Samara is considered an amazing and unique city, the streets of which are decorated with many monuments and memorials. But its main symbol and highest attraction is the obelisk located in the Leninsky district.
This monument of Glory (Samara) is clearly visible even on the other side of the Volga. Although it was erected, it can be said that recently, in comparison with other monuments, still the locals consider this particular obelisk to be the hallmark of their city.
History of creation
During the Second World War, this settlement was the largest center of the military-defense industry. His workers made a huge contribution to the construction of domestic aviation. Over the entire period of hostilities, a large number of attack aircraft were produced here.
Therefore, already in the post-war years in this city, it was decided to erect a monument of Glory (Samara) in honor of all the workers of the aircraft factories. The history of this monument suggests that it can rightly be considered popular, since funds were collected from all the workers of the city for the construction of this obelisk.
The project was developed by Muscovites - a talented architect A. Samsonov and sculptors P. Bondarenko and O. Kiryukhin. It was assumed that the monument should have had wider wings, but the engineers demanded that it be checked in this case for wind resistance. After that, the model was tested in Moscow and turned out to be very unreliable, since with a strong wind the monument of Glory (Samara) could fall. Therefore, at the request of the builders, the wings were cropped, and in this form the obelisk was built.
Erection
Thus, in November 1971 the monument of Glory (Samara) was inaugurated. Its creation was also timed to coincide with the celebration of the anniversary of the October Revolution.
This obelisk was erected on the square, which was built simultaneously with it. Before that, of course, various opinions were expressed where this gigantic figure should stand, but in the end the most suitable place was chosen for her. It is currently difficult to imagine the silhouette of this square without this majestic monument.
Description
All people who come to that part of the city where this obelisk is installed can already see from afar the twelve-meter monument of Glory (Samara). The height of the pedestal on which it is installed also has impressive dimensions and is equal to forty meters.
The monument is presented in the form of a figure of a “worker”, holding on its extended arms upward inclined planes that symbolize wings. The obelisk is completely made of stainless steel. With all its appearance, this sculpture represents a fighter and a hard worker. Therefore, at present, on many corporate styles of various local companies, you can see the monument of Glory (Samara). The vector with the image of this magnificent figure is very popular.
Where is?
This monument was erected on the square of the same name, or, more precisely, on the Fair Descent, and turned to face the Volga River. Therefore, everyone who walks along Volzhsky Avenue and the embankment can see how the monument of Glory (Samara) rises in the distance. The address of his location on the map is listed as Chapaevskaya Street.
This obelisk is considered part of the memorial ensemble, so there is still a high granite face of the Mother Motherland, which is inclined above the bowl with the flame of the Eternal Flame escaping from it. There are also red banners and five gray pylons with inscriptions made of stainless steel on the way to this memorial ensemble, the center of which is the monument of Glory (Samara). Photos in which this symbol of heroism and Victory is captured do not leave anyone indifferent.
What is located next to the magnificent figure?
Many visitors to the city who come to lay flowers at these monuments can also go to the Church of St. George the Victorious, located at the other end of the Glory Square. This church is active and is a monument to all the soldiers who defended the freedom and independence of their homeland. In the cathedral to the present day, many books with lists of dead soldiers have been preserved.
The temple is separated from Freedom Square by Victory Square, with which it represents a beautiful architectural ensemble. This small park is made in the form of a beautiful green alley, on the sides of which there are many comfortable benches. In its very center a magnificent thirty-jet fountain was built. Therefore, when you look at the Square of Glory with its memorial ensemble and this Victory Square, there is no doubt that they bring to life the original architectural idea.
Interesting Facts
It turns out that this monument, so noticeable in its size and location, is also called by the townspeople as “Panikovsky and the Goose.” With such urban folklore, local residents have also secretly perpetuated the memory of the character of the famous work “The Golden Calf”, written by the famous Soviet writers I. Ilf and E. Petrov.
It is also interesting to know the fact that when Moscow architects and engineers created the monument of Glory (Samara), they claimed the State Prize with their work. But before receiving it, they had to sign an agreement on this award with the chairman of the Samara city executive committee, whose position was held by Alexei Rossovsky at that time. He agreed to sign the Muscovites petition for the State Prize, but on condition that they remake the monument and give its image more masculinity. The sculptors were outraged and refused to do so, since the obelisk was already installed. Therefore, no reward, unfortunately, they did not receive.
Nowadays, these talented architects can receive many admiring glances from the many tourists and townspeople who gather every weekday on Samara Square to enjoy this magnificent obelisk. On weekends, it is especially crowded, as wedding processions love to come here for walks and take pictures next to this symbol of the city.