly adjacent to St. Isaac's Cathedral, making it one of the most photographed monuments in central Saint Petersburg.
How to Get to Monument to Nicholas I #
St. Isaac’s Square is a short walk from Nevsky Prospekt and accessible from several tram and metro stops in central St. Petersburg; follow signs to St. Isaac’s Cathedral for the easiest route.
Tips for Visiting Monument to Nicholas I #
- View the equestrian statue from the square and along the colonnade of St. Isaac's to appreciate Auguste de Montferrand's sculptural pairing of building and monument.
- Photograph the monument in the golden hour for dramatic shadowing - the two-legged support of the horse is easier to see at an angle.
- Take care crossing the square; it is a busy public thoroughfare with taxis and tram lines nearby.
Best Time to Visit Monument to Nicholas I #
The monument is best seen in late spring to early autumn for comfortable weather and better light; the White Nights in June-July provide atmospheric evening views.
Weather & Climate near Monument to Nicholas I #
Monument to Nicholas I's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (701 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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