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Monument to Dimitry of Rostov

Monument to Dimitry of Rostov was planned as a monument to the Orthodox saint and bishop associated with Rostov. The idea for commemorating Dmitry came from sculptor Anatoly Sknarin, while approval for construction was issued in 1989. The symbolic foundation stone was blessed in 1996 by Bishop Panteleimon. Although some residents, historians, architects, and local experts argued for another site, the city authorities ultimately placed the monument in Cathedral Square, in front of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God. The monument was designed by architect N. Gmyria and sculptor Vladimir Belakov, whose project won a competition. It was unveiled in 1999. In 2013, a proposal emerged to turn the figure toward the cathedral and the people entering it.

The Monument to Dimitry of Rostov stands on a tiered pedestal in a city square, with pedestrians, pigeons, and buildings in the background.
The Monument to Dimitry of Rostov in a sunny city square with people and traffic nearby.
May 2023 © · CC0
Monument to Dimitry of Rostov in front of a white cathedral with golden domes and crosses.
The Monument to Dimitry of Rostov stands before the cathedral in Rostov-on-Don.
· CC BY-SA 3.0
Monument to Dimitry of Rostov in front of a white Orthodox cathedral with golden domes and a bell tower.
The Monument to Dimitry of Rostov stands before the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Rostov-on-Don.
December 2005 © Ian Brown · CC BY-SA 2.0
Monument to Dimitry of Rostov in front of a church with golden domes and a bell tower under restoration netting.
Monument to Dimitry of Rostov stands before the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with golden domes and a bell tower visible behind it.
April 2015 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Monument to Dimitry of Rostov on a tiered pedestal in a square, with a scaffolded church, bell tower, and sunset sky behind it.
The Monument to Dimitry of Rostov stands in front of a church under renovation and a white bell tower in the square.
August 2014 © · CC BY-SA 3.0

Identification

TitleMonument to Dimitry of Rostov
TypeMonument

Iconography and meaning

Subject depictedDimitry of Rostov (Danilo Savich Tuptalo; 1651–1709), an Orthodox saint, bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Metropolitan of the Rostov and Yaroslavl Diocese

Location and ownership

CityRostov-on-Don
LocationCathedral Square, in front of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos
Related dioceseRostov and Novocherkassk Diocese

Historical context

Former object at the siteBefore the October Revolution, a statue of Tsar Alexander II stood at the site
Idea and approvalThe monument was initiated by sculptor Anatoly Sknarin, who drafted several early designs; the concept was approved by the Ministry of Culture in 1989
Alternative proposed locationsThe area of the former Rostov fortress or the vicinity of Stepan Shaumian Street (formerly Dmitrievskaya Street) were suggested as possible locations

Creator

SculptorVladimir Belyakov
ArchitectN. Gmyria

History and restoration

Design selectionBelyakov's design was chosen in an open competition held by the city authorities
Design controversyThe design was criticized for copying Sknarin's first preliminary design; in Sknarin's version Dimitry of Rostov wore a riassa, while in Belyakov's version he wore festive liturgical vestments
Construction start1996
Foundation stoneA symbolic foundation stone was consecrated in 1996 by Bishop Panteleimon of Rostov by order of the city head
Unveiling date15 December 1999
Unveiling occasionTimed to the 250th anniversary of the founding of Rostov-on-Don
Proposed reorientationIn 2013, there was discussion of turning the monument to face the cathedral and shifting it slightly left toward a planned square on the plaza

Significance

ReceptionThe monument received mixed assessments from city residents and professional sculptors
CriticismIt was criticized for low artistic quality, inappropriate placement, inscriptions, and the saint's vestments