Proud and dignified, but at the same time very compact and friendly Petrozavodsk attracts with a combination of old history and modernity. The town that once grew up around an arms factory has turned into a respectable and representative capital in more than 300 years. But even in the 21st century, the spirit of Tsarist Russia has been preserved here.
The citizens of Petrozavodsk remember their origins, are proud of their great compatriots and love to decorate their city very much. A tourist traveling around Karelia will not be bored in this ancient corner of the country. After all, the embankment of Lake Onega alone may well be considered a full-fledged art museum!
Historical and modern monuments of Petrozavodsk
List of the most famous monuments in the city.
Monument to V.I.Lenin
The local leader of the world proletariat differs significantly from his analogous monuments. In 1930, the raw materials for the construction of the monument were delivered straight from the strict regime colony - the prisoners themselves mined the granite. Usually Ilyich is portrayed in a cap, here he flaunts with a winter hat and a warm coat. The leader's pose is also original - on the central square of the city, the 11-meter-high Lenin is passionately broadcasting from the rostrum.
"Eternal flame"
Next to the unusual monument to Lenin is a memorial complex made of pink quartzite. Here, on the site of the grave of an unidentified soldier, an eternal flame has been burning since 1969. On the 25th anniversary of the liberation of the city from the Finnish occupation, the fire was delivered from what is now St. Petersburg. There is also a fraternal burial of participants in the revolution and prominent political figures of Karelia of that time.
Monument to Peter I
The history of the monument is more than 200 years old. Previously, the famous emperor stood in the central square. Now its place is taken by Lenin, and Peter I since 1978 has been moved to the area of the river station. With a majestic gesture, the king points in the direction where at the beginning of the 18th century the country's largest weapons factory was built. The pedestal in the best baroque traditions emphasizes the respect of the townspeople for the royal person.
Monument to A.S. Pushkin
Pushkinskaya Street is a constant gathering place for poetry lovers. Every June 6, a literary festival is held here in honor of the great poet. A 4-meter tall Alexander Sergeevich has been living near the National Library since 1966. The author of the monument, G. Schultz, had already sculpted a similar sculpture of the poet for Rostov-on-Don. But it is the Petrozavodsk Pushkin that is made with special love and realism.
Monument to S. M. Kirov
In Petrozavodsk, a Soviet leader has been standing on the square of the same name since 1936. Kamenny Kirov as if points to the natural resources of Karelia, pointing down his finger. During the Second World War, the sculpture was demolished, but at the end of the war, it was put back in its usual place. They say that during the occupation of the city by the Finns, the dismantled statue even managed to visit Finland. Exactly the same, identical sculpture is in Medvezhyegorsk.
Monument to Alexander Nevsky
The famous prince has been standing in Golikovsky Park since 2010. A competition was held in the city, and the idea of the monument won by a small margin. Among the candidates were also monuments to Stolypin and Stalin. By joint efforts of the republican authorities and the townspeople, money was collected for the installation of the monument. The place was not chosen by chance - the monument is located next to the cathedral, which bears the name of Alexander Nevsky.
Monument to G.K. Zhukov
The opening of the monument took place on Victory Day in 2000 on the eponymous Zhukov square in the Oktyabrsky district. Local sculptor L. Davidyan made a cast iron bust of the commander. Next to the monument is a music school, where you can see a memorial plaque in honor of the Soviet marshal. The monument reminds the townspeople of how many Karelian soldiers fought under the leadership of Zhukov during the Second World War.
Monument to O. V. Kuusinen
Monument to an outstanding Finnish politician on pl. Soviet - a tribute to the old days. Today, few people remember that this man was once at the "top" of the Karelo-Finnish Republic. The sculpture was erected in 1973; today the granite Kuusinen is forgotten and neglected. For tourists from Finland, this monument is one of the main locations for memorable photos. Among the people, the sculpture acquired the name "fish supervision" for the look, turned to the lake.
"Who used to be?"
