Monument to sunken ships in Sevastopol (photo). Practical study of the monument to sunken ships

Sevastopol is a special city. The unique atmosphere, seascapes, bright sun - this alone is enough to attract many tourists here.
But besides this, the city boasts a variety of architectural attractions, and its numerous monuments tell stories of the glorious military exploits with which its history is so rich.

The monument that will be discussed is a bright and beloved tourist attraction of Sevastopol. Without exaggeration, the monument can be called the pride of Crimea. In 1969, he was depicted on the coat of arms of the hero city, and in 2000 on the flag.

How to get to the monument?

It is best to start driving from Nakhimov Square or from Primorsky Boulevard. The attraction is located in Artbukhta. The height of the monument is more than 16 meters, so it is clearly visible from everywhere.

Construction of the monument

There is a granite rock 23 meters from the shore. A majestic stone pedestal protrudes from it, on which stands a seven-meter column. On its top sits a double-headed eagle, whose head is crowned with an imperial crown. In its beak it holds a wreath and an anchor. Half of the wreath consists of laurel leaves, the other is leaves oak The laurel symbolizes glory, victory and triumph, while the oak symbolizes strength, resilience and maturity. On the eagle’s chest shines a shield with Saint George the Victorious depicted on it. On the pedestal there is a bas-relief with a scene of the sinking of ships. Below the image are the words: “In memory of the ships sunk in 1854 and 1855 to block the entrance to the roadstead.” On the embankment opposite the monument there are two anchors from those same ships.

The design of the monument was created by sculptor A.G. Adamson, architect V.A. Feldman and military engineer F.O. Enberg.

It is interesting that the eagle “looks” not at the embankment, but at the sea. That is, you can see the monument in all its glory only from the water area. This is the symbolism of the Monument to the Sunken Ships: it honors the heroic sailors, and therefore its gaze is turned in the direction where the heroic struggle of the city’s defenders began.
The height of the entire composition is 16.7 meters, the wingspan of the eagle is 2.67 meters. The entire composition is made of bronze.

History of the monument

At first Crimean War when several important battles were already lost, Sevastopol was under a real threat of being captured by the enemy. At the military headquarters on September 9, 1853, a discussion took place on what tactics to choose to defend the city.

The speaker, Vice Admiral Kornilov, proposed that all ships go to sea to attack the enemy with all their might, and if this fails, go on board and die the death of the brave, destroying at this cost part of the enemy fleet.

However, the commander of the Selafail, Zorin, unexpectedly proposed a different solution. He gave a speech in which he called for the old ships to be sunk so that they would block the entrance to the bay. Sailors will be placed on bastions to protect the city on land.

It was a difficult decision for everyone. It's not easy to sink your ships. But the commander-in-chief, Prince Menshikov, gathered his courage and nevertheless gave such an order. Vice Admiral Nakhimov also supported this decision. Both of them knew that the goal of the enemy coalition, which included England, France and Turkey, was to capture the entire Crimea. And, of course, Sevastopol simply had to resist in order to prevent these plans from coming true!

A total of 15 ships were sunk: 9 on the first and 6 on the second lines. Their crew moved to the bastions and held the defense there.
This maneuver of the Russian army significantly influenced the course of the war, because the powerful enemy fleet was practically neutralized, without firing a single shot!
Therefore, those 15 ships that were sunk fully deserved the title of defenders of Sevastopol.

After this, the city defended itself for another 349 days, and this epic was included in all history and military textbooks as an example of the steadfastness and courage of the Russian army. After the city finally fell, the enemy no longer had the strength to capture the entire peninsula.
The monument in question was erected on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the events described. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved attractions of the townspeople and their guests.

The war lasted 349 days

Monument during the war

Although the monument was an excellent target, it miraculously survived the Great Patriotic War. Patriotic War.

The bombing of Sevastopol began on June 22, 1941, and one of the bombs even exploded between the monument and the shore. This bomb did not harm the monument, like many others that subsequently fell nearby more than once. But the monument still suffered damage, and it was difficult to remain unharmed in those terrible years. The bas-relief of the monument was damaged by bullets, the column and capital were also cut by shrapnel, and holes appeared in the eagle’s wings.

But despite this, the fighters Soviet army When the liberators entered the city on May 9, 1944, they were amazed. The monument stood almost intact, and at its foot a wrecked German tanker was burning. This striking picture is captured in many photographs of the time.

Monument to the Sunken Ships in our time

On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the monument in 200, it was restored. They strengthened the granite blocks, which had been heavily washed out by the sea over the course of a century, and made redecorating and reinstalled the cross on the eagle's crown: in Soviet time it was barbarously cut down. In addition, around the underwater base of the monument they erected concrete wall to create an artificial barrier for sea ​​waves.

