The monument was erected by decree of Empress Catherine II. The grand opening took place on August 18, 1782. Catherine admired Peter and tried in every possible way to emphasize the continuity of his reforms. The inscription on the pedestal tells us about this: “PETRO primo CATHARINA secunda — PETRU the first CATHERINE II”.

Despite its name, the Bronze Horseman is not made of copper at all, but of bronze. The pedestal for the statue was the “Thunder Stone” weighing 1600 tons. During the voyage across the Gulf of Finland, the ship with the stone almost sank many times. In honor of the selfless courage of workers and sailors, the inscription “Like Daring” was carved on the stone. Until now, their feat has no analogues — such titanic works were carried out only on the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.

The most famous legend is the belief that Peter will always defend his city as long as this monument stands there. Having heard this story, Alexander I canceled the evacuation of the Copper Horseman during the Patriotic War. St. Petersburg resisted and did not suffer the fate of the burnt and plundered Moscow.

Now the monument is not only a bright attraction for tourists, but also a favorite place for wedding photo shoots.