Mamayev Kurgan

After the rebuilding of the city's basic infrastructure following the war, a number of monuments were built in Volgograd. None of them is more famous than the Mamayev Kurgan Memorial Complex.

This series of monuments is dedicated to the heroes of the Stalingrad battle. On October 15th, 1967 the complex was opened and visitors from around the world have been visiting it ever since. Walking through this memorial park is a progressive experience of literally moving higher and higher as you pass a variety of statues on your way to the top of an ancient Tatar burial mound. (As a military position, this "high ground" was desperately fought-over during the battle.)

At the pinnacle of the mound stands the enormous statue of "the Motherland," an impressive monument of Mother Russia brandishing her sword overhead to defy any would-be invaders. This particular statue is widely regarded as the city of Volgograd's trademark. To anyone with an interest in WWII history, it is a very moving experience to stroll through Mamayev Kurgan and remember the fierce battle that took place on this very site.