Monument “The Motherland is calling!” on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd was inaugurated October 15, 1967 - 24 years after the end of the Battle of Stalingrad. This date has become a symbol of memory of the Great Patriotic War and the feat of the Soviet people. Monument, height 85 meters (together with the sword - 87 m), at the time of construction it became the tallest sculpture in the world, second in height only to the Statue of Liberty.
Construction of the monument took place from 1959 to 1967 under the direction of the sculptor Evgeniy Vuchetich and engineer Nikolai Nikitin. The structure weighs approx. 8 thousand tons, and its base goes to 16 meters deep into the earth. The opening was timed to 50th anniversary of the October Revolution, but the main goal was to perpetuate the memory of 200-day battle for Stalingrad (1942–1943), which turned the tide of the war.
Today “Motherland” is not only a tourist attraction, but also cultural heritage site of federal significance. The monument is included in the list "Seven Wonders of Russia" (2008) and remains one of the most visited places in Volgograd. However, few people know that the original project included another sculpture pose and even other material for the sword.
Official opening date and its historical context
Opening ceremony of the monument “The Motherland is calling!” took place October 15, 1967 in 12:00 Moscow time. The event was attended by veterans of the Battle of Stalingrad, high-ranking officials of the USSR, including Leonid Brezhnev, and thousands of residents of Volgograd. The monument became part ensemble "Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad"which also includes:
- 🏛️ Hall of Military Fame with mosaics and the inscription “The iron wind beat in the face, and they kept moving forward, and again a feeling of superstitious fear gripped the enemy”;
- 🕯️ Memorial complex on the Square of Sorrow with eternal flame;
- 💀 Mass graves with the remains of more 34 thousand soldiers.
The choice of date was not accidental: 1967 noted 25th anniversary of the defeat of German troops at Stalingrad (February 1943) and 50th anniversary of the October Revolution. The Soviet leadership sought to emphasize the connection between victory in the Great Patriotic War and the achievements of the socialist system. Interestingly, the construction of the monument began in 1959, but due to technical difficulties and lack of finance it lasted for 8 years.
It was originally planned to open the monument to May 9, 1965 (20th anniversary of the Victory), but the dates have shifted due to:
- 🔧 Foundation problems: the weight of the sculpture required a unique solution - concrete base with prestressing reinforcement;
- ⚡ Electrification of the sword: laid inside the blade electrical wiring for lighting, which complicated installation;
- 💰 Budget deficit: spent on construction about 20 million Soviet rubles (equivalent $28 million at the exchange rate of that time).
⚠️ Attention: Until 1961, the monument was planned to be installed on Central embankment of Volgograd, but due to the risk of landslides, they chose Mamayev Kurgan - the highest point of the city (102 m above sea level), where the most fierce battles took place.
Architectural features: why the monument does not rust or fall
Construction "Motherland" unique: this the world's first sculpture built using prestressed concrete. Project author, engineer Nikolay Nikitin, previously worked on Ostankino TV tower and applied similar sustainability principles here. Key technical solutions:
- 🏗️ Foundation: buried on 16 meters, weighs 16 thousand tons (2 times heavier than the sculpture itself);
- 🔩 Frame: inside the figure - metal skeleton made of 5.5 thousand tons of steel, covered with concrete slabs;
- ⚔️ Sword: made from stainless steel (titanium was originally planned, but it was too expensive). Blade length - 33 meters, weight - 14 tons.
We paid special attention corrosion protection. External slabs are covered special composition based on calcium nitratewhich prevents rust. However, in 2010s traces of oxidation appeared on the sword - they were eliminated by laser cleaning (2017–2018).
