The Motherland CallsAbout The Motherland Calls
The Motherland Calls is a monumental statue on Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia, erected as the centrepiece of a memorial to the Battle of Stalingrad. The figure, designed by sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich, was unveiled in 1967 and stands at about 85 metres from base to the tip of the sword.
The statue forms the focal point of a larger memorial complex that includes a stepped plaza, the Hall of Military Glory, an eternal flame and multiple sculptural groups and tablets commemorating combatants of the battle. The ensemble was planned as both a monumental sculpture and a civic burial and remembrance site.
Built in the decades after World War II, the monument commemorates the pivotal 1942-1943 Battle of Stalingrad and has become a central feature of Volgograd’s historic landscape. The hill-top position of Mamayev Kurgan gives the site commanding views over the city and the Volga River.
Mamayev Kurgan with The Motherland Calls sits within Volgograd and is reached by city roads and pedestrian routes from the central districts; the memorial occupies a dominant, elevated location overlooking the city.
- Height and unveiling date: The statue measures about 85 metres from the base to the tip of the raised sword and was unveiled in 1967 as the centerpiece of a larger World War II memorial complex.
- Panoramic viewpoint: The monument is located on Mamayev Kurgan and provides panoramic views over Volgograd and the Volga River from its elevated position.
What to See#
- Central statue: The central colossal statue rises above a stepped memorial plaza and points across the city, forming the visual focus of the Mamayev Kurgan complex.
- Memorial complex components: Surrounding the main figure are the Hall of Military Glory, an eternal flame and additional sculptural reliefs and memorial tablets that form the complete commemorative ensemble.
Best Time to Visit The Motherland Calls
Best visited late spring through early autumn for comfortable conditions and less wind on the hilltop.
Weather & Climate near The Motherland Calls
The Motherland Calls's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -10° - -4° | -14° | 36 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| February | Poor | -10° - -4° | -14° | 29 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| March | Acceptable | -5° - 3° | -6° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 5° - 15° | 8° | 26 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 4.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Very Good | 11° - 22° | 17° | 37 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.0h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 27° | 21° | 42 mm | some cloud | 51% | 3.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.8h |
| July | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 23° | 38 mm | some cloud | 47% | 3.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.5h |
| August | Excellent | 16° - 27° | 22° | 35 mm | some cloud | 43% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.1h |
| September | Excellent | 10° - 21° | 16° | 29 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 3.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 4° - 12° | 5° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 4.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 40 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| December | Poor | -7° - -2° | -11° | 42 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
How to Get to The Motherland Calls
Mamayev Kurgan is on the eastern bank of the Volga in Volgograd. From the city center it is a 10-20 minute taxi ride; local buses also serve routes nearby. The site is pedestrian-accessible but involves a steep climb up the memorial stairs.
Tips for Visiting The Motherland Calls
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds and to catch low-angle light on the statue's face.
- The memorial complex includes a museum-allow time to see the exhibits about the Battle of Stalingrad.
- Wear warm clothing in winter-Volgograd's weather can be harsh and windy on the Mamayev Kurgan hill.