Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad

The Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad is a 48-meter (157 ft) obelisk structure made of bronze and granite, surrounded by a broken ring with sculptures of defenders at the base. The complex includes an underground memorial hall with exhibition spaces arranged around the central structure.

The monument was built in 1974 to commemorate Leningrad's defense during the 900-day siege in World War II. This siege was among the longest and bloodiest in history, leaving deep scars on the city and its people.

The memorial uses the wartime name Leningrad to emphasize how deeply the siege shaped the city's identity. Visitors can explore the underground hall, where exhibitions present personal stories and objects from those years.

The site is located near Victory Square and is accessible by public transportation, especially from Pulkovo Airport. The underground memorial is open year-round, allowing visitors ample time to explore the exhibition spaces.

Gas torches illuminate engraved messages within the broken ring at night, creating moving light effects across the granite surface. This nighttime illumination transforms how the monument is experienced.

Location: Moskovsky District, Saint Petersburg

Inception: 1974

Architects: Valentin Kamensky, Sergey Speransky

Height: 4,800 cm

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 59.84292,30.32194

Latest update: December 20, 2025 16:05