The Monument to the Letter Ë

Did you know that in the heart of the Volga region lies the world's only monument dedicated to a single letter of the alphabet? The Monument to the Letter Yo in the city of Ulyanovsk is not just an original art object, but a true symbol of respect for Russian literature and history, located in Russia.

Monument to the Letter Ё. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This unusual monument is a massive red granite stele in the shape of a triangular prism. It stands just over two meters tall and weighs an impressive three tons. What makes it truly valuable is its precision: the letter carved into the stone is an enlarged copy of the character from the word "слёзы" (tears), printed in Nikolay Karamzin's almanac more than two centuries ago.

Installed on the picturesque "Novy Venets" Boulevard, the monument has become a point of attraction for tourists and linguists alike. It highlights the important role of Ulyanovsk (formerly Simbirsk) as the birthplace of Karamzin, who actively promoted the introduction of this letter into print. Today, this granite sign is one of the city's most recognizable and photographed landmarks.

Since the Monument to the Letter Yo is an open-air landmark, it does not have its own phone number or email address. All necessary information regarding its cultural context can be found on the regional literary map website.

The main reason people come to this monument is, of course, for unique photographs. Against the background of the rich red granite, the letter looks very striking, especially in the rays of the setting sun or in bright daylight. It is an excellent spot for conceptual shots to share on social media while telling the story of the quirks of the Russian language.

In addition to the photo session, you can take a short educational break here. History buffs often gather near the stele to discuss Karamzin's contribution to literature or debate the necessity of using the dots over the "Ё" in modern correspondence. With children, you can play a linguistic quest: try to remember as many words as possible that start with this letter or radically change their meaning without it.

After viewing the monument, be sure to take a walk through the neighboring Karamzin Square. A peaceful old-town atmosphere reigns here, with comfortable benches and shady alleys perfect for a slow read or a rest. During the warmer months, cultural events and poetry readings dedicated to Russian Language Day are often held on "Novy Venets" Boulevard.

Finding this unusual monument is easy: it is located in the heart of the historical center on "Novy Venets" Boulevard, right by the walls of the Ulyanovsk Regional Scientific Library. If you are already walking through the central part of the city, a stroll from Lenin Square or the Memorial Center will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer public transport, buses, trolleybuses, and fixed-route taxis (marshrutkas) heading to the "Regional Library" (Oblastnaya biblioteka) or "Novy Venets" stops are suitable (routes No. 1, 2, 11, 33, and others). From the railway station, it is most convenient to take tram No. 2 or a bus; the trip will take about 20 minutes. From Ulyanovsk-Vostochny Airport, the easiest option is to order a taxi, with a travel time of approximately 30–40 minutes.

If you are traveling by car, you can leave your vehicle in the free parking lots along the adjacent streets or near Karamzin Square. The walking route from the Volga embankment is also quite scenic and allows you to combine viewing the monument with admiring the great Russian river.

The history of the letter "Yo" (Ё) began in 1783 when Princess Ekaterina Dashkova proposed replacing the awkward letter combination "io" with a single symbol. However, the letter's true "debut" in print happened thanks to Nikolay Karamzin—the famous historian and native of Simbirsk (now Ulyanovsk). In 1797, he used it in the word "слёзы" (tears) in the "Aonides" almanac.

The letter only received official status in 1942 by order of the People's Commissar of Education. Decades later, in 1997, it was decided to immortalize this symbol in Ulyanovsk. A competition was announced, and the winner was local artist Alexander Zinin. His project exactly reproduces the shape of the letter from the 18th-century Karamzin edition, maintaining the historical accuracy of the font.

Interestingly, the first version of the monument, opened in September 2005, was made of black granite. However, city residents and the author found it too gloomy, resembling a tombstone. In November of the same year, it was replaced by the current monument made of majestic red-grey granite that we see today. The sculptor personally finished every edge of the letter by hand using sandblasting.

For a thoughtful viewing of the monument itself and a short photo session, 15–20 minutes will be quite enough. This is sufficient time to appreciate the texture of the red granite and examine the engraving details that replicate the historical font of the Karamzin era.

However, we recommend setting aside about one hour if you plan to stroll through the adjacent Karamzin Square and take a look at the regional library building. Combined with a promenade along "Novy Venets" Boulevard and visits to nearby museums, the visit can take up an entire morning or a pleasant evening hour.

The attraction is open to visitors at any time of the day or night. Since the monument is located in an open city space, there are no entrance tickets or strict visiting hours.

• Monday: 24 hours
• Tuesday: 24 hours
• Wednesday: 24 hours
• Thursday: 24 hours
• Friday: 24 hours
• Saturday: 24 hours
• Sunday: 24 hours

Since the monument is outdoors, the best time to visit is during daylight hours to see the texture of the stone, or in the evening when the city lighting gives the boulevard a special coziness.

The monument's location on "Novy Venets" Boulevard makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's cultural heritage. Within walking distance are the main museums and park areas, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history of the Volga region and the biographies of its famous residents.

A walk through the surroundings will offer views of the Volga, cozy squares, and architectural landmarks, creating a comprehensive impression of old Simbirsk and the modern city.