Monument to Alexander II, Bronze monument in Central District, Donetsk, Ukraine
The Monument to Alexander II stands near the Transfiguration Cathedral in Donetsk's central area, displaying a zinc statue mounted on a tall sandstone base. The structure rises prominently above the surrounding market square and remains one of the earliest public monuments in the city.
This monument was erected in 1916 to commemorate fifty years since the abolition of serfdom in the Russian Empire. It holds the distinction of being the first public monument built in Yuzovka, the former name of Donetsk.
The monument design underwent examination at the Academy of Fine Arts by experts L. Benoit, Chizhov, and Kotov before receiving installation approval.
The location sits in the central market square, making it straightforward to find while walking through the city center. The open position ensures clear views from various angles and easy access from surrounding streets.
The structure collapsed just days before its scheduled dedication, raising questions about structural problems or possible sabotage that were never fully resolved. This incident marked a controversial start to what became an important civic symbol.
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