Monuments and Sculptures in Plyos

A monument to an outstanding person—Isaac Levitan, the great Russian landscape painter. He seems to be frozen in anticipation of inspiration, absorbing the beauty of the surrounding nature. Levitan was one of those artists who could not only depict nature but also penetrate its soul, creating truly living canvases. Levitan spent 3 productive years in Plyos, capturing views on his canvases that continue to inspire thousands of people.

The monument to Fyodor Chaliapin, which stands on the embankment, gazing at the majestic Volga. Here in Plyos, the great opera singer found peace and inspiration that filled his soul. Created by Alexander Rukavishnikov, the sculpture captures Chaliapin in a simple dacha image, sitting on a boat as if he is about to embark on a leisurely journey down the river. Legend has it that in 1910, Chaliapin, enchanted by the beauty of Plyos, decided to purchase a plot of land here to be closer to nature, and this monument became a symbol of his love for these places.

Walking along the embankment, one cannot miss the touching monument to a cat named Mukha. This concrete sculpture, gazing at the smooth surface of the river, reminds us of the importance of cherishing even the smallest and most unnoticed inhabitants of our lives. It is said that the cat Mukha was a faithful companion to one of the local residents, and her image has become a symbol of devotion and love for one's home. Mukha was not just a pet but a full-fledged family member, and her tragic death left a deep mark on the hearts of her owners. Mukha died protecting her kittens in a fight with a stray dog.

In the opposite direction stands a sculpture representing a young woman in a long dress and hat—this is the "Dachnitsa". She seems to have sat down on a bench for a moment, admiring the view of the Volga and enjoying the summer breeze. In her image, one might recognize the famous Sophia Kuvshinnikova, the beloved of Isaac Levitan, with whom the artist spent much time in Plyos. The legends of the city intertwine with reality, and everyone sees their own story in this sculpture.

Ascending Cathedral Hill, we are presented with a bust of Vasily I, the Grand Prince of Moscow, whose will led to the founding of Plyos in the distant year of 1410. The white marble pedestal stands out against the greenery, reminding us of the time when the city was an important strategic point on the Volga. This monument was erected in honor of the first city governor and defender in 1910, when Plyos celebrated the 500th anniversary of its founding.

On Levitan Hill, one of the most beautiful viewpoints, stands a bronze figure of an artist at an easel. This sculpture hints at the features of the great Isaac Levitan, captured in the process of creating his famous painting "Above Eternal Peace".

Descending from the hill to the Shokhonka River, one can see the monument to Vyacheslav Fyodorov, whose paintings celebrated the beauty of Russian nature. This outstanding artist, who lived a long and fruitful life, left behind a vast legacy. In Plyos, he is remembered as a master whose paintings forever captured the soul of Russian nature—from Lake Baikal to the central Russian plains.

Not far away stands a sculpture of a city guard, created by Vladimir Ostrizhny. In his imperial uniform, he seems to be once again standing guard, ensuring peace and order in the city. This monument is a reminder of those times when life in Plyos flowed at a measured pace, and everyone knew their place and role in society.