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Volgograd


When the city of Volgograd was founded in the 16th century, it was known as Tsaritsyn. It began as a fortification that protected its important river trade route along the Volga. Nowadays its ancient monuments and buildings are gone, destroyed during WWII. The city, which was renamed Stalingrad in 1925, had to be completely rebuilt after one of the bloodiest and most tragic battles in history, the Battle of Stalingrad. Everything in this city bears the resemblance of the great patriotism of Russian warriors and their sacrifices.

As you wander the streets of this hero-city, the monuments dedicated to the Stalingrad battle will tell you of its bloody history. Stalingrad was targeted by the Nazis, who needed to capture it in order to gain control of the Volga and Soviet food and fuel resources. If they had managed to do so, the Nazis' victory in the war would have been guaranteed. But after four months of fierce fighting, the Soviets emerged victorious. Nearly 750,000 Germans died during the battle alongside nearly one million Russian soldiers. Since then, the tradition to honor the fallen war veterans drives this region, and the monuments dedicated to the battle and the war are preserved with the utmost respect.

The most remarkable monument is the Mamaev Kurgan (Mamay Mound). This is one of the largest war monuments in the world. Through its ensemble the authors communicated the meaning and importance of this battle for the Russian people. The size of the memorial is truly impressive - almost a mile from foot to top. It consists of several levels: the composition "Fight till death", the Ruined Walls, the Square of Heroes, and The Hall of War Fame. The centerpiece is the expressive monument of the Motherland Russia. A 230 feet high stone woman raising a 35 ft sword in her hand, she looks as though she is encouraging the soldiers to fight until death. Each sculpture and monument is unique yet interlinked by the theme of devotion to Russia.

Another place dedicated to the Stalingrad Battle is the Panorama "Stalingradskaya Bitva," located in the Museum of the Defense of Stalingrad. In it, you are standing atop the Mamaev Kurgan and are surrounded by a 360 degree panoramic view of one of the final scenes of the battle. The scenery is so impressive, the art so realistic, that you feel as though you are involved in the battle.

Twelve years after the battle, Stalin's regime collapsed and the city received its present name, Volgograd, in honor of the Volga River..

Discover Volgograd on a Russian River Cruise.