Fun fact: sculpture not firmly fixed — it can sway in strong winds (amplitude up to 1 meter). This is not a defect, but design safety factor: design withstands hurricanes up to 30 m/s and earthquakes before 6 points.
| Parameter | Meaning | For comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture height | 85 m (with sword - 87 m) | Statue of Liberty - 93 m (with pedestal) |
| Figure weight | 8,000 tons | Eiffel Tower - 7,300 tons (metal) |
| Concrete slab thickness | 25–30 cm | The walls of the Kremlin towers are up to 6.5 m |
| Number of fittings | 5,500 tons | Enough for 100 km of rails |
Initial projects: why “Motherland” could have looked different
The original sketch of the monument proposed Evgeniy Vuchetich in 1958, was very different from the final version. The sculptor represented the figure of a woman with with outstretched arms, symbolizing call for peace, not with a sword. However, the political leadership of the USSR insisted on in a more "militant" way, reflecting victory in the war.
Other rejected ideas:
- 🗡️ Titanium sword: the metal was too expensive (5 times more expensive than steel), and it was abandoned;
- 👗 Clothes on the figure: Vuchetich wanted to give the sculpture the features of an ancient goddess, but the party leadership considered this a “bourgeois bias”;
- 🏔️ Another mound: considered Bald Mountain in Kyiv and Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow.
The final option is a woman with raised sword - was approved Nikita Khrushchev in 1960. The symbolism was explained simply: the sword is aimed at west (towards the enemy), and the figure represents call to fight fascism. Moreover, the pose itself was copied from an ancient sculpture "Nike of Samothrace" (Louvre, Paris).
The myth of the “prototype” of the Motherland
It is believed that the pose for the monument was taken from Valentina Izotova - a tractor driver from Volgograd who worked in construction. However, this is a legend: Vuchetich used a generalized image, and Izotova only posed for preliminary sketches. Real prototype - ancient greek goddesses and Soviet wartime posters.
Construction: how the giant sculpture was erected
The construction of the monument became engineering challenge: Neither in the USSR nor in the world had such tall concrete sculptures been built before. The process was in 4 stages:
- 1959–1961 — digging a pit and pouring a foundation. Used 20 thousand cubic meters of concrete;
- 1962–1964 — installation of a metal frame. Welding was carried out manually, since automatic machines could not cope with the thickness of the seams;
- 1965–1966 - facing with concrete slabs. They were made on site, in special forms;
- 1967 - installation of the sword (the most risky stage). The blade was raised two taps within 4 hours.
Participated in the work thousands of people, including:
- 👷 Builders: many were veterans of the Battle of Stalingrad;
- 🔬 Scientists: from Research Institute of Concrete and Reinforced Concrete developed unique mixtures;
- 🎨 Artists: painted the interiors of the Hall of Military Glory.
The most difficult task is figure balancing. The center of gravity is shifted forward due to the outstretched arm with the sword, so the sculptures are installed inside counterweights made of cast iron (total weight - 1,200 tons).
⚠️ Attention: In the 1960s, there were rumors that the monument would “fail” due to its weight. However, Nikitin’s calculations were confirmed: for 50+ years the sculpture did not shrink by more than 2 mm.
☑️ What you need to know before visiting the “Motherland”
Interesting facts: what does the monument hide?
1. There is a secret room under the sculpture. At the base of the figure is located room of 20 m², where documents and spare parts for backlight mechanisms were previously stored. There now museum exhibition.
2. The sword of the “Motherland” is the largest in the world. Its length (33 m) exceeds the dimensions MiG-21 fighter wing (28 m). At the same time the blade hollow inside - otherwise the weight would exceed 20 tons.
3. The monument “breathes”. Due to temperature changes, condensation forms in the sculpture cavity. For its removal it is provided drainage pipe system.
4. There is an inscription on the sword. The phrase is engraved on the blade: “Fight to the death!” - the slogan of the defenders of Stalingrad. Letter height 1.5 meters, but you can only see them from a helicopter.
5. The monument was “reduced”. The original design included a height 93 meters (like the Statue of Liberty), but due to the risk of collapse it was reduced to 85 meters.
6. The figure is not symmetrical. Right hand (with sword) on 3 meters longer left - this is done for visual balance when viewed from below.
