Monument to A. Pushkin in Vitebsk

The Monument to A. S. Pushkin in Vitebsk is one of the most remarkable and unusual monuments in the city, installed at the end of the 20th century. In 1989, the grand opening of the monument in honor of the great Russian writer and poet took place, and since then, the annual Pushkin Festival has been held here. The monument to A. S. Pushkin is located in Pushkin Square, next to the Yakub Kolas Theater. The street where the monument stands is entirely pedestrian, making this place especially attractive for walks.

The Unique Appearance of the Monument to A. S. Pushkin

The monument to A. S. Pushkin in Vitebsk is an unusual composition: a miniature realistic figure of the Russian poet stands in front of an abstract representation of a large city. The monument was created by architect V. Yagodnitsky and sculptor I. Kazak. Despite its lack of massive forms and grandeur, the monument impresses with its elegance and depth. The composition behind the poet resembles outspread wings, symbolizing the spiritual unity of Russian and Belarusian cultures. This monument perfectly conveys the spirit of the Romantic era, of which A. S. Pushkin was one of the brightest representatives.

A. S. Pushkin’s Journey Through Belarus

A. S. Pushkin traveled through Belarus multiple times during his journeys. In May 1820, he set off for southern exile, and in August 1824, he was exiled from Odesa to the village of Mikhailovskoye. His route passed through cities such as Chechersk, Mogilev, Orsha, and Vitebsk. The poet stayed at the house of his friend, a nobleman from the Vitebsk province, Pyotr Nashchokin, who later inspired him to write the story "Dubrovsky." In memory of this, a plaque on the monument bears the inscription: "In May 1820 and August 1824, Pushkin traveled through Vitebsk."