You can't put in words how beautiful this place is. It's an amazing memorial that you won't ever forget in your life. Even though I live in Chicago, this is the city I was born in. It was previously named Stalingrad and from what any history will tell you is that the battle of Stalingrad was most likely the bloodiest battle during World War II. The River Volga was running red with blood. Almost every building in the city was completely leveled to dust. This memorial is a commemoration to those millions of Russian who have died during World War II. Overall the whole place is beautiful in and of itself. And it has an amazing atmosphere you won't forget. The statue is said to be the tallest and most grand female statue in the world. Just standing under it and looking up will give you a sense of how small you are compared to it. All of the statues there and even the cathedral is a beautiful and eye opening place. I would definitely recommend visiting.

Mamayev Kurgan is a hill in Volgograd named after Mamaya, famous Tatar khan who was buried here (Kurgan is a resting place in Tatar). In more recent history this hill (among many other sites around) is famous for one of the most important battles in WWII, which changed the course of it in Europe. There are several things to explore here, and I'll list them here and explain in a separate review. Count on at least 3 hours for a visit. You can reach Mamayev Kurgan in 2 ways, depending if you want a more relaxed or more impressive approach. More impressive is taking a taxi or speed tram that will take you to the hill foot, close to the Volga river, and then climb 200 steps (200 days lasted the battle). Climbing them the statue becomes bigger and bigger and you visit other monuments along the way - reflection pool, huge stone reliefs, Eternal flame and Hall of Glory,....Beware, this requires 200 steps uphill climb plus spaces in between them. More relaxed means taking a taxi which will take you to the top of the hill where's the Motherland Calls statue, seeing it first and then descending downhill and seeing other attractions in the opposite way. The complex is totally free to visit, and I suggest coming in the morning, as the sun is shining at the statue and whole complex then, so you will have better light on your pics. We were late afternoon and the sun was behind the statue.

Mamayev Kurgan, or simply "The Motherland calls" in English, is a towering monument Symbolizing Mother Russia calling her children to come forth and fight for Stalingrad. The battle of Stalingrad was one the bloodiest battles in history, with close to 2 million fatalities within 6mths, including soldiers and civilians. The fighting was so intense that the average life expectancy of a Soviet soldier who joined the battle was just 24hrs. The Soviets refused to give up, beating the best German armies and destroying their morale, finally turning the tide on the mighty Germans. Clearly, a battle of this stature deserved a war memorial just as memorable. At a total height of 278ft, this is the tallest statue in Europe and the tallest statue of a woman in the world. In comparison, the Statue of Liberty stands 151ft tall! This memorial park is probably the only reason a person would want to visit Volgograd on a trip to Russia, but I would say it's definitely worth it!

This place is tremendous and memorable. It reflects every single bit of grief and sorrow. Not a place for fun at all though it's just breathtaking. Highly recommended to visit it during the dark hours, it's very well illuminated

A must see if you go to Volgograd. The main statue is similarly on the level of the Statue of Liberty. This place is a pretty massive memorial complex.

The whole complex is a must-see open air museum. Historically impressive, visually stunning and very spacious. Easily the best part of Volgograd.

A must do when in Volgograd. Must be the number one tourist site. Be prepared to be in awe of the scale. Easily accessible by public transport. Be prepared to walk but all extremely pleasant with refreshment stands all around.

Is the best place in Volgograd (Stalingrad) to visit. Huge park with many sights.

A great war memorial. Great place. Beautiful and historical.

One of the most amazing experiences and the pride that the place has in Russian hearts is amazing!! Worth a visit

This place is saturated with grief and dolour. Very and very impressive.

A beautiful historical place. If you want to take pictures, make sure to come before midday or at sunset, otherwise the statue will be backlit.