BRONZE HORSEMAN

One of the most popular places to see in St. Petersburg, the Bronze Horseman is an equestrian statue of Peter the Great on horseback. The statue stands atop the enormous Thunder Stone, which is said to be the largest single stone ever moved by humans.

Designed by the French sculptor Etienne Maurice Falconet, the statue imagines Peter the Great as a Roman Hero, leading Russia to its glory. According to popular legend, enemy forces can never conquer St. Petersburg as long as the statue stands- true to its tale, the statue was enclosed in a wooden shelter during the Siege of World War 2, and Leningrad remained unfallen.

Location: Senate Square, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Highlights: Equestrian statue, Thunder Stone.