This amusing sculpture made of metal and stone appeared in 2017 and has a powerful philosophical overtones. Subject is a pensive human staring at a hen hatching an egg. The name "Who used to be?" is not official, but it characterizes the sculpture very accurately. This refers to the eternal dispute: which appeared first - an egg or a chicken. The art object, which is also symbolic, was installed near the building of the city court on the street. Red. The author of the original idea is A. Kim.
"Fishermen"
An interesting gift to Petrozavodsk was made by the American sculptor R. Consuegra. This surreal metal art object depicts two men throwing nets into the water. The monument was erected in 1991 on the embankment of Lake Onega. Consuegra acted as the author and provided the finished project, and local craftsmen have already brought the sculpture to life. The object confirms the friendly, sister-city relations between Petrozavodsk and the American city of Duluth.
"The birth of Petrozavodsk"
By the 300th anniversary of the founding of the city of Leningrad region. presented this magnificent sculpture to the citizens of Petrozavodsk as a gift. The monument depicts an armed warrior who is preparing to disembark from a boat to the shore. The sculpture in 2003 became an adornment of the second part of the embankment, which at that time was just put into operation. Petrozavodsk residents associate the warrior with Peter I in his youth, because it was with his state activities that the development of the city began.
"Wish tree"
The magical art object was presented to the citizens of Petrozavodsk as a sign of friendship by the Swedish city of Umeå. An unusual plant appeared on the embankment in 1996 - since then, the wishes of townspeople and tourists have been fulfilled here. There is an ear on the trunk, into which you can whisper your cherished dream. Earlier, metal bells rang on the branches, but vandals cut them off. But local residents, according to Russian custom, began to impose colored ribbons on the branches.
Monument to G.R.Derzhavin
In 2003, a memorial was erected in the old Governor's Park in honor of the Governor of Olonets Governorate and a talented writer. Bronze Derzhavin on a granite pedestal is presented in full growth, with a scroll in his hands. Here, in Petrozavodsk, there was a house where the poet lived. Now there is a commemorative plaque at this place. Reproducing Derzhavin's facial features in bronze, the sculptors were guided by the image of Gabriel Romanovich on the memorial plaque.
Monument to K. Marx and F. Engels
In 1960, bronze Marks and Engels appeared in the park on the street. Kuibyshev. The sculpture is unusual in that both communist figures are made in an easy, casual style. The monument depicts them in an informal setting, carried away by conversation. Among all the other monuments dedicated to Marx and Engels, this one is the most friendly and reflects good friendly relations.
Monument to A. Glazunov
The great Russian composer gave his name to the city conservatory on Leningradskaya Street. And in 2011, a new concert hall was opened here, which has become one of the best in Russia. A monument to Glazunov was erected on the site in front of him. The idea to perform the composer sitting on a bench belongs to local honored sculptors.
"Friendship tree"
The art object was installed in the city center back in 1978. The sculpture depicts a tree crown made of metal shields, on which the coats of arms of the foreign twin cities of Petrozavodsk are located. There are five such cities in total.Today, the monument that has stood for many years may be dismantled. In its place, the authorities plan to erect a memorial of military glory.
Monument to P.F.Anokhin
After the revolution, Anokhin was far from the last person in Karelia. For some time he served as the head of the Olonets military body of state power. For services to the USSR in 1967, 45 years after the death of Anokhin, his bust was adorned with the corner of the street of the same name in Petrozavodsk. The sculpture was cast in bronze at the Leningrad plant.
Monument to Yu. Andropov
In 2004, residents of the city honored the memory of their fellow countryman and outstanding politician by opening the monument. Initially, the bust was supposed to decorate one of the streets of the capital, but the idea failed. Then a stainless steel monument was erected in Karelia. Andropov is deliberately depicted as young - thus the author of the sculpture M. Koppelev wanted to point out the willpower and character of this man.
"Black Tulip"
The monument, endowed with a lyrical name, but a tragic meaning, is located in the city square on the street. Antikainen. It was installed in 1992 in memory of the Karelian soldiers who died during the hostilities in Afghanistan. The names of soldiers and poems of the Russian poet L. Molchanov are carved on the granite monument. In the summer of 2019, a new monument appeared on the territory of the memorial complex - to the Defender of the Fatherland. "Black Tulip" is a fragment of the Walk of Military Glory.
