Monument to the Sunken Ships in Sevastopol

The Monument to the Sunken Ships is rightfully considered the most famous landmark and calling card of Sevastopol. The hero-city is a model of steadfastness and bravery of Russian sailors with a history rich in joyful and sad events.

.

Many people think that the legendary Sunken Ships Monument is dedicated to a dozen old sailing ships. But in fact it symbolizes something more sacred and profound: the heroism, valor and courage of the sailors of the Black Sea Fleet, whose unparalleled feat during the Crimean War of 1853-1856 reminds and will remind all living people and representatives of future generations of the immortal glory of their ancestors.

.

Video: Monument to the Sunken Ships

Contents

History of the monument

One of Crimea’s most recognizable monuments was unveiled in 1905, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 330-day defense (First Defense) of the city of Sevastopol by Russian troops. In order to save the city and block the enemy fleet from entering the raid, Admiral Pavel Nakhimov decided to sink the outdated Russian sailing ships. This decision was quite reasonable, because 7,000 Sevastopol garrison was to confront 60,000-strong Anglo-French army and fleet, superior to the Russian fleet in 3.5 times.

.

Across the fairway were sunk 5 ships and 2 frigates. This momentous event took place on September 11, 1854. Fall and winter storms partially destroyed this barrier, so in November-December of the same year had to be sunk another ship, merchant ship and corvette. Contemporaries noted that during the second sinking Nakhimov cried like a child.

.
‘ Monument to the Sunken Ships in the Sunset Rays
‘ Sevastopol, and in 2000 – and on the flag of the city. In 2015, the landmark was added to the list of cultural heritage objects of federal significance.

.

Architectural features of the Sunken Ships Monument

The landmark, which adorns the modern bill of 200 rubles, is located next to Nakhimov Square near Primorsky Boulevard in Artbukhta (10 meters from the shore). The distance from the monument to Primorsky Boulevard is 23 meters. The total height of the monument is 16.7 m, the average diameter of the column is 0.95 m, the height of the column is 7.1 m. The dimensions of the plinth – 15×15 m, the base of the monument – 9×9 m, pedestal – 4.1 m, bas-relief – 0.75×0.5 m, memorial wall – 98×6.5 m.

.
‘ Monument to the sunken ships on the 200-ruble banknote of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation

The landmark was designed by sculptor academician Amandus Heinrich Adamson (Amand Ivanovich in Russia), military engineer Friedrich Oskar Enberg and architect Valentin Feldman. The base of the monument is underwater, but it is clearly visible from the air. It is square in shape and represents several stacked stone blocks.

On the base rises an artificial stone cliff made of granite. Towards the embankment, a pedestal with eight faces protrudes from the cliff. On the top of the pedestal there is a diorite triumphal column of the Corinthian order. On the crowning part of the column (capitals) there is a double-headed eagle made of bronze looking towards the sea. On the eagle’s head is a large imperial crown laid on the St. Andrew’s ribbon.

.

Although after the Bolsheviks came to power, all sculptures in the form of the emblem of Imperial Russia were destroyed or remodeled, the monument to the Sunken Ships did not suffer this sad fate, although such proposals from the fighters against the “vestiges of the imperial past” and were. The only loss is the cross above the crown, which, quite possibly, was knocked down somewhere in the first years after the revolution. The monument was restored in 2003, during which this cross was restored.

.
‘ Sevastopol. The price of the tour will depend on the experience of the guide, the program and the transportation. On the Internet you can find offers from both well-known tour companies and private guides.

.
‘ Monument to the Sunken Ships and the Artilleriyskaya Bay embankment

How to get there

Address: Primorsky Boulevard, Sevastopol, Russian Federation.

.

You can get to the Sunken Ships Monument by own or rented vehicle, cab or public transportation.

.

If you plan to use public transport, you can take buses № 110, 109, 94, 92, 77, 31, 29, 22, 16, 12K, 12, 5, 1, trolleybuses № 12, 10k, 10, 9, 7, 4, 4, 3, 1, minibuses № 120,113, 112, 109, 84, 71, 30, 16, 13a, 12a, 12, 4. You should get off at the stop “Nakhimov Square”. From the stop to the monument – 2-3 minutes walk on foot at a moderate pace.

.

If you go by car, it can be parked at the free parking lot, which is located near the Artillery Bay embankment. But you should take into account the fact that there may not be free parking spaces, especially on weekends or holidays, so it is better to give preference to public transport or cabs.

.