They also wanted to restore the mast of the sailing ship, which originally protruded from the sea waves. In 1975, she died in a strong storm. But, unfortunately, there was no longer enough funding for this.

Photo of the Monument to the Sunken Ships

• There is an opinion that the eagle’s wings were not designed randomly: supposedly one wing repeats the profile of Admiral Nakhimov, and the other of Emperor Nicholas I, that is, the Russian emperor and commander-in-chief of the fleet who fought that war. Many tourists, viewing the monument from the sea, claim that this is so, although there is no documentary evidence of this legend.
• The Monument to the Scuttled Ships is a popular name. It so happened that this majestic monument was never officially opened. IN different time he was called differently in documents. Historians count from 10 to 17 names of this attraction! For example, on August 3, 1905, the Tsar’s office issued a document ordering the monument to be named “The Place of the Sevastopol Fairway Barrier.” However, as is easy to see, the name remained popular - Monument to Sunken Ships.
• The monument was erected on an old oyster bank. Now, of course, it is long dead, but at one time there was a respectable restaurant “Float” here, in the center of which there was a swimming pool. Fresh oysters were taken from it in front of the guests directly to the table.

Favorite place for tourists
Today the Monument to the Sunken Ships is rightfully considered business card Sevastopol. Of all the many tourists visiting the city, it is unlikely that at least one left without visiting it and taking a photo against its background. There are excursions here for both adults and children. The guys are especially interested in listening entertaining story guide about the unparalleled courage of the defenders of the city, to whom this majestic monument is dedicated.

During the Crimean War, when the English, French and Turkish fleets approached the shores of Sevastopol, Prince Alexander Menshikov gave the order to scuttle some of the obsolete ships at the entrance to Sevastopol Bay. On September 11, 1854, five ships and two frigates dropped anchor and formed a line from north to south.

Even the enemies appreciated such tactics. “If the Russians had not blocked the entrance to the Sevastopol Bay, sinking five of their ships and two frigates, I have no doubt that the allied fleet, after the first fire it withstood, would have penetrated there successfully and would have entered communication with its armies from the depths of the bay,” - said Vice Admiral Ferdinand Gamelin.

The crews of the sunken ships continued to defend the city on the shore. After autumn-winter storms, the Russian command sank another 9 ships from November to February 1854–1855. And in August 1855, when the defenders moved from the South to the North, the remaining Black Sea Fleet was scuttled.

It’s sad to destroy our work: we spent a lot of effort to keep the ships doomed to the victim in an enviable order, but we must submit to necessity. Moscow burned, but Rus' did not die from it.

Vice Admiral Vladimir Kornilov

During the Crimean War, the city held its defense for 349 days. About 90 ships sank to the bottom of the Sevastopol Bay; cleanup work took 10 years after the war.

History of the monument

The monument was built in 1905, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first defense of Sevastopol. It is a symbolic cliff made of granite blocks with a seven-meter Corinthian column topped with a bronze double-headed eagle.

The bird holds in its beak a laurel-oak wreath with an anchor attached to it. A bronze plate is attached to the pedestal: “In memory of the ships sunk in 1854 and 1855 to block the entrance to the roadstead.”

Only in 1949 was it possible to discover the name of the author of the monument, when they found a list of works by the famous Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson. Their list included a monument to sunken ships.

The monument stood during major earthquake 1927, withstood the explosion of a bottom mine during the Great Patriotic War, and was not damaged during the occupation of the city by Nazi troops.

In 1969, a monument to sunken ships appeared on the coat of arms of Sevastopol.

The Monument to the Sunken Ships is the most famous landmark of Sevastopol. Since 1969, the image of the monument has appeared on the city’s coat of arms.

Geographic coordinates of the monument to the Sunken Ships on the map of Crimea GPS N 44.618364 E 33.524212

​Get to the Sunken Ships Monument, the easiest way is from Nakhimov Square or Primorsky Boulevard. The monument is located near the embankment of Primorsky Boulevard, 10 meters from the shore, in Artbukhta.

The underwater part of the monument to the Sunken Ships consists of well laid stone blocks, in the shape of a square. This is clearly visible from the air. On this reliable foundation, an artificial stone cliff rises, 3 meters high. On the cliff you can see the base of a column on which there is a quote: In memory of the ships sunk in 1854-1855. to block the entrance to the roadstead." A 7-meter column rises above the base of the cliff, ending with a capital or pedestal on which stands the royal double-headed eagle. The Royal Eagle proudly spread its wings and holds a wreath in its beaks. An anchor chain hangs from the top of the wreath, ending directly with an anchor, and the laurel wreath itself consists of two parts: laurel leaves - a symbol of victory and oak leaves - a symbol of faith and glory. Above the head of the double-headed eagle, the composition is completed by a royal crown with a cross.

