Курська дуга

This memorial complex at Kursk's northern edge brings together several elements into one unified site: a 24-meter triumphal arch, a church, and exhibition areas. The grounds display authentic World War II weaponry, including T-34 tanks and Katyusha rocket launchers, alongside bronze statuary commemorating a Soviet military leader.

The site was built in 1998 to commemorate the Battle of Kursk in 1943, a major Soviet victory. During this confrontation, German forces suffered a decisive defeat that helped shift the course of the war.

The memorial walls display marble tablets with the names of fallen soldiers, creating a place where visitors can connect with individual stories. People often pause to read the inscriptions and pay their respects to those remembered here.

The memorial site sits along the northern edge of the city on a spacious boulevard that is easy to walk through. Visitors should allow time to explore the various exhibition areas and the church building at a relaxed pace.

The church interior holds seven thousand marble plaques inscribed with names of soldiers who died in battle. This collection makes it one of the largest name-based memorials of its kind in the region.