The Spit is a cape in the island's eastern part. In 
the late 17th century there used to be a village 
there. The idea of creating an architectural 
ensemble originated in the early 1710s. 
According to D.Trezzini's project (1716) a 
square was to be laid out there, with dwelling 
houses running along the bank. However, 
foundation of the |Kunstkammer (Chamber of|Custom1|O:80| 
|Curiosities)|Custom1|O:80| marked the site out as the future city 
center. In 1803-4 the architect A.Zakharov 
developed a building project for the spit, that has 
basically been preserved in the layout. The 
emphasis was laid on an artistic effect produced 
by the contrast between the powerful horizontal 
embankment line and the domineering volume of 
the |Stock Exchange|Custom1|O:78|, with its majestic colonnade. 
The vertical |Rostral Columns|Custom1|O:79| emphasize the 
central space of the whole ensemble, taken up 
by the |Stock Exchange.|Custom1|O:78|