Mamayev Kurgan

Mamayev Kurgan is the «Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad» memorial complex in the Central district of Volgograd, on a hill 102 meters high above the right bank of the Volga. In 1942–1943 it was the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Stalingrad, and in 1959–1967, to a design by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich, a memorial ensemble was built here; today it is part of the "Battle of Stalingrad" state historical museum-reserve.

History

During the Battle of Stalingrad, Mamayev Kurgan was a key height fought over throughout the defense of the city: control of it gave a view over the Volga crossings and the factory districts. After the war it was decided to build a monument to the city's defenders here.

Construction of the memorial complex went on from 1959 to 1967. The project was authored by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich, while engineer Nikolai Nikitin — the same engineer who designed the Ostankino Tower — carried out the calculations that ensured the stability and height of the main monument. The formal opening of the memorial ensemble took place on October 15, 1967.

By one version, the hill's name is linked to the Golden Horde commander Mamai, who supposedly kept a watch post here; this is unconfirmed folk etymology, not a documented fact.

What to see

The complex is laid out as a single route from the foot of the hill to its summit:

• the introductory relief composition "Memory of Generations" and an avenue of pyramidal poplars;
• Stand to the Death Square with a sculpture of a soldier;
• the Ruined Walls with relief scenes of the fighting;
• the Square of Heroes with a monumental relief;
• the Hall of Military Glory, with an eternal flame and the names of the city's fallen defenders;
• the Square of Sorrow with a sculpture of a grieving mother;
• the main monument, "The Motherland Calls," at the summit of the hill — its height including the sword is 85 meters, 52 meters without the sword;
• a military memorial cemetery and a memorial park at the foot of the hill.

The museum-reserve also includes the "Battle of Stalingrad" Panorama Museum, with a diorama of the battle.

How to get there

The memorial complex is located in Volgograd, on Lenin Avenue. The "Battle of Stalingrad" Panorama Museum stands separately, at 47 Marshal Chuikov Street. Both sites are reachable by public transport from the city center.