Almost every modern settlement has symbols that make it unique. Penza is no exception . The Monument to the First Settler is the highlight of the city, built several decades ago. Of course, this monument has its own story, which is certainly worth getting to know.
What does the monument symbolize
Of course, this is far from the most valuable building from a historical point of view, which Penza can be proud of. The Monument to the First Settler was created only in 1980. Its grand opening was timed to the day of the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the victory that the state won in the famous Battle of Kulikovo.
Why did the construction in just a few years become one of the main symbols of the city? The creators decided to devote an original monument to the foundation of Penza, to make it a kind of reminder of the first inhabitants of this settlement. The monument extols peasant labor, on which the well-being of the city and the country as a whole depended. He also tells about the courage of the soldiers who defended the southeastern borders of the state from aggressive nomads several centuries ago.
Sculptural composition "First Settler": description
Bronze is the material from which the sculpture was cast. It includes the figure of a man and his horse. Valentin Grigoryevich Kozenyuk, the author of the original project, decided that the man will act in two roles at once. At the same time, he is a warrior and a peasant. The militancy of the figure is emphasized by a sharp spear, which is clamped in the hand. About the commitment to work tells the plow.
Two entities are represented by a horse belonging to a peasant warrior. Obviously, the horse can be used not only for military purposes, but also to plow the field with its help. It is easy to find out when Penza was founded by reading the inscription on the granite base of the structure. It happened back in 1663.
Opposite the monument, you can see the remains of an ancient earthen rampart of the fortress, which was used for defensive purposes. This shaft is the same age as the settlement. The city authorities took care of a partial reconstruction of the fortress stockade. There you can also see a wooden belfry with a cast-iron mortar. At its foot is a memorial plaque.
The emergence of ideas
If not for George Myasnikov, an employee of the Penza regional committee of the CPSU, could never have acquired this magnificent monument of Penza. The monument to the First Settler was conceived by this man as a tribute to the courageous founders and the first inhabitants of the village. Myasnikov was known for his activities for the benefit of his beloved city; he also has other merits that are not related to the construction.
The monument was erected in 1980, but work related to its creation began back in late 1977. The above-mentioned sculptor Kozenyuk and architect Komarov worked on the project. Myasnikov dreamed of coinciding with the grand opening of the building on the anniversary of the Battle of Kulikovo. When Kozenyuk informed him on December 30, 1979 that the monument was almost finished, Myasnikov realized that his desire was destined to come true.
It is interesting that initially the project was conceived by Valentin Kozeniuk as a sculptural group “Volga and Mikula”. However, after its successful approval by the authorities of the city of Kozenyuk and Myasnikov, together they found a more interesting solution. They decided to remove the “Leo Volga”, leaving the plowman armed with a plow and a spear and adding a horse.
Location selection
For a long time, Valentin Kozenyuk could not decide where the sculptural composition “First Settler” would be installed. At first, the sculptor's attention was drawn to the place at the Zaseka cafe, which seemed suitable to him. The restaurant is located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by forest. However, the grandeur of the structure, which began to manifest itself in the process of its creation, forced Myasnikov to convince Kozenyuk. An employee of the Penza regional committee of the CPSU decided that such a majestic sculptural group has no place on the outskirts of the city, that it merges with the cafe, will only be its complement.
After a long debate, the creators of the monument paid close attention to the historical part of the village, which today also acts as its center. The city of Penza is famous throughout the country for historical buildings, but not one of them can compete with the remnants of the ramparts in terms of antiquity. The surviving part of the rampart, built back in the 17th century, has the appearance of a raised hill, climbing on which you can see the whole city in full view. It was hardly possible to think of a better place to erect a majestic monument dedicated to the first inhabitants of Penza.
"Wrong" monument
As you know, during the existence of the Soviet Union, it was customary to erect monuments in the cities dedicated to the October Revolution, glorifying its figures. Memorials erected in honor of soldiers who fell during the Second World War were also popular. This unwritten rule did not bypass a settlement such as Penza. The Monument to the First Settler, created in this city, could be negatively received by the government.
Kozenyuk and Myasnikov rightly feared persecution on the part of the authorities for Russophilia, but still did not abandon their original idea. As a result, everything ended happily, the monument did not meet a sharply negative attitude.
Violation of the prohibition of authorities
There was another obvious obstacle - the Summer Olympic Games, which were to be held in 1980 in the capital. The government imposed a ban on the installation of new memorials in the regions. This was considered an unjustified expenditure of financial resources, which was planned to be completely used to prepare for the organization of grandiose games.
The government directive was violated, which theoretically could cost Myasnikov not only his position, but also membership in the party. However, none of this happened.
Interesting Facts
The postmaster’s house, located next to the monument, could be demolished during the arrangement of the site given for the construction; Mr. Penza could lose this building, as Myasnikov seriously considered this option for some time. However, as a result, he left this idea.
Interestingly, only three years later, by a miracle, the surviving house was turned into a museum, called the Museum of one painting. A little later, the building was renamed in honor of Myasnikov himself, and is still working.
It is also interesting to name the popular monument among the people. "A man with a horse" - such a nickname was given to the monument by the inhabitants of Penza.
Location
How can guests of the city find the large-scale building that the city of Penza is famous for (the monument to the First Settler)? Kirov Street is the place where the majestic monument is installed. Behind the monument you can see the outlines of the Transfiguration Church. Next to it is an observation deck, where guests and residents of the village come to enjoy the city's beauty. The site is fenced with a fence of cast iron, on which the arms of Penza are carved .
Finally, opposite the monument, you can see the remains of the defensive rampart, which was erected in the 17th century, as well as the cannon. And, of course, the Museum of one painting is nearby, ready to accept everyone.