Footsteps of WWII · Russia & Belarus
Kursk Arc memorial complex, Kursk
Memorial · 5 Jul – 23 Aug 1943 (memorial 1998–2000)
The story
The Battle of Kursk, from 5 July to 23 August 1943, began as Germany's last great offensive in the east, Operation Citadel, aimed at cutting off the Soviet salient around Kursk from north and south. Deep Soviet defences halted it within a week, and Soviet counter-offensives went on to take Orel and Kharkov. This memorial complex on Prospekt Pobedy opened in 1998 for the battle's 55th anniversary. It includes a mass grave with an eternal flame, a bronze statue of Marshal Georgy Zhukov unveiled on 5 July 1998, the Church of St George, a 24 m triumphal arch of 2000 crowned by St George slaying the dragon, and an alley of wartime weapons.
What to look for
A 600 m avenue lined by the triumphal arch with its soldier statues, the gilded-domed church of St George, the Zhukov statue, the mass grave and eternal flame, and an open-air line of equipment including a T-34, an ISU-152 and a Katyusha rocket launcher.
Plan your visit
FCDO advises against all travel to Russia, and the Kursk region borders Ukraine. The memorial is open 24 hours and free. Check local conditions before you go.
Things change, so check opening times before you travel.
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