№ 849-855. 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg

The first wooden Anichkov Bridge across the Fontanka river was built in 1715 by lieutenant colonel M.O.Anichkov. The bridge was repeatedly rebuilt. In 1849-1850 the sculpture groups "Horse Handler" by P.K.Klodt were set on the bankseats of the bridge. The stamp features one of these sculpture groups.

The Neva is a river in Leningrad region. It is the main thoroughfare of St.Petersburg. It is crossed by 10 bridges, including 8 drawbridges. The Neva has bold shores, but most of them have embankments. Several upper platforms of the embankments are figured with sculptures of sphinges, one of which is featured on the stamp.

Vasilievsky Island is the biggest island of the Neva. In the eastern part of the island there is one of the most interesting buildings - the Stock Exchange. It was built in 1805-1810, stands on the high base and is surrounded by 44 Doric columns. The building looks like an antique temple, though there is no traditional fronton, which is replaced by the sculpture group "Neptune's Triumph". On either hand of the building there are Rostral columns decorated with rostrs (ship head figures). The stamp features one of the rostrs.

The Palace Square is the central square of St.Petersburg. The buildings surrounding the square make one architectural complex, based on the glorification of the victory of Russia in the Patriotic War of 1812. The stamp features the General Staff arch crowned with the chariot of Victory and the Alexander Column which became the memorial to Alexander I, who wielded the sceptre when the victory was secured. The stamp also features the figure of the angel with the cross which crowns the column.

The present Winter Palace was built in 1754-1762. First it was a small wooden house, then two centuries later it became a huge palace complex and became one of the largest and beautiful St.Petersburg buildings. It has all the elements of the Baroque taste: the combination of imagery and gilding. The 176 sculptures on the roof of the building accentuate the gravity of the building.

The Summer Garden is the oldest St.Petersburg garden. It was founded in 1704 near the Summer Palace of Peter the Great. Rare sorts of trees and flowers, marble sculptures were brought to St.Petersburg for the Garden decoration. Peter the Great wanted the garden sculptures not only serve as decorations, but also enculturate Russian people to the antique mythology and European culture. The stamp features some sculptures.

The margins of the souvenir sheet bear the graphic sketch of the St.Peter and Paul Fortress, the Palace embankment, the Rostral Column and the emblem of celebration of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. The stamp of the souvenir sheet features the monument of Peter I "The Bronze Horseman" by E.Falkonet.