Chizhik-Pyzhik in Saint Petersburg: a small monument on the Fontanka

• Chizhik-Pyzhik is a small bronze sculpture on the Fontanka River in Saint Petersburg.
• The existing entry gives its height as 11 centimetres and its weight as about five kilograms.
• The figure was created in 1994 by Rezo Gabriadze; the date provides historical context.
• Its name and motif are connected with a humorous song and the former School of Law on the Fontanka.
• Tossing a coin is a folk custom, not a guarantee that it will land and stay in place or that a wish will come true.
• Check the exact location, riverbank access, transport and current travel conditions before visiting.

Saint Petersburg’s smallest monument is also its best-known: the long-suffering Chizhik-Pyzhik, located on the Fontanka by Mikhailovsky Castle. The monument was created in 1994 by the well-known Soviet sculptor and artist, film director and screenwriter Rezo Levanovich Gabriadze. Since then, it has been stolen by vandals several times, sometimes returning thanks to the heroic efforts of conscientious police officers; on a few occasions, it even had to be replaced by a delicate replica of itself.

The tiny bird is also unique because it is one of the smallest monuments in the world. The sculpture is only 11 cm tall and weighs about 5 kg.

Chizhik-Pyzhik, where have you been?
I drank vodka by the Fontanka.
I had one glass, then another,
And got dizzy.

This humorous little song has an interesting history. In pre-revolutionary Russia, the students of the Imperial School of Law, located at 6 Fontanka Embankment, were nicknamed “Chizhik-Pyzhik.” The boys got this amusing nickname because their yellow-and-green uniforms resembled the plumage of a small bird—the siskin—and because of their fur hats and somewhat haughty demeanour.

Not far from the Imperial School of Law, on the ground floor of merchant Nefedov’s house, there was a famous tavern that the older students would occasionally sneak into to have a drink. That is how the amusing little song came about, inspiring the name and idea for this ironic monument. Today, the Chizhik-Pyzhik monument is hugely popular—unlike the young cadets who once attended the law school.

The tiny statue is a well-known attraction and is included on most Saint Petersburg itineraries. Petersburgers have a charming folk belief: if you toss a small coin into the water and it lands on the little ledge above the water where the famous Chizhik-Pyzhik sits, your dearest wish will come true. It can’t hurt to try.

Chizhik-Pyzhik is one of the smallest and, at the same time, best-known monuments in Saint Petersburg. The figure makes a nice stop on a walk along the Fontanka and shows how the city’s life is shaped not only by palaces and large museums, but also by little stories. Those who explore attentively will discover a lighter, more playful side of the city in places like this.

A brief stop is usually enough, but check the exact location beforehand, as the monument is small and easy to miss. It makes particular sense to combine it with nearby bridges, riverside paths and other stops in the historic centre.

Chizhik-Pyzhik stands out precisely because of its tiny size. The figure sits by the Fontanka and is associated with a humorous song and the former Imperial School of Law. The historical overview of Chizhik-Pyzhik provides further context; check the exact location and the small monument’s current condition before setting out for a walk.

For a route through Saint Petersburg, this short stop fits in with the area’s quirky side of Saint Petersburg, Nevsky Prospekt or Palace Square. The Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress and Moscow museums each require their own time, so don’t squeeze them into an overly tight itinerary just because they look close on a map.

By the river, find a safe place to stand, keep paths clear and be considerate of residents and other visitors. The familiar coin-tossing custom is not an obligation; don’t throw coins into the water if doing so could affect people, animals or the environment. For your trip, check transport and getting around, travel preparation, staying safe while travelling and the current travel and safety advice for the Russian Federation.

Where is Chizhik-Pyzhik?

The small figure sits by the Fontanka River in Saint Petersburg. Check the exact location and current access to the riverbank on up-to-date maps before setting out for a walk.

How big is the monument?

The existing entry gives its height as 11 centimetres and its weight as about five kilograms.

What does the song have to do with the figure?

The name is associated with a humorous song and the students of the former School of Law on the Fontanka. This story provides historical context.

Does tossing a coin bring good luck?

Tossing a coin is a folk custom. It is neither a guarantee of good luck nor a reason to throw coins into the water or block riverside paths.