Obelisk to Minin and Pozharsky

The Obelisk to Minin and Pozharsky stands within the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin walls as a granite structure from the 19th century. The monument bears inscriptions honoring the two leaders who united Russian forces during a period of severe internal conflict.

Built in 1828, the monument marks an important shift in how Russia chose to commemorate its past during the 19th century. The two men it honors were instrumental in expelling foreign occupation in the early 1600s.

The monument reflects how two national heroes are remembered in Russian collective memory and continues to shape how locals view their city's past. Walking past it, visitors sense how deeply rooted these figures remain in the community's identity.

The monument sits within the Kremlin and is easy to find once you enter the fortress walls. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground consists of stone and sloped surfaces around the site.

What sets this monument apart is that citizens of Nizhny Novgorod raised the funds to build it themselves, which was unusual for the time. This grassroots support made it one of the earliest public monuments financed directly by ordinary people in 19th-century Russia.

Location: Nizhny Novgorod

Inception: 1828

Part of: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin

GPS coordinates: 56.32889,44.00250

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:46