Памятник Ивану Грозному, Bronze equestrian statue in Oryol, Russia
The Ivan IV Monument in Oryol is a bronze equestrian statue showing the ruler on horseback with a cross in his right hand and a sword pointing downward in his left hand. The sculpture sits on a granite base in a prominent riverside location near the city's cathedral and the meeting point of two major rivers.
The monument was inaugurated in October 2016 to mark the 450th anniversary of Oryol's founding as Russia's first statue dedicated to Ivan IV. Its creation honored the historical moment when the ruler established the fortress that would become the city.
The monument stands near the Epiphany Cathedral at the confluence of the Oka and Orlik rivers, marking where Ivan IV ordered fortress construction. This location connects the city to its founding story and makes the site central to how residents think about their city's origins.
The best views of the statue come from the Red Bridge, where you can see both the monument and the cathedral domes in a single frame. The location is accessible on foot and offers good opportunities for photographs, especially with favorable lighting.
The monument's installation sparked public discussion, with 72 percent of Oryol residents supporting its creation despite the controversial historical role of the figure depicted. This vote reflected how the city chose to honor its founding story regardless of historical complexities.
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