If you plan to climb the pedestal (200 steps), take water with you: in summer the temperature at the sculpture is at 10°C abovethan below, due to heating of the concrete.
Restorations and current state
For 50+ years the monument survived 3 major restorations:
| Year | Reason | What did you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Corrosion of reinforcement | Replaced rusty elements and updated waterproofing |
| 2010–2012 | Cracks in concrete | Strengthened the foundation, restored the sword |
| 2017–2020 | Sword Oxidation | Laser cleaning, protective coating application |
The largest restoration took place in 2019 - spent on it 1.5 billion rubles. Works included:
- 🔍 3D scanning to identify microcracks;
- 🧲 Magnetic flaw detection fittings;
- 🎨 Restoration of gilding** on the star at the base of the sword.
Now the monument is equipped monitoring system: Sensors monitor vibrations, humidity and temperature. Data is transferred to Unified control center of Volgograd.
⚠️ Attention: In 2022, due to sanctions, it was necessary to replace imported protective coatings with domestic analogues. Tests have shown that they are not inferior to foreign ones in terms of durability.
How to get there and what to see nearby
Mamayev Kurgan is located in center of Volgograd (street named after Chuikov, 47). You can get there:
- 🚇 Metro: station "Lenin Square" + 15 minutes on foot;
- 🚌 Buses: No. 1, 8, 12, 52 (stop “Mamaev Kurgan”);
- 🚕 Taxi: average cost of a trip from the center - 150–200 rubles.
Near the monument it is worth visiting:
- 🏛️ Panorama Museum “Battle of Stalingrad”** (5 minutes on foot);
- ⛪ All Saints Church - monument to fallen soldiers;
- 🚂 An open-air museum of technology** with tanks and airplanes from the Second World War.
Entrance to the territory of the mound free, but climbing to the pedestal to the figure is worth it 300 rubles (benefits for veterans and children). The memorial works with 9:00 to 20:00 (in winter until 18:00).
Mamayev Kurgan is the only place in Russia where Smoking and drinking alcohol is prohibited throughout the entire territory of the memorial (decree of the Volgograd City Hall of 2013).
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
🔹 Why is “Motherland” with a sword, and not with a child or an ear of corn?
Initially, a peaceful image was planned, but after Cuban missile crisis (1962) The USSR decided to emphasize military power. The sword symbolizes readiness for defense and victory over fascism. Vuchetich also created a similar sculpture in Berlin (Treptower Park)but there's a woman holding child and sword, lowered down.
🔹 How many people died during the construction of the monument?
Officially - none. All work was carried out in compliance with safety regulations, although there were incidents (for example, in 1963 forests collapsed, but there were no casualties). However, there were legends among builders about "walled up" workers - this is a myth, there is no evidence.
🔹 Is it possible to climb inside the sculpture?
No, internal premises closed to visitors since the 1980s due to the risk of collapse. Previously, tourists were allowed into Hall of Fame at the base of the figure, but after the restoration in 2019, access was limited. Today, inspection is only possible from the outside or from pedestal observation deck.
🔹 Why doesn’t the sword of the “Motherland” rust?
The blade is made from stainless steel 12Kh18N10T (analogous to modern AISI 321) and covered protective layer of chromium and nickel. In addition, every year they conduct preventative treatment special compounds. The sword was cleaned in 2017 laser, removing layers of oxidation up to a thickness 0.3 mm.
🔹 What films were filmed near the “Motherland”?
The monument became a location for:
- 🎬 "They fought for their homeland" (1975) - an epic about the Battle of Stalingrad;
- 🎬 "War and Peace" (1966) - in the scene of the gathering of the militia;
- 🎬 "Stalingrad" (2013) - a modern film epic by Fyodor Bondarchuk.
I wonder what's in the movie "Brother 2" (2000) the hero of Danila Bagrov (Sergei Bodrov) “shoots” at the monument with a sniper rifle - this scene caused a scandal among veterans.