“The Motherland Calls: Russia’s Iconic Monument to WWII Sacrifice”
The Motherland Calls statue, also known as “Rodina Mat’ Zovyot” in Russian, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad. The statue stands at a height of 85 meters (279 feet) and is widely considered to be one of the largest statues in the world.
Construction on the statue began in 1959 and was completed in 1967. Designed by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich and engineer Nikolai Nikitin, The Motherland Calls represents a symbolic figure of a woman calling upon her sons to defend their homeland against Nazi Germany during World War II. It’s estimated that over 1 million Soviet soldiers lost their lives while defending Stalingrad from German forces.
The monument depicts a woman holding a sword high above her head with an outstretched arm, which serves as both an invitation for help and as a warning to potential invaders. The entire structure weighs approximately 8,000 tons and features concrete foundations that go down nearly 25 meters (82 feet) deep into the earth.
Visitors can access The Motherland Calls statue through an underground entrance that leads to an elevator taking them up to the observation deck located within the sword’s hilt. From there visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Volgograd and its surrounding areas.
However, climbing up this grand structure isn’t for everyone; it involves scaling several flights of stairs within narrow passageways leading up towards the top viewing platform where visitors can get closer look at this towering monument. Visitors are strongly advised not to attempt climbing without proper safety equipment or training due to safety concerns around maintaining such large structures.
Aside from being an impressive piece of artistry on its own right, The Motherland Calls has become synonymous with Russia’s rich history- particularly with regards to World War II – which makes it even more important for those who visit Volgograd or Russia as a whole to see it in person.
For many, The Motherland Calls statue is not just a monument but also a tribute to the sacrifices made by their ancestors who fought and died during WWII. It serves as an important reminder of the country’s past struggles and achievements while also inspiring its citizens to continue working towards creating a better future for themselves and their nation.
The statue has attracted tourists from all over the world, with thousands flocking every year to witness this impressive structure firsthand. In fact, The Motherland Calls statue was awarded the title of “the most beautiful sculpture” at an international exhibition held in Paris back in 1974 – further cementing its status as one of the greatest monuments ever created.
In conclusion, The Motherland Calls statue is more than just another tourist attraction; it represents Russia’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination in times of crisis. Its towering presence is both awe-inspiring and humbling- making it one of those places that you simply must visit if you ever get the chance.