“Did you know that this obelisk is not just a monument but also a giant star?”
Here we stand in Vosstaniya Square. We are in front of the Leningrad Hero City Obelisk. This monument honors the Red Army’s victory in the German-Soviet War. It is a tribute to the city’s resilience. The war is also known as the Great Patriotic War.
The Leningrad Hero City Obelisk was installed on Victory Day in May 1985. It marked the fortieth anniversary of the victory. Architects Vladimir Lukyanov and A. I. Alymov designed it. They created a powerful symbol of courage.
The obelisk’s shape is quite unique. Its cross-section resembles a star with five points. A bronze wreath encircles its lower part. This wreath covers the joint between the two monoliths. High reliefs decorate the monument. They depict the heroic defense of Leningrad. A gold star shines brightly on top. After the Alexander Column, it is the highest stone monument in our city.
During the siege of Leningrad, over one million residents died. They succumbed to starvation, exposure, and shelling. Around 300,000 soldiers also died defending the city. Leningrad received the title Hero City in 1945. It was the first city to receive this honor. This title reflects the city’s extraordinary bravery.
The obelisk’s construction required skilled builders. They chose grey granite for the monument. Its color resembles a soldier’s overcoat. The granite came from a quarry near Vyborg. A controlled explosion separated a 2200-tonne monolith in 1983. Workers finished and polished the granite on-site. In early April 1985, the obelisk was crowned with the Gold Star. It was then installed on its pedestal.
The Leningrad Hero City Obelisk stands 36 meters tall. The central trunk is 22.5 meters high. The pommel and star add another 4.5 meters. The base measures 9 meters. Its base has a diameter of 3.5 meters. It has a width of 9 meters. The monument weighs approximately 390 tonnes. With the base, its total mass reaches 750 tonnes. The bronze wreath has a diameter of 4.5 meters. The Gold Star is made of stainless steel. It measures 1.8 meters in diameter.
The Leningrad Hero City Obelisk is more than stone and bronze. It represents the indomitable spirit. It reminds us of the sacrifices made during the war. This obelisk honors those who defended our city.