The Rostral Columns were originally built in 1811 as lighthouses for navigating the Neva river. Located in front of the former stock exchange on St Basil Island, they were designed by the exchange's French architect, Thomas de Thomon. The columns are made of brick, mounted on granite pedestals and covered in a terra cotta stucco. The four boats incorporates into the design represent the four great rivers of Russia; the Neva, (in St. Petersburg), the Volkhov, the Dnieper and of course the Volga. The torches are still lit for public holidays and special events.