Monuments to Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great, an iconic figure in European history, has left her mark through various monuments across the continent. ๐โจ In Saint Petersburg, along the famous Nevsky Prospekt, stands a statue of Catherine II crafted by Mikhail Mikeshin in 1873. ๐ฟ ๐จ This magnificent sculpture captures the essence of her regal authority and continues to draw admirers from around the world. ๐๐ In Odessa, there once stood a grand monument to Catherine the Great, but it was unfortunately demolished on December 31, 2022, leaving only the pedestal as a silent witness to its former grandeur. ๐ข๐ However, in Krasnodar (formerly Yekaterinodar), a modern reconstruction of the Catherine the Great monument has risen, symbolizing the city's enduring connection to its imperial past. ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ On the Crimean Peninsula, photographs of historical sites recognized as cultural heritage by both Russia and Ukraine offer glimpses into Catherine's influence in the region. ๐ท ๐ In Simferopol, a monument once stood tall but has since collapsed, while another in Yekaterinoslav (now Dnipro) has also met a similar fate, a poignant reminder of the passage of time. โณ๐ Yet, amidst the ruins, there are signs of restoration and renewal. In Simferopol, a monument was restored in 2016, breathing new life into the city's historical landscape. ๐ ๏ธ ๐ธ In Vilnius, a monument to Catherine the Great stood from 1904 to 1915, a fleeting but significant marker of her influence in the Baltic region. ๐ฐ๏ธ๐๏ธ Further afield, in Veliky Novgorod, the Russian Millennium Monument stands as a towering tribute to a thousand years of Russian history, with Catherine the Great among the many figures immortalized in stone. ๐ฐ๐ฟ In Vladikavkaz, a monument celebrates "200 Years of Coexistence with Russia," highlighting Catherine's role in shaping the nation's destiny. ๐ค ๐Monuments dedicated to Catherine the Great can also be found in Podolsk and Zerbst (Germany), her birthplace, adding a personal touch to her historical legacy. ๐ ๐ In Donaustauf, Bavaria, her marble bust graces the Walhalla Memorial, a hall of fame for Germanic luminaries, a testament to her far-reaching influence. ๐ฟ๐๏ธ And in Tiraspol, a monument to Catherine the Great stands as a reminder of her enduring presence in the hearts and minds of people across Europe. ๐๐ #EuropeanHistory #WomenInHistory #CatherineTheGreat #RomanovDynasty