A star shines bright atop the imposing structure. This is the Novgorod Obelisk no the Leningrad Hero City Obelisk. It stands tall in Vosstaniya Square a testament to resilience. This monument wasn’t erected overnight. It commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Red Army’s victory in the Great Patriotic War. The obelisk’s design is quite unique. It’s pentahedral shaped like a star.
Architects Vladimir Lukyanov and A I Alymov created this masterpiece. The grey granite resembles a soldier’s overcoat a powerful visual metaphor. This wasn’t just any granite. It came from a quarry near Vyborg. Imagine the undertaking. A 2200-tonne monolith separated by a controlled explosion.
The lower part features a bronze wreath. This wreath encircles the joint of the two monoliths. Bronze high reliefs depict the heroic defense of Leningrad. The golden star on top symbolizes victory. It’s the second-tallest stone monument in Saint Petersburg after the Alexander Column.
The siege of Leningrad was brutal. Over a million citizens perished from starvation exposure and shelling. 300000 soldiers died defending and liberating the city. Leningrad received the Hero City title in 1945 the first city to receive this honor.
The installation was a feat of engineering. Highly skilled builders and fitters were required. The finishing touches and polishing were done on-site. By early April 1985 the obelisk stood proudly. The Gold Star gleamed atop its 36-meter height. It consists of a crowned top a 22.5-meter central trunk a 4.5-meter pommel and star and a 9-meter base.
The Novgorod Obelisk is more than a monument. It’s a symbol. It represents the immense sacrifice and unwavering spirit of a city under siege. It stands as a reminder of history and a tribute to those who fought for freedom. Let’s take a moment to reflect on this powerful symbol of endurance.