One of the symbols of the city of Tver is a monument to Afanasy Nikitin, a local merchant, traveler and writer. Thanks to its original design, this sculpture attracts local residents and tourists, surprising and amazing the imagination every time. What is the history of this magnificent monument?
Achievements of Athanasius Nikitin
In the years 1468-1475, the Tver merchant set sail for sea with commercial purposes. During this journey, he discovered India, describing the political and economic situation in the country. In his notes, Athanasius Nikitin paid considerable attention to the culture of this state, as well as to the life of its inhabitants. However, the other date of the discovery of India is best known throughout the world; it was made by the European traveler Vasco da Gama in 1498-1502, i.e., this happened thirty years later.
In his notes Athanasius also recorded many interesting facts about Ethiopia, Turkey and Persia. Records of the merchant’s travels have been preserved to this day in the form of a voluminous collection “Walking Over Three Seas” and are recognized as a significant monument of literature.
Monument history
The monument to Athanasius Nikitin in Tver was erected and inaugurated in 1955. The sculpture of the merchant rises on a pedestal. Nikitin holds a letter in one hand. The surrounding space is stylized under the deck of the ship, and in front of the figure Athanasius proudly stands forward the bow of the ship, made in the form of a carved horse. The “ship” is located on the Volga embankment, exactly opposite the place from which the merchant really set off on his great voyage. The monument to Athanasius Nikitin was created by the project of sculptors A.P. Zavalova and S.M. Orlova with the participation of the architect G.A. Zakharova.
