The First Settler Monument

The monument, called “Primoselent”, was solemnly opened in 1980, when the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kulikovo was celebrated. The monument is dedicated to the foundation of Penza and the first inhabitants of the city and symbolizes two main historical moments. First of all, it is the protection of the southeastern borders of Russia from the raids of nomadic tribes, and the second important point is the peasant labor laid in the basis of the welfare of the state.

The monument is made of bronze and consists of two figures: a man and a horse. The man-first settler personifies two hypostases - both a warrior and a peasant. A sharp spear is clamped in his right hand, and his left hand holds onto the plow. The horse also symbolizes both military and peaceful essence, because it can not only plow the ground, but also fight. On the granite base of the monument is carved the inscription "Summer 7171 - 1663 - on the river Penza ordered to build a city".

The idea of creating a monument in honor of the founders and first settlers was voiced by Georg Myasnikov, who, as the second secretary of the Penza Regional Committee of the CPSU, became famous as the author of many socially useful initiatives. The monument to the first settlers became one of the symbols of the city, which is familiar to many people who visited Penza. The place for its installation was not chosen by chance - near the remains of the fortress rampart of the XVII century.