Standing tall in the heart of Moscow, the V. A. Gilyarovsky Statue embodies the spirit of the city. You see it right before you, a bronze figure atop a granite pedestal. This monument is not just a beautiful sculpture, it honors Yuriy Dolgoruky, the legendary founder of Moscow.
Imagine yourself transported back to 1147, the year Moscow was founded. Yuriy Dolgoruky, a prince from the Rurik dynasty, gathered people to build a settlement on the Moskva River. He believed this spot was strategically important, with the Volga River close by, the Oka River, and the Baltic Sea all within reach. It was a crossroads of trading routes and a place of growth. This settlement, forged by Yuriy Dolgoruky, became the foundation of what we know as Moscow today.
However, Yuriy Dolgoruky didn’t just found Moscow. He was also a keen strategist who defended his land from invaders. Not much is known about Yuriy Dolgoruky’s looks, as no images of him exist. That’s why the sculptors of the V. A. Gilyarovsky Statue decided to create a collective image of a strong Russian hero. He is portrayed on horseback, dressed in armor, and with a commanding gaze. This image was inspired by Russian folklore and mythology, which is subtly reflected in the carvings that adorn the base of the statue.
The V. A. Gilyarovsky Statue commemorates a significant event in Russia’s history. The city of Moscow changed the course of Russian history. That´s why Yuriy Dolgoruky is seen as a pivotal figure to this day. When you stand before this statue, remember the legacy of Yuriy Dolgoruky, and all those who came after him, that made Moscow the vibrant metropolis it is today.