Description of the attraction
In the historical part of the city of Penza, in September 1980, the "First Settler" monument was erected, dedicated to the founders of the city. The opening of a two-meter-high bronze monument was timed to coincide with the sixth anniversary of the Battle of Kulikovo. The sculpture consists of the figure of a man holding a spear in one hand and holding a plow with the other, symbolizing the pioneer settler as a warrior and a farmer at the same time. Behind the man is a horse, which, depending on the circumstances, can also be an assistant in defense against enemy raids, and a peasant toiler. The author of the sculptural composition is the architect Yu. V. Komarov and sculptor V. G. Kozenyuk.
The composition "The First Settler" is installed on the observation deck, surrounded by a decorative cast-iron lattice with embedded fragments of the image of the coat of arms of old Penza. Geographically, the monument is located on the site of the rampart and the original territory of the city fortress. A restored fortress palisade, a wooden belfry and a corner tower of the fortress with a real cast-iron cannon of that time were erected next to the monument. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of the southeastern part of the city and the picturesque Sura valley.
Nowadays, the monument "The First Settler" is an object of cultural heritage of regional significance and the most frequently used symbol of the city of Penza in souvenir production.