The history of the monument to the Sunken Ships.

In 1953, in November, Admiral Nakhimov, near the city of Sinop (Turkey), completely defeated the Turkish naval squadron, along with 6 coastal batteries. Thus, he thwarted Turkey’s plans to form and staff an amphibious assault force for landing on Georgian territory, followed by intervention.
Nakhimov's naval victory, greatly changed the balance of power in the Black Sea, which caused concern among the maritime powers - England, France and Italy. Concern increased every day due to the strengthening of the navy and the approach of Russian troops to the Bosphorus. England and France proposed military assistance Turkey is in a full-scale war with Russia. After much persuasion, Türkiye decided to start a war with Russia. Italy joined this alliance without discussing its benefits, although it did not particularly participate in sea and land battles. Several times Italian troops were seen looting captured villages and one corps participated for about an hour in the siege of the Mikhailovskaya battery. But under the pressure of Russian troops they left the battle.

In 1854, the combined fleet of 4 states approached Sevastopol, the main base of the Black Sea Fleet Tsarist Russia. According to the enemy's plan, the campaign was designed for two weeks, during which the Black Sea Fleet was to be completely destroyed, Sevastopol was taken and big cities Crimea. The territory of Crimea was to be partially given to Turkey, and Russian troops should have retreated to the mainland.
The famous Defense of Sevastopol was headed by Vice Admiral V. A. Kornilov, and his closest assistant, Vice Admiral P. S. Nakhimov. It was they who made the fateful decision to flood most of sailing ships the Black Sea Fleet, in order to prevent the enemy fleet, which is many times superior, from getting into Artbay. The plan was this: the ships, settling on the bottom, leave protruding masts, which, when enemy ships approach, pierce their bottoms or damage the steering, and at this time the coastal batteries shoot the helpless ships.

According to one version, the plan belongs to Admiral Nakhimov, and most of The ships he sank took part in the Battle of Sinop. As contemporaries wrote, Nakhimov cried like a child during the flooding. But be that as it may, the plan completely justified itself. The enemy flotilla tried several times to enter the bay of Sevastopol, but each time retreated with heavy losses. Thus began the 349-day defense of the city of Sevastopol, and the 14-day campaign turned into a year-long one. The enemy fleet grew to 350 ships with several amphibious landings. Fierce fighting, with little respite, lasted 11 months. The talented organizer and head of defense, V.A. Kornilov, died. And then, almost immediately, P.S. Nakhimov. The forces were exhausted on both sides. The heroic defense of Sevastopol ended with the signing of the Peace Treaty on March 8, 1856.

Because of this heroic story, Monument to the Sunken Ships in the city of Sevastopol. Walking along Primorsky Boulevard, near the Grafskaya pier or along the embankment, you will definitely see the monument to the Sunken Ships. In the summer there are always a lot of vacationers there, and sunrises and sunsets there are a little more romantic and pleasant than on the entire Crimean peninsula, although it is up to you to judge this. If you are planning to visit the Crimean Peninsula, be sure to visit. Sevastopol, with its history and history, will not leave you indifferent and will most likely become one of your favorite cities in the World.

Monument to Sunken Ships on the map of Crimea

Monument to the sunken ships (Sevastopol, Russia) - description, history, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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The history of this monument begins in one of the most dramatic moments of the Crimean War, when in September 1854 there was a direct threat of a breakthrough of the Anglo-French squadron into the Sevastopol Bay. The danger was eliminated by deliberately sinking 15 ships of the Black Sea Fleet in the roadstead. Half a century later, near the shore where the artillery battery stood, a monument was erected to the sunken ships - as if to soldiers who gave their lives for victory. But the Tsushima disaster happened, so they never bothered to open the monument. After the revolution, they first wanted to demolish it, but then they only renamed it a monument to the dead sailors and broke off the cross that rose above it. During the Great Patriotic War, bombs fell near the memorial, but it survived.

What to see

On an artificial granite rock 20 m from the shore, a white diorite column rises; on its Corinthian capital sits a double-headed bronze eagle, crowned with an imperial crown. The eagle's chest is decorated with the Order of St. George the Victorious, in its beak there is a wreath woven from laurel and oak leaves, and its paws rest on a naval anchor.

On the pedestal on the side of Primorsky Boulevard there is a bas-relief with a flooding scene sailing ships in the raging waves. The author of the sculptural group is the architect Amandus Adamson, creator of the battleship “Rusalka” memorial in Tallinn.

