Monument to the Sunken Ships
Sevastopol
The Monument to the Sunken Ships is a prominent landmark located on an artificial islet in Sevastopol Bay, Crimea. Built in 1905 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War, it honors the Imperial Russian Navy ships deliberately sunk to block enemy fleets. Designed by Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson and architect Valentin Feldmann, the monument features a Corinthian column crowned by a bronze double-headed eagle clutching a laurel wreath, symbolizing glory. The eagle's chest bears a shield depicting Saint George the Victorious. The structure rests on a base made of rough granite blocks, with a bronze plaque showing a relief map of Sevastopol Bay and the locations of the sunken ships. The monument is 16.66 meters tall, with the eagle's wingspan measuring 2.67 meters. It has become a defining emblem of Sevastopol, incorporated into the city's flag and coat of arms. Over the years, it has undergone several restorations, especially after damage sustained during World War II. The monument not only commemorates historical sacrifice but also serves as a powerful symbol of the city's resilience and maritime heritage.
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Astuce: The best time to visit the Monument to the Sunken Ships is during daylight hours when the details of the bronze eagle and the granite islet are clearly visible. Visitors should explore the nearby Primorsky Boulevard for additional views and historical context. While the monument itself is outdoors and free to view, consider visiting during spring or early autumn to avoid peak summer crowds. No advance ticket purchase is required. Look for combined tours of Sevastopol’s historical sites for a richer experience.
Faits intéressants
- •The monument’s bronze double-headed eagle holds a laurel wreath symbolizing glory, and its chest bears a shield with Saint George the Victorious.
- •Legend has it that the eagle’s wings depict the profiles of Admiral Pavel Nakhimov and Emperor Nicholas I when viewed from certain angles.
- •The monument appears on Russian banknotes issued in 2015 and 2017 commemorating Crimea’s incorporation into Russia.
- •The monument stands on an artificial islet made of roughly hewn granite blocks, situated about ten meters from the shore.
- •During the Crimean War, seven obsolete ships were scuttled in September 1854 to block enemy ships, followed by more in 1855, effectively protecting Sevastopol Bay from Anglo-French naval attack.
Histoire
The monument was erected in 1905 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Siege of Sevastopol (1854-1855) during the Crimean War, when Russian naval forces scuttled their ships to block the harbor entrance from Anglo-French fleets.
Designed by sculptor Amandus Adamson and architect Valentin Feldmann, it was constructed on an artificial islet near the shore.
The monument survived damage during World War II, particularly from a magnetic mine in 1941, and underwent restorations in the 1950s, 1989, and early 2000s.
It has since become a key symbol of Sevastopol, appearing on the city’s flag and coat of arms, and even on Russian currency commemorating Crimea’s accession.
Guide du lieu
The Bronze Double-Headed Eagle1905
This crowning feature of the monument is a bronze sculpture of a double-headed eagle with outstretched wings holding a laurel wreath in its beak, symbolizing victory and glory. The eagle's chest features a shield with a relief of Saint George the Victorious, the patron saint of soldiers.
Corinthian Column and Pedestal1905
The monument’s column is a six-sided Corinthian column made from polished light gray diorite, rising from a base constructed of rough granite blocks forming an artificial islet. The column is 7.08 meters tall with a diameter of 0.95 meters.
Bronze Plaque with Relief Map1905
Attached to the southern base of the monument is a bronze plaque measuring 0.52 by 0.8 meters. It depicts a relief map of Sevastopol Bay with marked lines showing the locations where the ships were scuttled during the Crimean War.
Artificial Granite Islet1905
The monument stands on an artificial islet made of roughly hewn granite blocks placed about ten meters from the shore along Primorsky Boulevard. This base symbolizes the strength and resilience of the city’s defenders.