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2014-03-15

The Motherland Calls: Volgograd’s Monument at Mamaev Kurgan

A woman stands high above Volgograd, Russia, holding a massive sword aloft while extending her other arm as if calling people forward. This is The Motherland Calls, one of the world's most recognisable war memorials. But it is the dramatic pose and colossal size that make it a striking landmark; the monument is more than just a giant statue. It is a symbol of hope and freedom. It commemorates the soldiers and civilians caught up in the Battle of Stalingrad during World War II.

History of The Motherland Calls monument
The Motherland Calls in Volgograd, Russia. Explore the 85-metre monument at Mamaev Kurgan.

Standing on Mamaev Kurgan, a hill that witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the battle, the monument is the centrepiece of a vast memorial complex. The sculpture reaches 85 metres from its base to the tip of its sword and weighs approximately 8,000 tonnes. Its size is impressive, yet its real significance lies in the history of the place where it stands.

Where Is The Motherland Calls Located?

The Motherland Calls is situated on Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia, formerly Stalingrad during World War II. The memorial is located on high ground overlooking the city and the Volga River. Mamaev Kurgan became a strategically important position during the Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted from 1942 into early 1943. Control of the hill changed hands during the fighting, and its slopes became part of the battlefield. Today, the memorial complex preserves the memory of those who fought and died there. The monument is the central feature of the larger memorial ensemble known as To the Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad. Visitors encounter several sculptures, memorial squares, and commemorative spaces as they make their way toward the towering statue.

The History of The Motherland Calls Monument

The Battle That Inspired the Memorial

The Battle of Stalingrad was one of the major battles of World War II. The prolonged struggle between the Soviet and German forces caused enormous losses on both military and civilian sides in the city. Mamaev Kurgan was an important position in the battle because of its commanding view over the surrounding area. The fighting left its mark on the hill forever, and later it became a memorial to the defenders of Stalingrad. The decision to erect a large memorial on the site reflected the wish to keep alive the memory of the battle and those who died. The complex was planned as a series of monuments and spaces that would lead visitors through a commemorative journey.

Construction and Unveiling in 1967

The memorial project took several years to complete. Construction of the main complex began in May 1959, and the monument was officially inaugurated on 15 October 1967. The sculpture was created under the direction of sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich, with structural engineering led by Nikolai Nikitin. Its unusual pose, raised sword, and enormous dimensions required careful planning and engineering. The finished monument became the focal point of the memorial complex and a defining landmark of Volgograd.

First Image Credit © Vadim Burkovsky

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Image Credit: Incite

The Motherland Calls Statue: Height, Weight and Dimensions

The scale of The Motherland Calls is one of the first things visitors notice. The figure appears to surge forward, with the sword raised above her head and her clothing flowing behind her.

Here are the main measurements of the monument:

          Feature                                               Measurement

Total height, including the sword         : 85 metres
Height of the female figure                  : 52 metres
Length of the sword                             : 33 metres
Approximate total weight                     : 8,000 tonnes

The official Mamaev Kurgan memorial website provides these figures. The monument is made primarily of reinforced concrete, while the sword is constructed from metal.

Why Is the Statue So Tall?

Its height provides it with a dominating presence over the hill and town below. The sword is held aloft, and it seems to add to the sense of motion; the statue seems to call people forward rather than being stationary. The height of the monument also lends itself well to the design. As visitors from below climb the hill, they gradually see more and more of the figure, and its size and posture become increasingly apparent. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

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Image credit: Andrey Zudilin

The Meaning Behind The Motherland Calls

The statue represents the Motherland as a woman calling her people to defend their country. Her raised sword symbolises resistance, and her extended arm conveys a powerful call to action. The figure is not a portrait of a historical figure. Rather, it is an allegorical image of the homeland and the people who fought to defend it. The monument conveys a message closely linked to the Battle of Stalingrad. It is a memorial to the suffering and sacrifice associated with the battle and is a place of public remembrance.

The Statue’s Dramatic Pose

The statue's design is built around movement. One foot steps forward, the torso turns, and the clothing appears to sweep backward. The sword is held high, while the other arm reaches outward. This arrangement conveys to the figure a sense of urgency. Rather than presenting a calm, stationary figure, the sculptor created an image that seems to be in the middle of an action. The effect becomes particularly noticeable when viewed from the foot of Mamaev Kurgan, where the statue rises against the sky.


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Image credit: IREX

Inside the Mamaev Kurgan Memorial Complex

The Motherland Calls is only one part of a much larger memorial landscape. The complex includes sculptures, memorial squares, a Hall of Military Glory, and burial sites dedicated to those who died during the battle. The route through the memorial is designed to guide visitors through different aspects of remembrance, from collective mourning to the monumental figure at the summit.