"To Soviet and Russian soldiers who fell for the Fatherland"
The appearance of this monument on the Alley of Military Glory is a merit of public organizations. In 2017, as part of a project to revive and maintain the patriotic spirit, the city received this monument as a gift. The opening of the memorial took place in time for Victory Day, the event was solemn. The memorial stele was installed not far from the temple of the Prophet Elijah.
Monument to K. A. Meretskov
During the Second World War, they wanted to erect a worthy monument to the commander-in-chief of the Karelian troops. And in 2005, at the numerous requests of war veterans, the memorial appeared on the street, also named after the marshal. The marshal's colleagues opened the monument, and the author of the granite bust was the same sculptor who sculpted the monument to Yu. Andropov.
Monument to the sailors of the Onega military flotilla
The monument, consisting of granite slabs and anchors, reminds the citizens of Petrozavodsk about the liberation of the city from the Nazis. The names of the sailors who died in 1943 are inscribed on the plates. At this very place, back in 1944, Soviet troops landed on the shore of Lake Onega. The symbolic memorial appeared in 2004 - to the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the city. Today, newlyweds love to be photographed here.
"The Bird of Happiness"
The memorial dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Great Victory is located on Victory Boulevard. In the center of the stone structure is a bird made in the ethnic style of Russian crafts. Next to the bird of happiness is a memorial; here, in special capsules, the earth taken from the places of fierce battles is stored. There are 12 such capsules in total - according to the number of hero cities that survived bloody hostilities.
Steam locomotive-monument Er 738-47
This steam locomotive can rightfully be considered a hero - it was released in 1935 in Bryansk and worked for the good of the fatherland for many years. During the war, the locomotive also did its duty, transporting goods. And only in 1987 he retired. Now the famous Er designed by V. Lopushinsky is on a well-deserved rest at the railway station.
Fullerene molecule
One of the most unusual fountains not only in Russia, but also in the world is an amazing ball created in the form of a molecular compound. This design idea is not accidental. The famous Karelian mineral shungite, which is often used to make souvenirs for tourists, contains the same fullerene. A non-trivial art object has been decorating Lenin Avenue since 1996.
Monument to Robert Rozhdestvensky and Vladimir Morozov
In 2018, the authorities planned to erect a monument to R. Rozhdestvensky. After all, the poet's first creative steps are directly related to Petrozavodsk, where he studied. But then they decided to create a memorial, reminiscent of another, no less respected Karelian poet - V. Morozov. The literary figures were tied by strong friendship, and in the sculptural composition near the Philharmonic they are depicted together.
Monument to Olonets regiments and people's militias of the Russian army
The grand opening of the obelisk took place in 2012 on the eve of National Unity Day. The money for the installation of the monument was donated by patrons, and the monument itself was practically collected in parts. Several stone-making companies took part in its creation at the same time. And the role of the foundation for the obelisk was played by the pedestal from the monument to Alexander II, found by chance during underground work.
Monument to police officers who died in the line of duty
Thanks to the voluntary donations of the veterans of the Department of Internal Affairs, in 2008 a bronze eagle appeared on a 5-meter granite pedestal near the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. A flying bird holds a sword in its paws. Thus, the workers of the organs paid tribute to the memory of their deceased comrades. The opening of the memorial was timed to the high-profile date - 85 years of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic. Today, flowers are laid at the monument on Defender of the Fatherland Day.
Monument to firefighters and rescuers
In 2016, in honor of the valiant firefighters and rescuers of Petrozavodsk, they not only erected an honorary stele, but also planted a beautiful alley. The marble slab shows the respectful attitude of the townspeople towards their heroes and keeps the memory of those who died doing their work. The monument is located on Sverdlov Street, and this is the only monument of its kind in the republic.
Military Memorial Complex of the Karelian Front
The largest memorial in the city was waiting for its opening for a long time. Starting to build it in 1984, construction was postponed several times. 2015 was the final stage - the memorial complex was opened for the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory. On the stone slabs there are the names of all Karelian heroes of the times of the USSR and the names of military formations.
