Interesting routes of the Mari El Republic

Monument to Obolensky–Nogotkov

Destination

Republic of Mari El, Yoshkar-Ola, Obolensky-Nogotkov Square

The monument to Ivan Andreevich Obolensky-Nogotkov, the First Voivode of the Tsarev City on Kokshaga, is one of the main historical symbols of Yoshkar-Ola. The equestrian figure of the governor with the royal decree in his hand recalls the year 1584, the time of the founding of the city. This is not just a sculpture on the square, but a visual reference point for the entire urban history.

The monument was unveiled on May 8, 2007 on Obolensky-Nogotkov Square. It is dedicated to the event that determined the fate of the region – the founding of the Tsar's City on Kokshaga and the strengthening of the power of the Moscow state in the Mari lands. Then, after the capture of Kazan in 1552, the confrontation on the territory of the meadow Mari lasted for about three more decades. The uprisings, which went down in history as the "Cheremisky wars," required Moscow to create a system of military and administrative management.

On November 1, 1584, a new fortress city, Tsarev Gorod on Kokshaga, was first mentioned in the documents. Prince Ivan Andreevich Nogotkov-Obolensky was appointed commander of the large regiment. From that moment on, he became the first representative of the tsarist administration in these lands. Later, the name of the city was transformed into Tsarevokokshaysk, and since 1919 – into Yoshkar-Ola.

The prince came from the ancient Obolensky family, descendants of the Rurikovich family. Prior to his appointment, he served as a voivode in Kazan, Serpukhov and Nizhny Novgorod. His figure symbolizes the integration of the Mari Region into the system of the Russian state and the beginning of urban history.

The monument to the First Governor of Tsarev City on Kokshaga is a bronze equestrian sculpture about 6 meters high. The governor is depicted in the clothes of the end of the XVI century. In his hand is a scroll with the royal decree of appointment. The sculpture is mounted on a massive pedestal made of wild stone. The composition emphasizes the military and state character of the image. At the same time, the voivode's face was made as a collective portrait – there are no reliable images of the prince.

The monument is organically integrated into the architectural space of Obolensky-Nogotkov Square. This is a popular place for walks and city events, so the monument often becomes a backdrop for photographs.

Interesting

facts

In archival documents, the governor appears under the double surname of Nogotkov-Obolensky, which reflects his belonging to the princely family.
When naming the square, the shape "Obolensky-Nogotkov" was fixed, which became a kind of historical feature. The
monument's appearance is an artistic reconstruction, as there are no lifetime portraits of the prince. The
date of November 1, 1584 is considered the starting point of the city's history.

Practical information for tourists

How to get there:

By car: Follow Leninsky Prospekt to Obolensky-Nogotkov Square.
By public transport to the stops "Teatralnaya" or "Zarubina" On
foot: along Leninsky Prospekt to the central square of the city.

Availability: The territory is open and convenient for people with disabilities to visit.

Tips for tourists

The best time to visit is in the evening, when the square lights turn on. The tour takes 5-10 minutes, but it's worth taking more time to walk around the center.

Photography is allowed. It is not recommended to climb the pedestal.

If you are planning a "what to see in Mari El" route, include nearby places in it:

Nearby there are cafes "Cat nearby", "Podkogolnaya", "Shashlychny Dvorik" and "Simple food".

The monument to the First Governor of Tsarev City on Kokshaga is a visual symbol of the founding of Yoshkar-Ola and an important historical landmark. It helps to feel the scale of events of the 16th century and understand the origins of the city. Take a walk around the square and start exploring Yoshkar-Ola from its historical beginning.

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