Glory monument in Poltava

The Glory monument sits at Kruhla Square, featuring a tall granite pillar crowned by a bronze eagle grasping a laurel wreath and arrows in its talons. The structure is anchored by authentic cannons positioned at its base, which connect to its military past.

The monument was inaugurated in 1811 and commemorates the Battle of Poltava from 1709, when the Russian Empire and Sweden clashed during the Great Northern War. This battle became a turning point in European power dynamics and established Russia as a dominant force.

The monument carries the name "Glory" and symbolizes victory and freedom in the city's landscape, representing what people experienced at that time. The authentic cannons at its base and the cast-iron fencing shaped like swords tell the story of this decisive moment.

The monument sits on the central Kruhla Square and remains accessible to visitors year-round, with numerous shops and restaurants nearby. The immediate surroundings are easy to navigate on foot and offer plenty of spots to rest and explore.

The monument survived destruction attempts during Nazi occupation in World War II, which makes its survival particularly noteworthy. It underwent full restoration in 1974 to celebrate Poltava's 800th anniversary and reclaim its original form.

GPS coordinates: 49.58958,34.55116

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57