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.
Monument to Nicholas I at a Glance#
Address: St. Isaac’s Square (near St. Isaac’s Cathedral), St. Petersburg, Russia
About Monument to Nicholas I#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -9° - -4° | -12° | 41 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -3° | -12° | 31 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 44 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 1° - 8° | 1° | 54 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Very Good | 6° - 16° | 11° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.5 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| June | Very Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 18.2h |
| July | Very Good | 14° - 22° | 18° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.5h |
| August | Good | 13° - 20° | 16° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 72 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.9 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 80 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 2° | -5° | 59 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | -6° - -2° | -10° | 50 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
