The Monument to Muravyov-Amursky
The monument to the East Siberian governor-general and Vladivostok's founder Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky is installed in the Park of his name, on the intersection of the Sukhanova Street and Lazo Street. It is one of the newest and definitely most important for Vladivostok's residents architectural sights. The bronze monument to the prominent statesman, who played the key role in the Russian Far East's history, was installed at the downtown area in the summer 2012.
Nikolay Muravyov became East Siberian - one of the biggest regions in Russia - governor-general in 1847. As far-sighted person with generous nature, he won the authority with mere Far East residents right away. Muravyov repeatedly spoke about the abolition of serfdom, fought against local goldminers' criminal financial activities, built schools and did a lot for organizing settlement in the Far East. In addition, he led an ascetic life, denying benefits that his predecessors used to enjoy in this position.
However, Nikolay Muravyov's most important deed for Russia was organizing the return process of Amur's left bank, which was ceded to China in the late 17th century. In 1858, he conducted brilliant negotiations with Celestial Empire's government and as a result the Treaty of Aigun was signed. According to this treaty, China acknowledged Russia's full right on the lands along the Amur River and the Ussuri River. It is important to note that Muravyov managed to return the cherished lands without using armed forces, at that. It is for this deed that his name was inscribed in the Russian history, and he got the title - Count Amursky.
However, three years after the crucial for the country treaty was signed, the Count Muravyov-Amursky had an argument with authorities in St. Petersburg and left the position of the governor-general. Then, he moved to Paris and spent the last twenty years of his life there. Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky was buried at the Montmartre Cemetery, and only in 1990, his remains were transported to Vladivostok and re-buried at city's historical center. Later the memorial complex was created and monument to the general-governor was installed here.
Four-meter high bronze sculpture of Nikolay Muravyov-Amursky stands on the high granite pedestal. Vladivostok's founder overlooks the Zolotoy Rog Bay and is depicted in the ceremonial naval jacket with high collar and with a scroll in hand symbolizing the Treaty of Aigun that has assigned the Priamurye lands to Russia.
Soon, bas-reliefs depicting episodes from Primorsky Krai's history, including signing of the treaty between Russia and China will appear on the wall behind the monument. Besides the monument, the memorial complex includes the renewed granite sarcophagus installed over the Count Muravyov-Amursky's burial place.
In the near future, the gallery devoted to the Russian Far East's discoverers and pioneers is planned to be created in the park.
