There are many unique places and buildings in Saratov that have become the hallmark of the city. Victory Park and its famous stele "Cranes" are not only a waypoint for tourists, but also a sacred place to honor the heroes who died in the Great Patriotic War.
History of the park
Victory Park in Saratov was founded in 1975 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Victory over the Nazis. 80 hectares of land were allocated for alleys, exhibits and the main monument of the park. True, the famous "Cranes" stele did not exist then. Instead, a stone was installed informing about the future monument.
In 1982, the "Cranes" stele was installed in the park. The 40-meter monument was created by the architect Menyakin and is dedicated to the citizens of Saratov who died during the Second World War.
Then the central alley was already broken, trees and bushes were planted; an open-air museum of military glory functioned. Officially, the State Museum of Military Glory opened on May 9, 1999 in Saratov's Victory Park. The exposition was presentedmilitary aircraft, helicopters, anti-aircraft guns, tanks of the Red Army and tanks of the enemy side.
Modern look and expositions of the Victory Park
Today, Saratov's Victory Park has taken on an ennobled appearance with monuments, museums, an observation deck and green spaces. Every year, festive events are organized here on the occasion of the Great Victory Day. The holiday is accompanied by the laying of flowers to the fallen heroes, a rally and congratulations to veterans. Citizens are happy to visit the Museum of Military Glory, the Museum of Labor, an observation deck, national villages, the Cranes stele.
But not only on May 9, the townspeople and guests of the city visit the attraction. Schoolchildren come here on excursions, city races are organized here. The newlyweds come to Saratov's Victory Park for photo and video shooting of the wedding day.
Today open for visitors:
- Museum of Military Glory. Recently, the exhibits have an audio guide: by pressing a button next to a tank, aircraft or rocket launcher, you can find out the history of equipment, accessories and technical characteristics using audio systems.
- National village of the peoples of the Saratov region. This is a unique exposition presented by ethnic dwellings with an installation of life and life in the Saratov Province.
- Stela "Cranes". The monument depicts a wedge of cranes flying to the west: this is how Saratov went to the western front to fight the Nazis. The path to the stele starts from the Eternal Flame and goes to the steps withthe inscription of the year and the city, which was liberated or defended by the natives of the Saratov land.
- Observation deck with a view of Engels and Saratov, as well as a large arched bridge across the Volga.
- Memorials to victims of radiation and juvenile prisoners of fascism.
How to find Victory Park
For any guest of Saratov (and a local lover of urban beauties) information on how to get to Victory Park in Saratov will be useful. The park is located on Sokolovaya Gora in the Volga region. You can get there by public transport, but with transfers at Radishchev Square. Buses run from the railway station to Radishchev Square: 284a, 284b, 284k; minibuses No. 3 and 72. Bus 2D follows from Radishchev Square, minibuses No. 95 and 66 - stop on request.
