Barclay de Tolly & Mikhail Kutuzov monuments near Kazan Cathedral

The monuments are two bronze statues of military commanders standing on granite pedestals in front of the Kazan Cathedral's columns. They face each other from opposite sides of the cathedral entrance, forming a symmetrical pair with distinct body positions and gestures.

Emperor Alexander I commissioned these statues in 1818 to honor the military leaders who defended Russia during Napoleon's 1812 invasion. They were erected years after the conflicts ended, becoming symbols of Russia's triumph over foreign aggression.

The monuments display contrasting poses that reflect each general's leadership style: Kutuzov appears animated with his marshal's baton raised high, while Barclay seems lost in thought. These physical differences speak to how people understood their roles during Russia's struggle against Napoleon.

The monuments sit on Kazan Square and are easily visible from the main street, positioned directly at the cathedral's main entrance. They are freely accessible at all times without needing tickets or worrying about opening hours.

During the 1941-1944 Siege of Leningrad, residents deliberately left these statues uncovered, believing their presence offered protection against invaders. This local faith in the protective power of these monuments reveals how communities found comfort in symbols during the city's darkest hours.

Location: Tsentralny District

Inception: 1837

Architects: Vasily Stasov

Creator: Boris Orlovsky, Samson Xenofontowitsch Suchanow

GPS coordinates: 59.93498,30.32596

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06