Bronze Soldier of Tallinn, Tallinn

The Bronze Soldier of Tallinn, also known as the Monument to the Liberators of Tallinn, is a significant memorial situated in the heart of Estonia’s capital. Erected in 1947, this poignant statue stands as a tribute to the Soviet soldiers who fell during the Second World War, particularly during the Tallinn Offensive in 1944.

The statue is a somber representation of a Red Army soldier in uniform, cast in bronze, and is set upon a stone pedestal. It originally resided in Tõnismägi, a prominent location in central Tallinn, but was later relocated to the Defence Forces Cemetery of Tallinn in 2007, following a period of political controversy and unrest.

The memorial has been a point of contention over the years, reflecting the complex history and tensions between Estonian independence sentiments and the legacy of Soviet occupation. For some, the Bronze Soldier symbolizes liberation from Nazi occupation, while for others, it represents the beginning of Soviet dominance.

Despite the divisive opinions surrounding the memorial, the Bronze Soldier remains an important historical landmark, drawing visitors who wish to reflect on the tumultuous events of the past. The site is particularly frequented on May 9th, known as Victory Day in Russia, when people gather to commemorate the end of the war in Europe.