The Motherland Calls

When you visit Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia, you will stand before The Motherland Calls, a colossal neoclassicist and socialist realist war memorial sculpture commemorating the casualties of the Battle of Stalingrad. Designed primarily by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich alongside architect Yakov Belopolsky, this imposing concrete monument stands 85 meters (279 feet) tall from its pedestal base to its peak, making it the tallest statue in Europe. Dedicated in 1967, it forms the dominant centerpiece of a broader memorial complex featuring multiple plazas and sculptural works set upon a historic hill that endured intense World War II combat.

As you gaze up at the sculpture, you will see a towering female personification of Russia—Mother Russia—wearing a windswept shawl resembling wings. Inspired by the ancient Greek Winged Victory of Samothrace, she holds a sword aloft in her right hand while her left hand extends outward to call her people to battle. The statue's dramatic design was modeled after local resident Valentina Izotova, with facial features believed to be based on Vuchetich's wife.

Visiting this monument offers you a chance to reflect on World War II history, admire engineering by Nikolai Nikitin, and explore a site listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage candidate.

What to see at The Motherland Calls

• The 85-meter (279-foot) concrete sculpture of Mother Russia holding a sword aloft
• Design features including a wing-like windswept shawl inspired by the Winged Victory of Samothrace
• The surrounding war memorial complex set upon the historic hill of Mamayev Kurgan
• Monumental socialist realist artwork designed by Yevgeny Vuchetich and engineered by Nikolai Nikitin

Visiting tips

Take time to explore the broader memorial complex across Mamayev Kurgan, which features several plazas and sculptural works commemorating the casualties of the Battle of Stalingrad.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

The Motherland Calls is easy to reach on Volgograd’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Barmaley Fountain and St. Nicholas' Church, Volgograd. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Volgograd travel guide.