A Soviet color postcard from 1958 depicting the monument dedicated to Colonel Alexei Kelin and the defenders of the Poltava Fortress during the Northern War.
What is shown on the postcard
The postcard shows a granite obelisk on a stepped pedestal. A bronze sculpture of a resting lion and a commemorative plaque are visible at the base. The top of the obelisk is bare, missing the bronze imperial eagle removed in the early Soviet era. In the foreground, pedestrians stand near flower beds; lush trees and a dirt path form the background.
Historical note
The monument to Commandant Alexei Kelin and the defenders of Poltava was unveiled in June 1909 to mark the bicentennial of the Battle of Poltava. Designed by sculptor Artemiy Ober and architect Aleksandr Bilodid, the monument originally featured a bronze double-headed eagle at the top. This imperial symbol was removed by Soviet authorities between 1918 and 1921, leaving the truncated obelisk seen in this 1958 photo.
Present day
Located on Pershotravnevyi Avenue in Poltava, the monument remains a subject of historical debate. Although partially restored in the early 1990s, its original imperial-era design elements on the peak were not reinstated, keeping the appearance shown on the vintage postcard.
Location (map)
Address: Pershotravnevyi Avenue, Poltava, Ukraine
Coordinates: 49.584280, 34.568340
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the monument to A. Kelin on Pershotravnevyi Avenue in Poltava.
Questions and answers
- When was the monument to Kelin inaugurated? The monument was officially unveiled in June 1909, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Poltava.
- Why is the top of the obelisk bare on the postcard? The bronze imperial double-headed eagle originally at the top was dismantled by Soviet authorities between 1918 and 1921.
- Who were the creators of this monument? The monument was designed by sculptor Artemiy Ober and architect Aleksandr Bilodid.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Poltava from 1709.
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