Pamyatnik Treske

In the heart of Murmansk, in a cozy central park on Five Corners Square, lies one of the most heartwarming symbols of the Arctic — the Monument to Cod. This monument is dedicated to the fish that, for decades, fed and saved the inhabitants of the northern region, becoming an integral part of their lives and history.

Monument to the Codfish. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The composition features a life-size bronze figure of a cod lying on a massive granite boulder. The fish looks as if it has just been pulled from the sea and is tangled in fishing nets, which are also cast in bronze. The sculpture's parameters are impressively accurate: it is 1 meter 20 centimeters long and weighs 32 kilograms, matching the size of a real large specimen.

For a country like Russia, Murmansk is a key maritime outpost, and this monument emphasizes the city's status as the capital of fishermen. The work was created by local craftsmen who poured into it their respect for the hard work of sailors and gratitude to the generous waters of the northern seas.

For those who wish to check the location in advance or learn more about city initiatives, official Murmansk resources are available.

The main thing tourists do at the monument is, of course, take photos. The bronze fish against the backdrop of the rugged northern stone looks very photogenic at any time of year. But there is also a special tradition: it is believed that if you rub the cod's nose and make a wish, it will surely come true. This is why the sculpture's nose always shines brightly in the sun.

After getting acquainted with the monument, be sure to take a walk through the central park. Here you can see other interesting sites, such as the monument to S.M. Kirov or the famous sculpture of Semyon the Cat. In the warmer months, a fountain operates in the park, and in winter, it is decorated with bright festive lights.

This place is perfect for a relaxing break in the city center. There are many comfortable benches and walking paths where you can observe the life of Murmansk residents and feel the unique character of this port city.

The Monument to Cod is located in the heart of the city, in the central park at Five Corners Square. If you are in the city center, use Lenin Avenue as a landmark — you will need to cross it and enter the park. The sculpture is situated in the far part of the park, diagonally from the main fountain, closer to Vorovskogo Street.

For those arriving in the city by train, the journey will be very short: you can walk from the Murmansk Railway Station to the park in just a few minutes. This makes the attraction an ideal starting point for exploring the city immediately after arrival.

You can reach Five Corners Square by any public transport (buses and trolleybuses) passing through the center. You can also always use taxi services; a trip from any district of the city to the central square will take very little time.

The idea to immortalize the "provider" of Murmansk was born in 2014. It was a true grassroots initiative: the citizens themselves suggested installing a monument to the fish that became a symbol of the Northerners' resilience. Residents prepared over twenty different sketches, from which experts chose the best version that most accurately reflects the spirit of the port city.

The grand opening took place on October 2, 2015. However, the monument we see today is the result of an update. In 2018, the main sculpture was replaced with a new one, while maintaining the original composition with bronze nets and a massive natural stone at the base.

The historical significance of cod for the region can hardly be overestimated. During historically difficult years in the mid-20th century, it was this fish that saved thousands of lives, becoming the staple diet for residents of the besieged city. Murmansk not only provided for itself but also sent fish to other regions of the country struggling with food shortages. Today, cod remains the backbone of the fishing industry in Arctic latitudes and an important part of the Arctic economy.

To view the monument itself and have a short photo session, you will need very little time — about 15–30 minutes. The sculpture is compact, and examining it won't take much effort.

However, we recommend setting aside 1–2 hours for the visit. This will allow you to take a leisurely stroll through the entire central park, see other art objects, relax on a bench, and enjoy the atmosphere of downtown Murmansk.

Since the attraction is located within a public park, access to it is free 24/7. You can come here both in the early morning and in the height of the polar night to take atmospheric shots by the city lights.

Monument schedule:

• Monday — Sunday: around the clock.

A walk through the center of Murmansk allows you to see many interesting places in just a couple of hours. After visiting the Monument to Cod, it is worth taking time to explore neighboring parks and cultural sites that reveal the history and character of this northern city.