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Poklonnaya Gora
Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War is a constituent and at the same time main part of the memorial complex of Victory on Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow.
Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow is a flat hill which is situated in the western part of the city between the rivers Filka and Setun. The first documental evidences of Moscow Poklonnaya Gora existence refer to 16 century. That time Gora was situated far outside the city.
The name Poklonnaya Gora is still differently explained by historians, if the word “gora” (mountain) is clear, any small highland or hill were called gora in the Middle Russia, the word “poklonnaya” has several possible variants. The most widespread version is that it came from the action “poklon” (“bow”) which was a sign of respect. Thus travelers coming or leaving Moscow bowed Moscow on this place showing their respect to it. But the word “bow” has also another meaning – it means the kind of feudal assessment which was taken for transit or staying on the territory of some district.
From 16 to 18 century Poklonnaya Gora was surrounded with pastures not subject to settlement or plowing. These areas belonged to Troitse-Golenishchevo settlement. From the top of the hill panoramic sight of Moscow opened.
Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow saw a lot. In October 1508 ambassadors of Crimean Khan Mengly-Girey were met here and in 1612 polish armies besieging Moscow stayed here. Exactly on this place in 1812 French Emperor Napoleon was waiting for the keys of Moscow.
And today near Poklonnaya Gora the small house is set; there General Kutuzov hold the Council of generals during the battle of Borodino. This house was restored in honor of 75 anniversary of the battle of Borodino and was turned into the museum of war veterans. According to the architect’s project it was enlarged but a part of it remained the same as it was in the past. Now this house is a branch of Borodinskaya panorama and is called “Kutuzovsky House”. Near the house there is a milestone from Old Smolenskaya Road which was set by the officers of Grenadier corps in honor of the burnt house which entered the history of Patriotic War 1812. Near communal grave of 300 participants of the battle of Borodino who died from wounds is situated. Not far from the house the museum-panorama “The Battle of Borodino” is located; the main exhibit of which is 115 meters high picture of the painter F.A. Rubo on which the assault of Semenovskaya village is depicted.
Here the Triumphal Gate which was situated near Belorussky railway station was transferred. Preliminary, the gate was restored and made the way it looked created by Osip Bove. Poklonnaya Gora itself turned into Memorial complex in honor of the Victory of the Soviet Army in the Great Patriotic War.