The monument to sunken ships has long become an architectural symbol of Sevastopol; it appears on its official coat of arms next to the golden star of the hero city.

Practical information

Location: Sevastopol, Primorsky Boulevard.

How to get there: by trolleybuses No. 7, 9, 10,12, 13 to the stop. "Nakhimov Square".

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Other attractions nearby

• Where to stay: In the main seaside resort of Western Crimea - in the charming and ancient Yevpatoria, whose beaches are famous for their fine sand, and there is a whole scattering of accommodation options, from sanatoriums and resort hotels to VIP cottages. Accommodation in Peschany can be recommended for those who are tired of the “benefits” of civilization; the options are private guest houses and small boarding houses. Nikolaevka is the “beach of Simferopol”, it is closest to the station. Chernomorskoe is suitable for families with children; in addition, it is one of the most environmentally friendly places in Crimea. We recommend a stay in Sevastopol for fans of excursions, and in Balaklava the balance between beach and excursions is perfectly maintained.
• What to see: Panorama Museum of Sevastopol, a memorial on Sapun Mountain, the Valley of Death, as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Chersonesos and Military History Museum Black Sea Fleet. In Balaklava it is worth visiting more than 50 monuments of the Crimean, Great Patriotic and civil war, including the brilliant Malakhov Kurgan, as well as the Genoese fortress. Must-see Evpatoria: Turkish baths, armenian church and a 600-year-old water supply system. In Nikolaevka you can have a lot of fun in good clubs on the embankment or go to

The universally recognized main symbol of the city of Sevastopol is the monument to the Sunken Ships. His image reminds people of the events that took place in 1854 - 1855. During the Crimean War, circumstances developed in such a way that in order to prevent the enemy from entering the city, it was necessary to sacrifice almost the entire Black Sea Fleet. The memory of the heroes who made such a difficult decision and fought not at sea, but on land, is what this monument preserves.

Photo of the monument:

History of the museum

During the Crimean War, in 1854, the combined forces of the fleet of England and France approached the shores of Sevastopol. At that time, the city was the main base of the Black Sea Fleet in Russia. The enemy squadron was supposed to completely destroy the Black Sea Fleet within two weeks, capture Sevastopol and other big cities Crimean peninsula. The defense of Sevastopol was led by Vice Admiral V.A. Kornilov and Vice Admiral P.S. Nakhimov. With the consent and support of the latter, it was decided to scuttle some of the most outdated ships in order to protect the fairway and prevent the enemy fleet from breaking into the bay. Commander-in-Chief Prince A. Menshikov ordered several ships to be sunk right at the entrance to the bay, creating a barricade under the water. The ship's masts, now resting under water, were supposed to prevent the passage of enemy ships. The crews of the sunken ships defended the city already on the shore. They became part of the battalion's twelve garrisons.

After autumn and winter bad weather, part of the fence collapsed. Therefore, two more ships soon had to be sunk. And in February 1855, a new line of six ships was formed. She grew up between the Nikolaevskaya and Mikhailovskaya batteries. At the end of hostilities, in August 1955, the rest of the fleet was scuttled. The defense of Sevastopol lasted for 349 days. In total, about 90 ships sank to the bottom of the Black Sea.

Important information:
The monument was built in 1905.
The height of the monument is 16.7 meters.
Creators: A. Adamson, O. Enberg, V. Feldman.

Formation of the monument

To perpetuate the memory of those difficult heroic days, it was decided to erect a bronze monument. This happened 50 years after the famous first defense of Sevastopol, in honor of this famous historical event. The location of the monument is interesting and unusual: it is located in the sea, approximately 23 meters from the shore. The pedestal of the monument has eight sides. At the top of the structure jutting out into the sea is a gray column in the ancient Corinthian style. A double-headed eagle looking towards the sea adorns imperial crown. On the bird's chest there is a shield depicting St. George the Victorious. The pedestal is also decorated with a bronze painting small size, on it you can see the crossed masts of sinking ships.

This is interesting:
The monument was not destroyed by the earthquake that occurred in 1927, nor was it affected by the shells of the Great Patriotic War. Since 1969, the image of the monument to the Sunken Ships can be seen on the coat of arms of Sevastopol.

How to get to the museum

The attraction is located in convenient location, almost in the very center of the city, not far from Primorsky Boulevard. Therefore, getting to it is not difficult. You can use public transport(trolleybuses: No. 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13, minibuses: No. 12, 16, 109, 110, 120). You need to get off at Nakhimov Square. By personal transport you need to go to the city center, you can stop at the Artillery Bay embankment, and then walk to the Primorsky Boulevard embankment.

Monument on the map of Crimea

GPS Coordinates: 44.618584, 33.524249 Latitude/Longitude