Monument in honor of the soldiers of the Soviet Army — Attraction in Vienna

The Soviet War Memorial in Vienna, more formally known as the Heroes' Monument of the Red Army is located at Vienna's Schwarzenbergplatz.

The Stalinesque monument consists of a 12 meter tall Red Army soldier on Schwarzenberg Platz who stands atop a 20 meter tall stone pedestal, weapon slung over his shoulder as he guards over the square between Belvedere Castle and the Ring.

At the end of World War II, just like in Berlin, Vienna was divided into four zones occupied by soldiers of the American, British, French and Russian armies. Stalin ordered the construction of the “Heroes’ Monument of the Red Army” (das Heldendenkmal der Roten Armee) immediately after the Russians took over the city on April 14, 1945. On August 19, 1945 the memorial was unveiled to commemorate the approximately 17,000 soldiers of the Russian Red Army who fell during the battle for Vienna in World War II.

The monument has many names which reflect the degree of public acceptance of the memorial – everything from outrage (sometimes ending in vandalism) to tacit acceptance. The names include: Soviet War Memorial, Heroes’ Monument of the Red Army, the Liberation Memorial, the Victory Memorial and Pea Memorial (referring to the 1000 tons of peas Stalin had ordered be sent to the city on May 1, 1945 to be distributed to Vienna’s starving inhabitants).

Inscribed in the memorial are the following words:

"Monument to honor the soldiers of the Soviet army, who died for the liberation of Austria from fascism." Memorial plaque draped in red carnations: “Monument to honor the soldiers of the Soviet army, who died for the liberation of Austria from fascism.”

Eternal glory to the heroes of the Red Army who fell in battle against the German fascist invaders for the freedom and Independence of the peoples of Europe.

Ewiger Ruhm den Helden der Roten Armee, die gefallen sind im Kampf gegen die deutsch-faschistischen Landräuber – für die Freiheit und Unabhängigkeit der Völker Europas.

And also in the middle of the columns, on a metal cube in Russian and German are the following words:

Monument to honor the soldiers of the Soviet army, who died for the liberation of Austria from fascism.

Denkmal zu Ehren der Soldaten der Sowjetarmee, die für die Befreiung Österreichs vom Faschismus gefallen sind.

Though more places were considered for the site of the memorial, Prater, for example, it isn’t hard to imagine why the Viennese would have suggested this spot as the perfect place for such a construction. I wasn’t along for the location tour in 1945 but I can imagine, in a supreme Austrian move of diplomacy, that the good gentlemen of the committee arranged for the large fountain also on the square to be turned off during the site tour. And they kept the high pressure stream fountain (Hochstrahlbrunnen) off throughout the construction period. Those darn fountains – always out of order. And since we’re doing a bit of construction work at this site anyway, why don’t we too use some prisoners of war to do some repair work on our...

The Monument in Honor of the Soldiers of the Soviet Army stands as a grand tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought valiantly during World War II. Its imposing presence and the powerful inscription in golden letters, that resonate deeply with all who visit.

This monument is not just a testament to history but a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage displayed by the Soviet soldiers. Its design is both majestic and somber, capturing the essence of honor and remembrance. The detailed craftsmanship and the grandeur of the golden letters make it a striking landmark, ensuring that the legacy of the fallen heroes is etched into the collective memory of all who see it.

Visitors often find themselves moved by the solemn beauty of the monument. It serves as a place of reflection, where one can pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives for a greater cause. The monument's presence is a powerful educational tool, fostering a deeper understanding of the past and inspiring gratitude and respect for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Overall, the Monument in Honor of the Soldiers of the Soviet Army is a profoundly significant and beautifully executed tribute, worthy of the heroes it commemorates. It stands as a timeless symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for the freedom and...

As a Ukrainian, I find this mural deeply inappropriate and offensive. For the 11th year in a row, Russia has been waging a brutal war against Ukraine, killing civilians, including children, every single day. Painting the Ukrainian flag next to the portrait of a Russian imperialist is not a gesture of solidarity — it is an insult to the memory of all those who have suffered and died because of Russia’s aggression.

It is absurd to use Ukrainian symbols to whitewash the image of Russia in the eyes of Europeans. This does not represent support for Ukraine, but rather undermines our struggle for survival and freedom.

Every drop of blue and yellow stands for our blood, our suffering, and our fight for freedom — not for someone who stood with the empire that is killing us.

What makes this even more disturbing is that the original monument itself was dedicated to a Soviet soldier — an army that, together with Nazi Germany, started World War II by invading and destroying independent nations. For Ukrainians, this is not a symbol of liberation, but of oppression...