City of Penza, a monument to the First Settler (sculpture composition "The First Settler"): address, authors, description

Practically every modern settlement has symbols that make it unique. Penza is not an exception. Monument to the First Settler is a highlight of the city, built several decades ago. Of course, this monument has its own history, which is definitely worth getting acquainted with.

What does the monument stand for?

Of course, this is not the most valuable building from the historical point of view, which Penza can be proud of. Monument to the First Settler was created only in 1980. His solemn opening was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 600th anniversary of the victory that the state won in the famous Kulikovo battle.

Why did the building become just one of the main symbols of the city in just a few years? The creators decided to devote the original monument to the foundation of Penza, to make it a kind of reminder of the first inhabitants of this settlement. The monument extols peasant labor, on which the welfare of the city and the country as a whole depended. He also tells about the courage of the soldiers who defended the southeastern borders of the state from aggressive nomads several centuries ago.

Sculptural composition "First settler": description

Bronze is the material from which the sculpture was cast. It includes the figure of a man and his horse. Valentin Grigorevich Kozenyuk, the author of the original project, decided that the man would act in two roles at once. At the same time he is a warrior and a peasant. The belligerence of the figure is emphasized by a sharp spear, which is clamped in the hand. The plow tells about the commitment to work.

Two essences represent a horse belonging to a peasant warrior. Obviously, a horse can be used not only for military purposes, but also to plow the field with it. About when Penza was founded, it is easy to find out by reading the inscription on the granite foundation of the structure. It happened in the distant 1663 year.

Opposite the monument you can see the remains of the ancient earth wall of the fortress, which was used for defensive purposes. This shaft is the same age as the settlement. The city authorities have taken care of the partial reconstruction of the serf stockade. Also there you can see a wooden belfry with a cast iron mortar. At its foot is a memorial plaque.

The emergence of ideas

If it were not for George Myasnikov, an employee of the Penza Regional Committee of the CPSU, could never have acquired this magnificent monument of Penza. The monument to the First Settler was conceived by this man as a tribute to the brave founders and first inhabitants of the settlement. Myasnikov was known for his activities for the benefit of his beloved city; he also has other merits that are not related to the construction.

The monument was established in 1980, but the work related to its creation began in late 1977. The above-mentioned sculptor Kozenyuk and architect Komarov worked on the project. Butcher dreamed to mark the solemn opening of the building on the anniversary of the Battle of Kulikovo. When, on December 30, 1979, Kozenyuk informed him that the monument was almost finished, Myasnikov realized that his wish would come true.

It is interesting that originally the project was conceived by Valentin Kozenyuk as a sculptural group "Volga and Mikula". However, after its successful approval by the authorities of the city, Kozenyuk and Myasnikov jointly found a more interesting solution. They decided to remove the "Lion-Volga", leaving the soldier armed with a plow and a spear of a tiller and adding a horse.

Select location

For a long time, Valentin Kozenyuk could not decide where the sculpture composition "First Settler" would be installed. At first the attention of the sculptor was attracted by the place near the cafe "Zaseka", which seemed to him suitable. The restaurant is located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by a forest. However, the grandiosity of the structure, which began to appear already in the process of its creation, forced Myasnikov to convince Kozenyuk. A member of the Penza regional committee of the CPSU decided that such a majestic sculptural group did not have a place on the outskirts of the city, that it would merge with a cafe, would only be its addition.

After a long debate, the creators of the monument paid close attention to the historical part of the settlement, which nowadays simultaneously serves as its center. The city of Penza is famous throughout the country for historical buildings, but none of them can compete with the remnants of the ramparts in terms of antiquity. The preserved part of the wall, erected as far back as the 17th century, has the appearance of a relief elevation, climbing onto which you can see the whole city as in the palm of your hand. It was hardly possible to come up with a better place to erect a majestic monument dedicated to the first inhabitants of Penza.

"Wrong" monument

As you know, during the existence of the Soviet Union, it was customary to build monuments in the cities dedicated to the October Revolution, glorifying its leaders. Memorials erected in honor of the soldiers who fell during WWII were also popular. This unofficial rule was not bypassed by the party and such a settlement as Penza. The monument to the First Settler, created in this city, could be negatively met by the government.

Kozenyuk and Myasnikov rightly feared persecution by the authorities for Russophilia, but they still did not abandon their original idea. As a result, everything ended well, the monument did not encounter a sharply negative attitude.

Violation of the ban of the authorities

There was another obvious obstacle - the Summer Olympic Games, which were to take place in 1980 in the capital. The government banned the installation of new memorials in the regions. This was considered an unjustifiable expenditure of financial resources, which it was planned to devote entirely to preparing for the organization of grandiose games.

The government directive was violated, which could theoretically cost Myasnikov not only his office, but also party membership. However, nothing happened.

Interesting Facts

The postmaster's house, located near the monument, could be demolished during the construction of the site given to the building; Penza could have lost this building, as Myasnikov seriously considered this option for some time. However, as a result, he abandoned this idea.

Interestingly, just three years later, by a miracle, the surviving house was turned into a museum, called the Museum of One Painting. A little later the building was renamed in honor of Myasnikov himself, and still works.

It is also curious how the popular monument is called among the people. "A man with a horse" - such a nickname was given to the monument by the inhabitants of Penza.

Location

How to visitors of the city to find a large-scale construction, which is famous for Mr. Penza (monument to the First Settler)? Kirov Street is the place where a majestic monument is erected. Behind the monument you can see the outlines of the Transfiguration Church. Next to it is an observation deck, where visitors and residents of the village come to admire the city's beauty. The site is fenced with a fence made of cast iron, on which the coat of arms of Penza is carved .

Finally, opposite the monument you can see the remains of the defensive shaft, which was erected in the 17th century, as well as a cannon. And, of course, nearby is the Museum of one painting, ready to receive all comers.