The history of mankind is full of the names of those people whose merits and exploits were forever imprinted on its pages. At all times, there were those who looked at the world differently, had a sharp mind, determination, had the courage and courage to accomplish real feats. The activity of such people does not go unnoticed, is not forgotten by future generations. A major role in this is played by their perpetuation in the form of monuments. This kind of respect and memory can be found in every locality, because even the smallest community knows the names of those who made a great contribution to its formation and development. Great people remember and Nizhny Novgorod. The monument to Valery Chkalov, a test pilot and a true master virtuoso, was erected on December 15, 1940 and still reminds residents of his merits to the country.
Who is Valery Chkalov?
Among all the significant places, the monument to Chkalov in Nizhny Novgorod stands out especially, the history of which is distinguished by many twists and surprises. The man who gave the development of Soviet aviation a powerful impetus and thanks to which the pilots mastered new, incredibly important skills during the Great Patriotic War cannot but arouse respect and gratitude from the people. Valery Chkalov was the crew commander of the aircraft, who was the first to make a direct flight from Moscow to Vancouver.
He was an innovator, the initiator of a new stage in aviation. Thanks to the results of his activities, Valery Chkalov is considered the founder of the aerobatics school, which is based on a thorough knowledge of piloting technique and courage. This man was the first tester of airplanes of different speed modes, which allowed designers to constantly improve their models. His skills to quickly escape from shelling thanks to
aerobatics in wartime helped a considerable number of pilots stay alive in the face of direct danger.
Monument to Valery Chkalov in Nizhny Novgorod: history
Valery Chkalov died on December 15, 1938 when testing another model of a fighter. Immediately after his death, the government adopted a number of documents in which there were decisions to perpetuate his memory. The place for the installation of the monument was chosen by chance. The observation deck near the St. George’s Tower of the Kremlin was a favorite place for Chkalov’s walks.
Earlier in this place was a statue of the "Girl with an oar." During his lifetime, Valery Chkalov advised this place to his friend, the sculptor Isaac Mendelevich, to erect a monument to Maxim Gorky. Then he did not know that it was in this place that his exploits would be forever immortalized and that it would especially highlight Nizhny Novgorod. Dozens of people come to see the Chkalov Monument every day, and they all with great respect look at the figure of the Hero of the Soviet Union.
The idea of the authors
The monument to Valery Chkalov in Nizhny Novgorod was designed by his friend Mendelevich, as well as architects Ivan Taranov and Victor Andreev. Valery Chkalov is depicted in his flight suit putting on a glove. The base is a granite pedestal of cylindrical shape, which is placed on three high steps. An image of a map was marked on the polished surface of the base, on which the route of the two most significant flights of Valery Chkalov was marked. Moscow as the starting point of all its beginnings is highlighted by a ruby star.
Construction
In just a month of work, Nizhny Novgorod has decorated this place. Although the monument to Chkalov was erected quite quickly, since the ceremonial laying of its foundation on Aviation Day in 1940, it has often been redone, as a number of inaccuracies were allowed. The monument is made of bronze; the figure was cast at the Leningrad plant "Monument sculpture". By establishing, the question arose of creating the necessary chiaroscuro, following which, for special lighting, spotlights were installed on the roof of the St. George Tower and the Medical Institute.
The sculptor Isaac Mendelevich in 1942 was awarded the Stalin Prize for the monument to Valery Chkalov. Later, in 1960, the monument was taken under state protection. Since 1940, it has changed several times. Often it was necessary to restore it, because weather conditions accelerated the destruction of materials. As a result, the stars on the map changed three times. But even with frequent strengthening and remodeling, the monument retained its original appearance.
Chkalov staircase
The Chkalov staircase is a business card, one of the most popular places that glorify Nizhny Novgorod. The monument to Chkalov was originally built near industrial zones. At one of the meetings of the city commission on the construction of the monument, the idea was expressed of building a staircase that would connect the monument itself and the river below.
This contributed to the improvement of the slope and the embankment. The war became the main obstacle to the completion of the project, and its implementation dragged on for six whole years. As a result, it was made in the form of a figure eight and has 560 steps. The name "Chkalov Stairs" was given to the place by the people and was finally assigned to it.