After almost one and half months, i've got the guts to write about my long-planned visit to Volgograd.
The first impression of the city which anybody would get when disembarking from the train - huge industrial megalopolis perfectly (from my opinion) represented by this photo i made from the Mamayev kurgan (it also clearly depicts why it was so crucial during the Battle for Stalingrad):
But i am slightly too fast.
The Mamayev kurgan itself greeted me with some long-waited sunshine (that's why photo is somewhat blurry) despite rainy weather:
As i was there in Monday's afternoon, there wasn't really many tourists. After moving up to The Motherland Calls statue past the memorial and eternal fire, i've made my way to the memorial cemetery located nearby -
Each of these black plates is inscribed with hundreds of names of the fallen soldiers and militiamen (however i'm pretty sure not even closely to all names of those who died protecting this place).
As you can see, the cemetery is almost completely empty of visitors despite being really close to main monument.
Next morning i've rushed to the museum, which was my second goal.
It is build near the infamous Gergardt's Mill, last three standing buildings of Stalingrad.
You can get upclose from the right (if watching like at this photo) to personally see the level of damage it sustained.
Right in front of museum's entry you will find a little exposition the armor and cannons of WW2 (this is anly small part, there are light tanks and German vehicles as well):
After that, i bought tickets (roughly $1.5 for enter and another $2.5 for permission to make photos). They also provide video permission for fee of about $3.5 and audioguide (however i'm not sure if they have English one).
Inside visitor will se hundreds of photos, dozens of documents and weapons of that battle. there are some examples:
I have to specifically mention the animated panorama of Staligran in one of the halls:
The photo cannot really give the impression of all those animated flames and smoke above the ruined city. it is the thing that must be seen by own eyes.
Another impressing thing is the huge diorama of winter fighting in Stalingrad:
in the end you will see the gifts from many nations, including banners and items:
And of course, what museum it would be without Joseph Stalin himself?
The notes as an epiloque:
NO museums work in mondays. Pay attention to that!
Try to get to the museum as early as possible. it becomes crowded afternoon.
Some streets of Volgograd can be described as perfect anti-infantry obstacles so watch out and wear good boots!
You may also get a little problems finding the place to eat - there is not so many cafes near the main points so check the map!
I can't really say if this is worth for ordinary person to travel so far (about 1000 km from Moscow) just to visit two places, but it was completely worth for me!
In addition, if you will get there for FIFA 2018 - you'll have the perfect possibility to see it all.
That's all for now. Later i will try to make a post entirely about photos from the museum and urban warfare of Red Army
