Rostral columns were built in the first half of the 19th century. by the architect Thomas de Thomon as the final elements of the architectural ensemble The Arrows of Vasilyevsky Island. These columns are decorated with rostra of ships (hence their name), and at their base are statues symbolizing the great rivers of Russia: the Volga, Dnieper, Neva and Volkhov. The columns not only personified the power and majesty of the navy of the Russian Empire, but also served as lanterns in the port of St. Petersburg until the middle of the 20th century. From the top of each column, a beautiful view of the city opens up, but you can get there by the spiral staircase located inside. At present, the Rostral Columns have become rather a decoration of Birzhevaya Square, because they are extremely rarely lit - only on especially solemn occasions.