The Hall of Military Glory

The Hall of Military Glory is a circular memorial space within the complex. It contains the Eternal Flame and commemorative displays that honour those who died in the Battle of Stalingrad. The names of fallen soldiers are recorded inside the hall, creating a more personal connection to the enormous scale of the battle. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

The Memorial Path and Burial Sites

The route toward the main statue passes memorial features and burial areas. The official memorial website states that the remains of 34,505 soldiers were reburied along the serpentine path leading up the hill. This figure refers to that specific section of the memorial, not every burial across the entire complex. The path encourages visitors to pause and reflect before reaching the monument at the top.


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Image Credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink

Why The Motherland Calls Is an Important Landmark

The Motherland Calls is significant for several reasons. It is a major work of monumental sculpture, a symbol of Volgograd, and a memorial to the Battle of Stalingrad. Its size attracts attention, but the setting is just as important. This statue stands on the ground where soldiers fought in one of the most decisive battles of the Second World War. The surrounding memorial complex connects the sculpture to the people and events it memorialises. The monument is also part of the Mamaev Kurgan Memorial Complex, which has been included on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage consideration. Inclusion on a Tentative List is not the same as inscription on the World Heritage List. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

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Image Credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink

Visiting The Motherland Calls in Volgograd

For visitors to Volgograd, Mamaev Kurgan offers an opportunity to explore the city's wartime history and see the monument up close. The memorial complex includes several stops along the approach to the main statue. Visitors can take time to see the memorial squares, the Hall of Military Glory, and the burial areas before reaching the upper section. Because the site is a war memorial, visitors should approach it with respect and allow time to explore the different parts of the complex. For current opening arrangements and visitor information, consult the official Mamaev Kurgan website.

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Image Credit: Martha de Jong-Lantink

Frequently Asked Questions About The Motherland Calls


Where is The Motherland Calls statue located?

The Motherland Calls is located on Mamaev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia. It is the main monument of the memorial complex dedicated to the Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad.

How tall is The Motherland Calls statue?

The statue is 85 metres tall, including its sword. The female figure itself is 52 metres high, and the sword measures 33 metres.

When was The Motherland Calls monument built?

Construction of the memorial complex began in May 1959. The monument was officially inaugurated on 15 October 1967. Source

What does The Motherland Calls statue represent?

The statue represents the Motherland calling her people to defend their country. It commemorates the soldiers and others who suffered and died during the Battle of Stalingrad.

Who designed The Motherland Calls?

The monument was created under the direction of sculptor Yevgeny Vuchetich, with structural engineering led by Nikolai Nikitin. en.wikipedia.org

What is the sword of The Motherland Calls made of?

The statue's main structure is made of reinforced concrete, while the sword is made of metal. The official memorial website identifies the blade as stainless steel.

What is Mamaev Kurgan famous for?

Mamaev Kurgan is known for its role in the Battle of Stalingrad and for the large memorial complex that was built to honour those who fought and died there. The Motherland Calls is its central monument.

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Image Credit: xinnocentmiscreantx
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Image Credit: Ru. Wikipedia
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Image credit: Matt Whyman
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Image Credit: Vadim Burkovsky
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Image Credit: Vadim Burkovsky
"To Heroes of the Battle of Stalingrad" 
The Motherland Calls | Map

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Image Credit: pds209

Conclusion

It is easy to look at The Motherland Calls and think only about its size. The statue is enormous; the sword stretches high into the sky, and its position on Mamaev Kurgan makes it visible from a long distance. But it’s the story behind it that makes this place memorable.

Mamaev Kurgan was one of the sites of fighting during the Battle of Stalingrad, and the memorial is in memory of those who fought there. As visitors walk up the hill, they pass other memorials and commemorative spaces before arriving at the giant figure at the top. By then, the statue feels less like a landmark and more like the final piece in a much larger story.

The Motherland Calls remains one of the signature sights of Volgograd today. Its weird design and enormous size draw people in. The history of Mamaev Kurgan adds a deeper meaning to the monument that photos can’t really capture.

References & Sources

- March 15, 2014

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous11 December 2023 at 01:38

    The Russian Pieta and Mother Calls are so stunning, powerful, poignant, touching , and painfully beautiful, they literally stun you and make you gasp. Going there now would be a mistake but going there when things are better is worth it. Volgograd is a gritty city but visiting the Memorial is one of the great experiences you will have. Fly in and fly out... don't take the train, way not worth it......and go to Kazan then east. It will be the Greatest Trip of your life.

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    Replies
    1. Rite Book26 August 2026 at 21:41

      Thank you for sharing such a powerful perspective. The way you describe the Russian Pieta and the Motherland Calls really captures the emotional impact of the memorial. Volgograd sounds like a place where history feels incredibly real and deeply personal. I agree that visiting when circumstances are better would make the experience even more meaningful. And your advice about combining Volgograd with Kazan and travelling east sounds like an unforgettable journey.

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