The sundial was originally installed during the tenure of Taganrog's first mayor, Baron Balthasar von Campenhausen.
It is calibrated to local solar time, which can differ from standard Moscow time by approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on the season.
The metal gnomon is positioned at an angle precisely calculated to the latitude of Taganrog.
The white marble dial slab was replaced during a major renovation in the 1970s to repair damage from long-term weather exposure.
It survived the various military occupations and conflicts that affected Taganrog during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Solnechnyye Chasy (the Sundial) in Taganrog is a historic outdoor timekeeping instrument constructed in 1833. Located at the edge of the Taganrog embankment, the device features a stone pillar supporting a triangular metal gnomon. The dial plate is carved from a single slab of white marble, which has undergone periodic restorations to preserve its accuracy. It remains one of the oldest functioning sundials in Russia. The structure is situated on a stone staircase leading from the historic city center to the sea. It serves as a navigational and cultural landmark for the coastal area of the Rostov Oblast.
From the side angle that captures both the sundial gnomon and the Taganrog Bay in the background.
Bring a digital watch or smartphone to compare the sundial's solar time with standard time.
Visit during a clear, sunny day to see the shadow cast clearly on the marble dial.
Combine your visit with a walk along the adjacent Pushkinskaya embankment.
Do not attempt to climb or lean on the marble pillar, as it is a protected historic monument.
