What the place is
The Victory Monument, known in Russian as Монумент Победы, stands on Catherine’s Hill in the southern part of Kremlin Park in Veliky Novgorod. It commemorates the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II and the city’s liberation from Nazi occupation.
History
The Council of Ministers of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) sanctioned construction on January 5, 1968. Work was completed between 1973 and 1974, and the monument was officially unveiled on January 20, 1974, on the 30th anniversary of Novgorod’s liberation from Nazi occupation (Wikipedia).
The monument represents the resilience and strength of the Soviet state and its people. G.V. Neroda, one of its creators, said it embodied the great power of the Soviet state and the heroic deeds of its people during the war against Nazi Germany (Wikipedia).
The monument also appears on the five-ruble banknote in the 1997 series issued by the Bank of Russia (Wikipedia).
What to see
The monument was designed by sculptors G.V. Neroda and A. Filippova and architects A. Dushkin and A. Saikovsky. Its central feature is a bronze sculpture of a rearing horse carrying a Soviet warrior. The rider holds a raised sword in his right hand and extends his left hand forward and downward, palm open. Beneath the horse is a crushed and twisted swastika, symbolizing the defeat of fascism.
The horse and rider together weigh 27 tons, and the sculpture is 8 meters tall. It stands on a massive pedestal resting on a granite platform that is 3 meters high and covers an area of 120 square meters (Wikipedia).
Behind the sculpture is a brick tower, 23.5 meters high, with a base measuring 6.5 by 8.5 meters. A boat decorated with ancient military attributes, including shields and spears, sits at the top. Four large bas-reliefs on the tower depict key stages of the Great Patriotic War and the Red Army’s victorious battles to liberate Novgorod. The tower’s total height, including the boat, is 34.5 meters (Wikipedia).
Practical visiting information
The monument is accessible to the public year-round, though visiting hours may vary. There is currently no admission fee. For the latest information, check official websites or ask local tourist information centers.
The tower originally had a spiral staircase leading to an observation balcony with views of the Volkhov River, the rowing canal, Lake Ilmen, and the Kremlin. Access to the tower is currently restricted because of its deteriorating condition. Interior spaces in the granite pedestal are also closed to the public (Wikipedia).
Tips
The monument is a focal point for commemorative events, especially Victory Day celebrations. Local tour operators offer guided tours with historical context and information about the monument’s significance.
Nearby places
The monument is in Kremlin Park and can be reached by public transport or on foot from the city center. Nearby attractions include the Novgorod Kremlin, the Cathedral of St. Sophia, and the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Visiting these sites along with the monument offers a broader look at the area’s history.
FAQ
What are the visiting hours for the Victory Monument?
The monument is accessible year-round, but specific visiting hours may vary. Check the latest information from official sources.
How much are tickets to the Victory Monument?
There is currently no admission fee.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes. Local tour operators offer guided tours with historical context and information about the monument’s significance.
