The Admiralty
The Admiralty building was constructed in 1823 as the administrative
headquarters of the Russian Navy. Designed by Andreyan Zakharov,
it is best known for its impressive central tower and crowning
gilt spire. Rising to a height of over seventy meters, the spire
is surmounted by a brilliant windvane in the form of a frigate,
which has become the ubiquitous symbol of the city. The Admiralty's
ornate facade is laden with appropriately nautical sculptures
and reliefs, and looks out over the trees and statues of the pleasant
Admiralty Garden. Today it's a navel museum.
