Rostral Columns Opposite the exchange building on the Neva, de Thomon designed a semicircular overlook with circular ramps descending to a jetty projecting into the river. This formal approach, is framed by two rostral columns centered on the portico of the Stock Exchange. The Doric columns sit on a granite plinth and are constructed of brick coated with a deep terra cotta red stucco and decorated with bronze anchors and four pairs of bronze ship prows (rostra). Seated marble figures decorate the base of each column each representing the major rivers of Russia: the Volga and Dnieper at the northern Rostral Column, Neva and Volkhov at the southern one. The Rostral Columns were originally intended to serve as beacons and originally were topped by a light in the form of a Greek brazier and lit by oil. The braziers have been removed and the tops of the columns refitted with gas torches that continue to be lit on ceremonial occasions. Gallery Notes Bibliography Бунин М. С. Стрелка Васильевского острова: История формирования архитектурного ансамбля. М.; Л., 1958. Канн П. Я. Стрелка Васильевского острова. Л., 1973. External links Online description of The Old Stock Exchange and the Rostral Columns https://web.archive.org/web/20050927014440/http://www.hermitagemuseum.org/shop/html_En/products/00293_The_Rostral_Column.html Buildings and structures in Saint Petersburg Greek Revival buildings Neoclassical architecture in Russia Commercial buildings completed in 1810 Stock exchange buildings Cultural heritage monuments of federal significance in Saint Petersburg