Yuri Dolgoruky Monument

The monument to Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in Dmitrov was opened on June 29, 2001 in front of earthen ramparts of the of Southern entrance into the kremlin, the stronghold of Dmitrov City. It was designed and cast by sculptor Vadim Mikhailovich Tserkovnikov.

According to a legend, the monument is located in the same place where Yuri was predicted to have a son, after which he ordered the city to be laid on this land. The monument is cast in bronze, like his more famous brother located on Tverskaya, however, Yuri Dolgoruky was cast without a horse in Dmitrov, because, according to the sculptor, Yuri Dolgoruky is closer to the people and his democratic views are better reflected.

Prince Yuri Dolgoruky was born around the turn of the 12th century and became the Prince of Rostov-Suzdal and then the Grand Prince of Kiev. He is famous for founding many other Russian cities, including Moscow. Like most statues of Yuri Dolgoruky, this statue depicts him holding out his arm, as Dolgoruky means the Long-Armed, a sobriquet he earned due to his decision to rule Kiev from afar. The large statue looks even more impressive as it does not stand on a pedestal but at ground level, allowing people to walk right up to it.