Events related to the monument Chizhik-Pyzhik
A small and inconspicuous from afar bronze of Chizhik-Pyzhik attracts the attention of walking couples and tourists. By the way, one cannot fail to say that this cute bird is the smallest sculpture in the whole world and is only 11 centimeters in height. Since the creation of the monument, they tried to steal it and stole it many times. Each kidnapper had his own reason for this. Someone was trying to sell non-ferrous metal, but someone wanted to take such an original souvenir from St. Petersburg and leave it as a souvenir. Of course, the monument was mainly located and returned to St. Petersburg. The monument to Chizhik-Pyzhik was once stolen without return, and the sculptor Rezo Gabriadze again cast an exact copy of a pretty bird from bronze. At the same time, the St. Petersburg authorities proposed to build a new sculpture of wood or granite, but the sculptor opposed and explained his refusal by the fact that wood or granite would rob the bird of grace and grace, which means that the sculpture will no longer be an exact copy of the exclusive bird.
Terrain Features
Currently, the monument is installed around the clock monitoring, and therefore, all attempts are immediately prevented. Today no one risks stealing this value of the city. The monument to Chizhik-Pyzhik is well guarded. The area itself has gained great popularity in a short time. Many come here to take some photos as a keepsake. The bird does not cease to please visitors with its originality. Now the embankment of the Fontanka River, surrounded by exclusive mansions, beautiful slopes and ascents and, of course, with the sculpture of Chizhik, recreates that very original charm of the times of imperial Russia. And if you recall, then once upon a time, during the construction of the city, this place did not have much of a special meaning, but even its name. Today, the monument to Chizhik-Pyzhik is the best place where you can relax, make a wish, celebrate a holiday. And you can be sure that you will spend your time there unforgettably.
A bit of history
Only after the Summer Palace was built there in the 17th century , Fontanka became not only the border of St. Petersburg, but also became a place for walking of the local nobility. Near the palace began to build their mansions close to the palace gentlemen. And everyone was sure to try to create their own home much better than the rest. Now it is a true architectural monument to secular St. Petersburg, which makes every tourist and vacationer feel all the majesty of the city. In 1835, the Imperial School of Law was built on the Fontanka. His pupils had an unusual form, made in yellow and green tones, and in winter such an outfit was supplemented with fawn caps. For this they were nicknamed "Siskin-Fawn." That is why the appearance of a bronze sculpture on the embankment is so symbolic. Each tourist, having arrived in St. Petersburg, is simply obliged to visit the monument to Chizhik-Pyzhik. The very history of the monument is fraught with some mystery, which attracts many tourists.
Monument Creation
In 1994, at the Golden Ostap Festival of Satire and Humor, the famous writer Andrei Bitov proposed installing a memorial sculpture of Chizhik-Pyzhik. The rest liked his idea so much that it was decided to start making a model of Chizhik.
The sculpture Chizhik-Pyzhik in St. Petersburg was put on November 19, 1994. At the moment, this is the smallest monument not only on the Neva, but throughout the world. The height of the monument Chizhik-Pyzhik is 11 cm, and the weight is only 5 kg. Its authors were the architect Vyacheslav Bukhayev and sculptor Rezo Gabriadze. Why it was decided to erect a monument to Chizhik, is described above. There is also another story of the second part of the famous nickname. According to this version, the dressing of the pupils was excessively pompous and therefore they were called Fawn. In their free time, students liked to visit the nearest tavern, after all there was a rhyme, which today is known to almost everyone:
Chizhik-fawn, where have you been?
I drank vodka on the Fontanka.
I drank a glass, drank two -
Spinning in my head.
Despite the fact that in 1918 the school was closed, the quatrain continues to this day. Moreover, such a small poem is known not only to older people, but also to youth. Monument Chizhik-Pyzhik gained good popularity among many tourists.
The popularity of the monument
After making the sculpture, she instantly overgrown with many legends and signs. The most famous says that it is necessary to make a wish and try to throw a coin on the pedestal so that it does not fall into the water and remains there. If it was possible to do this, then the desired desire will certainly come true, and this will happen as soon as possible. Therefore, people carefully aim and throw a coin so that it could not fall.
Also known Chizhik-Pyzhik among newlyweds. According to tradition, the groom needs to tie a glass with a rope, then fill it and slowly and carefully, without spilling a single drop, lower it to the sculpture and clink glasses with the beak of the bird, without breaking the glass. If these complex rules are followed, then the further family life of the newlyweds will be safe and happy and will not be overshadowed by any problems. In addition to the newlyweds, they come to Chizhik-Pyzhik from other cities and even countries, because this architectural monument is known all over the world. Everyone knows where the monument to Chizhik-Pyzhik is located, the address can be asked from any resident in the city.
Wish Monument
Many tourists believe that if a wish is made near a monument, it will come true. And indeed it is. Some tourists have repeatedly boasted that after returning to their homeland their wishes came true. To make a wish come true, it was necessary to go to the monument and throw a coin after it was made up. Someone throws coins and makes a wish, someone simply observes the graceful execution of the sculpture and admires how the sculptor was able to convey to the monument the grace and originality that is inherent in a real bird. Despite the fact that they tried to steal the sculpture 7 times, it still continues to please us with its presence on the Fontanka. Be sure to visit the monument Chizhik-Pyzhik. Remember to take a photo for memory. By the way, not many people know that once the monument had to be re-made, because it was not possible to find any clues to where the real sculpture disappeared. Prior to this, the bronze Chizhik was found at non-ferrous metal acceptance points more than once. And now, perhaps, it has long been melted down. And in its place is a newly cast sculpture.