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DestinationRepublic of Mari El, Yoshkar-Ola, Tsargradsky Prospekt, 37
A unique dynamic sculptural composition "The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem" is located on the Patriarchal Square of Yoshkar-Ola. During the seven-minute cycle, visitors watch the gospel story come to life: Jesus Christ, accompanied by the apostles, enters Jerusalem to Orthodox chants. This composition has no analogues in the world in terms of scale and artistic expression, turning an ordinary urban landscape into a spectacle with spiritual significance.
History and cultural significance
The composition was officially opened on November 4, 2011 in honor of the 91st anniversary of the Republic of Mari El and National Unity Day. It adorns the balcony of the third floor of a multifunctional public building on Patriarch's Square. The sculptures of the apostles and Jesus, animated by mechanisms, reproduce the famous gospel story, creating the effect of a living clock.
The exit of the figures of the "12 Apostles" symbolizes the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. On the left, from the gate of Bethagia, Jesus Christ appears first on a white donkey, blessing the audience. He is followed by the apostles: Andrew the First-called, pointing to the Savior; Peter with a bunch of keys to paradise; John the Theologian with a scroll; James Zavadeev; Matthew the Evangelist with a folio; Thomas the Unbeliever; Philip of Bethsaida; Bartholomew; James Alphaeus; Thaddeus; Simon the Canaanite. Judas Iscariot appears last, head down and clutching a bag with thirty pieces of silver, standing apart from the others. The apostles, waving palm branches, walk to the right gate, symbolizing Jerusalem, and disappear behind them.
The project was implemented by Igor Kudryavtsev, Chief Scientific Officer of the laboratory "Mechatronic Systems" of the Mari State Technical University. The sculptures were painted by Andrei Kovalchuk, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, and the musical accompaniment was chosen by Metropolitan John of Yoshkar-Ola and Mari.
The composition vividly demonstrates the gospel story and emphasizes the importance of the Orthodox tradition for the Mari region, allowing each visitor to experience the solemnity of the event.
Interestingfacts
The figures of the apostles are made of bronze, almost life—size: each one is about 1.5 meters high and weighs about 200 kg. The total weight of the entire composition reaches 3-4 tons.
Some apostles are equipped with movement mechanisms for the limbs and head. The dynamics is provided by a complex system of 20 mechanisms powered by a specialized engine. This creates the effect of living figures that move smoothly and interact with each other.
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In
- a year, the apostles "overcome" 70 km, in a decade — 700 km. The
- composition received the status of an icon after its consecration by Metropolitan John of Mari and Yoshkar-Ola. The
- chant "Let all human flesh be silent" is heard only at the Liturgy of Great Saturday. The
- project is unique in the world in its combination of mechanics, music and artistic expression. The
- mechanisms and artistic details create the feeling that the figures live their own lives.
Practical information for tourists
Address: Republic of Mari El, Yoshkar-Ola, Tsargradsky Prospekt, 37
Working hours: daily from 9:00 to 21:00, showing every 3 hours
How to get there:
- By car: drive along Leninsky Prospekt to Voznesenskaya Street, then turn onto Tsargradsky Prospekt and follow to the parking lot of the Eurospar store. By
- public transport: buses 4P, 24P; trolleybuses m11, 10; minibuses 17k, 21k, 22k, 30k; stop "Patriarchal Square". On
- foot: along Voznesenskaya Street, across the Voskresensky Bridge to Patriarchal Square.
Accessibility: thefacility is fully equipped for visitors with disabilities
Tips for tourists
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It is
- better to visit during the daytime, when sunlight highlights the details of the sculptures.
- Allow 8-10 minutes for inspection.
- Observe silence during the demonstration of the composition.
- Photography is allowed.
- What to see nearby: Tourist Information Center, monument to Patriarch Alexy II, Republican Puppet Theater, monument to Peter and Fevronia of Murom, Kitten Barsik.
Where to stay and eat:
- Hotels: Azimut Hotel
- Restaurants: "Trattoria" on Voskresenskoye, "Nairi", fast food cafe "Simple food"
The dynamic sculptural composition "The Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem" is a unique cultural phenomenon of Yoshkar—Ola, where art, mechanics and the Orthodox tradition combine into a seven-minute spectacle. By visiting it, every guest of the city will be able to experience the solemnity of the gospel story and get acquainted with an important part of the spiritual heritage of the Republic of Mari El.
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