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Moscow Sights Gems
Poklonnaya Hill
Poklonnaya Hill is situated on the West of Moscow. In ancient times those who went to the capital or left it used to bow to its sacred objects from this hill. Now the name of Poklonnaya Hill reminds us about this custom (“Poklon” means “to bow”).
The Victory Memorial was planned to be build here since 1942 but it was only 1961 when the park of Victory was laid out here. Now it spreads over an area 135 hectares. The construction of Victory Memorial began in 1985.
The grand opening of the Victory Memorial on Poklonnaya Hill dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 was held on May 9, 1985.
The main Victory monument is 142 meters height (designed by Tseretely). It has a shape of bayonet. At the top of the monument are bronze figures of goddess of Victory Nika and two angels with the trumpets. On each side of this symbolic bayonet are names of the hero-cities. At the bottom of the Monument is the bronze figure of Victory Bearer St. George striking the dragon with the spear.
The white pylonade adjoining the central museum of Great Patriotic War 1941-1945 houses the picture gallery (3350 sq.m.). Two bronze figures at etch edge above it are trumpeting Glory heralds.
The Museum itself (33992 sq.m.) houses also 6 dioramas depicting the biggest battles fought during the war and impressive Hall of Memory and Hall of Glory. There is also the “Electronic Book of Memory” which contains nearly 19 mln pieces of information about those who were killed or reported missing in the years of World War The Second.
The Victory Memorial includes the Church of Great Martyr and Victory Bearer St. George, consecrated on May 6, 1995, open-air exhibitions of weapons and combat equipment, including specimens of material of the navy and railroad forces, and engineering structure. A mosque, a Roman Catholic church and synagogue are also planned to be built since servicemen practicing different faiths took part in the war.
In front of the main Victory Memorial is the Central Alley of Fountains, which are illuminated from beneath in the evenings.
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