Beneath your feet lies Vosstaniya Square a place forever linked to Leningrad’s heroic story and right here rises the Leningrad Hero City Obelisk. This obelisk stands tall a testament to a city’s resilience.
The Leningrad Hero City Obelisk commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Red Army’s victory in the German-Soviet War. It was installed on Victory Day in May 1985. Before this monument an equestrian statue of Emperor Alexander III stood here until 1937.
The obelisk is more than just a stone column. It is a symbol of Leningrad’s unwavering spirit during the Great Patriotic War. The title “Hero City” was granted to Leningrad on May 1 1945. This was for its heroic defense during the siege of Leningrad. The city also received the Lenin Order and the Gold Star.
Architects Vladimir Lukyanov and A. I. Alymov designed this striking monument. The obelisk is pentahedral in shape with a star-shaped cross-section. It is the first of its kind worldwide. Grey granite the color of a soldier’s overcoat was chosen for the monument. This granite came from a quarry near Vyborg.
Imagine the task of moving a 2200-tonne monolith. A controlled explosion separated the rock in November 1983. Skilled builders and fitters then completed the finishing touches on-site.
Look closely at the lower part of the Leningrad Hero City Obelisk. A bronze wreath encircles the joint of two monoliths. Bronze high reliefs depict the heroic defense of Leningrad. A gold star shines brightly at the top a beacon of hope and resilience.
The Leningrad Hero City Obelisk reaches a total height of 36 meters. The central trunk measures 22.5 meters. The pommel and star add another 4.5 meters. The base stands 9 meters high. The overall mass of the monument is approximately 390 tonnes. With its base it weighs 750 tonnes. The bronze wreaths have a diameter of 4.5 meters. The gold star made of stainless steel is 1.8 meters in diameter.
The siege of Leningrad was a brutal period. Over one million inhabitants died from starvation exposure and shelling. 300000 soldiers perished defending the city. The Leningrad Hero City Obelisk serves as a poignant reminder of their sacrifice.
Today the Leningrad Hero City Obelisk stands as the highest stone monument in Saint Petersburg after the Alexander Column. It is more than just a landmark. It is a symbol of courage resilience and the enduring human spirit. As you stand before it take a moment to remember the heroes of Leningrad.