Mamayev Kurgan
Southern Federal District Region
Mamayev Kurgan is a prominent height overlooking Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad, in Southern Russia. It is renowned for its memorial complex dedicated to the Battle of Stalingrad, one of the bloodiest and most decisive battles of World War II. The hill was fiercely contested during the battle between Soviet forces and the German Sixth Army, changing hands multiple times due to its strategic importance overlooking the city. After the war, a vast memorial complex was constructed, featuring the colossal statue The Motherland Calls, which was the largest freestanding statue in the world at its unveiling in 1967. The complex also includes the Avenue of Poplars, the powerful statue Stand To the Death!, symbolic ruined walls bearing faces and inscriptions of fallen heroes, and the burial sites of thousands of soldiers including Marshal Vasily Chuikov and sniper Vasily Zaytsev. The terrain of the hill still bears scars from intense fighting, with soil mixed with metal fragments and remnants of the battle visible. Mamayev Kurgan stands as a powerful symbol of Soviet resilience and sacrifice during the war and is a major site of remembrance and tourism today.
Plan your trip to Russia with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Mamayev Kurgan is during spring through early autumn when the weather is milder and the memorial complex is fully accessible. Visitors are advised to allocate sufficient time to explore the extensive memorial grounds and climb the stairs leading up to the main statue. Tickets can often be purchased on site, but checking the official website for any advance booking options or special events is recommended. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Wear comfortable shoes due to the many stairs and uneven terrain.
Interesting facts
- •The Motherland Calls statue was the largest free-standing statue in the world at the time of its unveiling in 1967.
- •The soil on Mamayev Kurgan contains between 500 and 1,250 metal splinters per square meter from intense shelling during the battle.
- •Marshal Vasily Chuikov, commander of Soviet forces at Stalingrad, is buried at Mamayev Kurgan, the only Marshal of the Soviet Union buried outside Moscow.
- •Sniper Vasily Zaytsev, famous for his role in the Battle of Stalingrad, was reburied at Mamayev Kurgan in 2006.
- •The symbolic ruined walls bear faces of soldiers with closed eyes, representing those who died in battle, with original inscriptions carved by defenders during the siege.
History
Mamayev Kurgan gained historical significance during the Battle of Stalingrad (July 1942 to February 1943), when it was a fiercely contested strategic height.
The hill changed hands multiple times between German and Soviet forces, with intense fighting resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.
After the war, the Soviet government commissioned a grand memorial complex to honor the defenders of Stalingrad.
In 1967, the monumental statue The Motherland Calls was unveiled, symbolizing the Soviet victory.
Over time, Mamayev Kurgan became a key site of remembrance and military burial ground, including the interment of Marshal Vasily Chuikov, the only Soviet Marshal buried outside Moscow.
Place Guide
The Motherland Calls1967
The colossal statue symbolizing the Soviet Union's call to arms during the Battle of Stalingrad. It was the largest freestanding statue in the world when unveiled in 1967 and stands as the centerpiece of the memorial complex.
Avenue of Poplars
A grand staircase flanked by poplar trees leading visitors from the base of the hill towards the memorial complex, symbolizing the path of remembrance.
Stand To the Death!
A powerful statue of a muscular, shirtless Russian soldier carved from rock, surrounded by a pool of water. It bears the inscription “... And not a step back!” reflecting the Soviet determination during the battle.
Symbolic Ruined Walls
Walls representing the ruins of Stalingrad, carved with faces of fallen soldiers and inscriptions taken from actual defenders’ writings on the ruins during the battle.
Burial Sites
The memorial grounds include the graves of 34,505 soldiers who defended Stalingrad, including Marshal Vasily Chuikov and sniper Vasily Zaytsev, making it a sacred site of remembrance.
Contact
Phone: 8 (844) 223-67-23
