Hero City Obelisk
A towering obelisk topped with a bronze star, honoring Leningrad's heroic resistance during WWII.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Hero City Obelisk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A towering obelisk topped with a bronze star, honoring Leningrad's heroic resistance during WWII.
"A powerful symbol of resilience, this obelisk is a must-see for understanding the city's history."
📸 Capture the Moment
Great for photography, especially with the station backdrop. Consider sunrise/sunset for dramatic shots.
🚶♂️ Reflect on History
Take time to understand the obelisk's significance to Leningrad's WWII history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Obelisk Itself
Vosstaniya Square
A towering monument topped with a bronze star, symbolizing the city's heroic defense during WWII.
Moskovskiy Railway Station
Adjacent to the Obelisk
The grand architecture of this historic station provides a stunning backdrop to the obelisk.
Vosstaniya Square Views
Surrounding the Obelisk
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the square, especially during festive seasons like New Year.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding Its Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Moment
Great for photography, especially with the station backdrop. Consider sunrise/sunset for dramatic shots.
🚶♂️ Reflect on History
Take time to understand the obelisk's significance to Leningrad's WWII history.
📍 Convenient Location
Easily accessible as it's the first thing you see exiting Moskovskiy Railway Station.
🏙️ City Vibes
Experience the lively atmosphere of Vosstaniya Square, a hub for travelers.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Moment
Great for photography, especially with the station backdrop. Consider sunrise/sunset for dramatic shots.
🚶♂️ Reflect on History
Take time to understand the obelisk's significance to Leningrad's WWII history.
📍 Convenient Location
Easily accessible as it's the first thing you see exiting Moskovskiy Railway Station.
🏙️ City Vibes
Experience the lively atmosphere of Vosstaniya Square, a hub for travelers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Hero City Obelisk a powerful and significant landmark, especially given its location at the gateway to Moskovskiy Railway Station. Its historical importance as a symbol of Leningrad's WWII resilience is frequently highlighted, offering a moving experience for many. Some note the constant activity in the square, which can be both vibrant and a bit overwhelming.
"Saint Petersburg, Russia. Leningrad Hero City Obelisk on Vosstaniya Square. The building in the background still carries a sign reading "Hero City Leningrad". December 6, 2021. Some parts of the city experienced temperatures as low as -24/-25°C (-13°F). Tsar Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703. The city was named after Saint Peter, his patron saint. In Dutch, it used to be spelled Sankt-Pieter-Burch, and then under German influence it became Sankt-Petersburg. Two centuries later, in 1914, at the start of World War I, the city changed its name to "Petrograd" because its original name sounded too German. Petrograd means "the city of Peter" in Russian. The city was renamed Leningrad in 1924 in honor of the recently deceased leader of the Bolsheviks Vladimir Lenin. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the original name, Saint Petersburg (Russian: Санкт-Петербург,[ˈsankt pʲɪtʲɪrˈburk]) was restored by a citywide referendum. In English, it is called Saint Petersburg today. At the same time, many organizations retained the name 'Leningrad', and an area around St. Petersburg is still known as 'Leningrad Region'. Many older generations still refer to the city as Leningrad out of habit. It became popular to shorten the city's name to Pieter (Piter), which is still the most commonly used nickname."
Nick I
"City Centre around Nvesky. Huge and large monument."
Daniel F
"A pretty much live place as you can see so many travellers with their luggage 24x7. Views of Nevsy prospect are awesome during new year time."
jagada jigar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hero City Obelisk is conveniently located on Vosstaniya Square, directly in front of Moskovskiy Railway Station. You can easily reach it by metro to the 'Ploshchad Vosstaniya' station. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, the obelisk is a central point for travelers, and the area around Moskovskiy Railway Station is accustomed to people with luggage. It's a very accessible landmark.
The 'Ploshchad Vosstaniya' metro station is the most direct route to the Hero City Obelisk. It's part of the Saint Petersburg Metro system.
Depending on your starting point, walking is feasible. It's a significant landmark on Nevsky Prospect, so it's well-connected to other central areas.
Parking in the city center can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Hero City Obelisk is an outdoor monument located in a public square, so there is no admission fee or ticket required to view it.
As an outdoor monument, the Obelisk is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding area and Moskovskiy Railway Station have their own operating hours.
Vosstaniya Square is a public space and does not have an entrance fee. You can freely walk around and admire the Obelisk.
Many city tours of Saint Petersburg include a stop at Vosstaniya Square and the Hero City Obelisk, often highlighting its historical importance.
Yes, the Obelisk is illuminated at night, offering a different and often dramatic perspective. It's a popular spot for evening strolls.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late evenings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the Obelisk and its surroundings. Golden hour can be particularly stunning.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces like Vosstaniya Square. However, always be mindful of any temporary signage or local regulations.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the Obelisk with the grand Moskovskiy Railway Station, or focus on the details of the bronze star. Time-lapses of the square are also popular.
Drone usage in city centers is often restricted due to airspace regulations and privacy concerns. It's best to check local laws before attempting drone photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Obelisk and the station. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Tripods are recommended for low-light conditions.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
The Obelisk commemorates the heroic defense of Leningrad during the brutal Nazi siege in World War II, a period of immense suffering and resilience.
The Siege of Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) was a prolonged military blockade by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944, causing widespread starvation and death among its citizens. +2
The title 'Hero City' was an honorary title awarded to select Soviet cities that demonstrated exceptional heroism and resilience during World War II.
The bronze star is a symbol of the 'Hero City' title, representing the courage and unwavering spirit of the city's defenders and inhabitants.
The Obelisk's prominent placement in front of the station signifies its importance as a gateway to the city and a constant reminder of its history to arriving and departing travelers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more engaging for younger ones, consider framing the story of the siege as a tale of bravery and resilience. Keep the explanations simple and focus on the idea of protecting their city. Visiting during less crowded times, like early mornings, can help maintain a calmer atmosphere for children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For dramatic shots, aim for golden hour during sunrise or sunset, or capture the monument illuminated at night.
The constant flow of people and vehicles in Vosstaniya Square can also be used to create dynamic time-lapse videos or long-exposure shots, showcasing the city's energy. Remember to check for any local regulations regarding photography, especially if considering drone usage, which is generally restricted in urban centers. 🏛️ History Buffs
Pair your visit with a trip to the Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad for a deeper understanding of this critical period.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heroic Legacy of Leningrad
Many visitors find the obelisk a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made. The nearby Moskovskiy Railway Station adds to the historical context, as it was a vital point for the evacuation of civilians and the transport of supplies via the perilous 'Road of Life' across frozen Lake Ladoga.
Understanding the historical context enhances the visit. The obelisk is not just a monument but a symbol of survival and defiance. It's a place where visitors can connect with a critical chapter of 20th-century history and pay their respects to those who endured the siege.
Navigating Vosstaniya Square
The square itself is a vibrant space, especially during holidays. During New Year's, it's known for its festive atmosphere and impressive views, making it a popular gathering spot.
While the square is always active, visiting during early mornings or late evenings can offer a more peaceful experience, allowing for better appreciation of the monument and its surroundings without the peak daytime crowds.
It’s a place where history, daily life, and urban energy converge.
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