If you travel to Voronezh, Koltsovsky Square is a must-see attraction. The recreation area is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most beloved among the townspeople and guests of the region. The square is also notable for its rich history, which can not be read in every modern guidebook. Especially for you, we have collected all the most interesting facts about this recreation area in one article.
Koltsovsky Square (Voronezh): the history of creation
In the middle of the 19th century, an army parade ground was located on the site of a modern square. After the decision to transform it into the liberated territory, they decided to make a green recreation area for the townspeople. That is how a landscaped park appeared on this place. A little later, it was decided to establish a sculptural composition in it. In 1868, the monument was completed to the poet Alexei Koltsov, who was born in Voronezh. The artist-architect Alexander Cui and the sculptor Augustino Tricorni worked on the creation of the monument. The sculpture became the second largest and most important in the city, and the square chosen for its installation was called Koltsovsky.
Heyday and decline
Initially, of the large facilities in the square there were only stables and fire tower. Everything changed in 1877, it was then that a fountain appeared in the park. All residents of the city came to see the novelty, and the square became a real attraction. In fairness, it is worth noting that the fountain had a fairly simple design and minimal decor, but objects of this type themselves were rare for their time. Not all areas of Voronezh could boast of their own water decorations. Thanks to what the central fountain has become incredibly popular. However, already in 1900 the park was partially abandoned, and this fact caused great discontent among the residents of the city. Due to numerous complaints from the townspeople, the local government had to tackle landscaping again and strengthen the security of the facility. But despite the return of the park to its original form, in the 20s of the XX century, according to old-timers, a flea market periodically developed here and there was no ideal purity.
Park during and after the war
If you visit Voronezh today, Koltsovsky Square will seem to you a place peaceful and calm. However, this was not always the case. During World War II, German soldiers buried their comrades who fell on the battlefield on its territory. And immediately after the liberation of the city, the park looked deplorable, representing one large cemetery with rickety, hastily hammered crosses. Fortunately, today only a few photographs that lost their colors from time remind of those times. After the war, the city administration decided to rebury the remains and return the square to the townspeople. Many other areas of Voronezh were restored by a similar principle.
Fountain in Koltsovsky Square
In 1973, the fountain in Koltsovsky Square was subjected to large-scale reconstruction. The new sculpture was made based on the poem "stolen sun." A crocodile is located in the center, children dance around it, and fish are sprayed with water from above the kids. But the transformations did not end there either, already in 1977 the fountain became light and music. It is worth noting that the illumination of water cascades with colored lamps at that time also only began to be used in our country. Nowadays, the object works not only in summer but also in winter - instead of water, you can admire LED strips instead of water, changing the brightness of the glow in time with the music. Nowadays, one of the most interesting sights in the city center is the fountain in Koltsovsky Square. Many tourists visit Voronezh not only because of it, but if you decide to come here, be sure to take the time to visit this park.
Koltsovsky Square (Voronezh): address and rules of visit
Finding Koltsovsky Square is not at all difficult. It is located in the city center at the intersection of Plekhanovskaya and Kirov Streets. Within walking distance from the recreation area are:
Lenin Square, Spartak Cinema and the central registry office. Due to the proximity of the last institution, the square with a beautiful fountain has become one of the favorite places for wedding photo shoots among Voronezh newlyweds. Nowadays, the park is well-groomed, tiled paths are laid everywhere, there are enough benches and urns, there are many flower beds and trees on the territory. Entrance to the square is free for everyone, but do not forget to follow the basic rules of conduct in a
public place. It is forbidden to litter, smoke and drink alcohol in the recreation area. To ensure law and order, the square is guarded by police officers.
What else to see in Voronezh?
Voronezh is a large and very beautiful city, which harmoniously combines modern buildings and
historical monuments . There are many interesting sculptures, as well as picturesque parks and squares with fountains. If you are traveling to Voronezh, Koltsovsky Square is not the only attraction that you should see with your own eyes. One of the most beloved monuments of residents and visitors of the city is “Kitten from Lizyukova Street”, the sculpture “White Bim, black ear” looks no less touching. History buffs will love the bronze Peter I installed in
Petrovsky Square, as well as the Admiralty Embankment. Voronezh in the past is known as the center of shipbuilding. Today, another monument reminds us of this page of history - the model of the Mercury ship. In addition, there are enough historical buildings and museums in the city. You can see ancient temples or chic estates in the suburbs, if you decide to visit Voronezh. Koltsovsky Square is not the only attraction dedicated to the great poet. The city also has a drama theater named after A. Koltsov. In addition to existing attractions in Voronezh, new street sculptures and interesting objects continue to appear. The most interesting of them: the red pyramid in the Northern region (“Monument of Glory”), the bronze “Stranger” near the Hermitage store and the sculpture of the horse (symbol of the Yar hotel).