Monument "Athos and Uncle Kolya"

In the heart of the ancient city of Yaroslavl lies one of its most soulful and recognizable sculptural compositions — the Monument to Athos (Afonya) and Uncle Kolya. This monument is dedicated to the characters of the legendary 1975 Soviet film "Afonya." The figures of the plumber Afanasy Borshchov and his loyal companion, the plasterer Kolya, are made of iron and captured in a moment of relaxed, friendly conversation.

Monument to Athos and Uncle Kolya. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This attraction in Russia quickly became a local favorite thanks to its good-natured and slightly comical style. The monument embodies the image of the common man of that era, with all his weaknesses and his desire for an honest life, making it relatable and understandable to every visitor.

Today, this site is a must-see on tourist routes. Located in the picturesque historical center, the monument fits harmoniously into the cultural landscape and has become a favorite spot for original photos. It serves as a reminder of the gold fund of national cinema and gives guests of the city warm, nostalgic emotions.

The monument is a piece of urban sculpture located outdoors, so it does not have its own help desk or administrative office. For additional information about tourist routes, visitors can contact the Tourist Information Center.

The main thing tourists come here for is, of course, a photo shoot. The sculptural composition is life-sized, allowing you to literally "step into the frame" alongside your favorite characters. The originality and expressiveness of the figures make every selfie bright and lively, serving as a reminder of kindhearted Soviet cinema.

After seeing the monument, be sure to stop by the "Afonya" beer house located just a couple of steps away. The spirit of the 1970s has been carefully recreated here, from the interior to the specific atmosphere of that time. This is a great chance to take a short journey into the past and feel the flavor of the era in which the characters of Leonid Kuravlyov and Yevgeny Leonov lived.

Continue your walk through the surrounding "Zlato Mesto" historical quarter. Here you will find cozy restaurants serving traditional Russian cuisine, small private museums, and souvenir shops. The monument serves as an excellent starting point for further exploration of the cultural heritage and architectural beauty of the city center.

The sculptural composition is located in the heart of the historical center, at 21a Nakhimson Street. The monument is situated in a cozy corner next to the "Afonya" beer house, making it an easily recognizable landmark during a city walk.

The easiest way to get here is on foot if you are already in the central part of the city. The monument is included in most walking tours of old Yaroslavl and is within walking distance of major attractions. If you are coming from distant districts, you can use any public transport going to Bogoyavleniya Square or Sovetskaya Square.

For those who prefer comfort, taxis are always available. A ride from the central station or outlying hotels will take very little time, as the site is in an area of high transport accessibility. You can call a car via popular mobile apps by specifying the exact address — 21a Nakhimson Street.

The initiative to create this unusual monument came from the city's residents themselves. During a survey asking which movie character best personifies a typical Yaroslavl local, citizens unanimously chose Afanasy Borshchov. The iconic character, portrayed on screen by Leonid Kuravlyov, was so beloved by locals that the decision to erect a monument was made almost immediately.

The grand opening of the sculptural composition took place in the spring of 2010. This event was timed to coincide with the large-scale celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Yaroslavl. The project was made possible thanks to the support of the Yaroslavia Board of Patrons, while many ordinary citizens also made contributions to the creation of this "people's" landmark.

The author of the expressive figures was the famous sculptor Alexei Korshunov. He managed to convey not only the physical resemblance to the actors but also that unique, good-natured, and slightly ironic spirit that permeates Soviet cinema of the 1970s.

The choice of location for the monument was not accidental. In 1975, Yaroslavl turned into a massive live filming set for the movie "Afonya". Many famous scenes that went down in cinematic history were filmed literally on the neighboring streets and the Kotorosl River embankment, forever linking the city with this film story.

To simply view the sculptural composition and take a few memorable photos, you will only need about 15–30 minutes. The monument is compact, and its details can be explored fairly quickly while enjoying the craftsmanship and the humor of the characters.

However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Soviet cinema, you should set aside 1–2 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to visit the nearby "Afonya" themed beer house, which recreates the lifestyle of the 70s, and take a leisurely stroll through the "Zlato Mesto" historical quarter, famous for its coziness and architecture.

The Monument to Athos (Afonya) and Uncle Kolya is part of the urban architectural environment and is located in an open pedestrian area. Thanks to this, the sculptural composition is available for visiting around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, without any breaks.

You can come here at any convenient time: early in the morning to take photos without many passersby, or late in the evening when the city lighting gives the figures a special charm. Access to the site is completely free for everyone.

The monument's location in the historical quarter allows tourists to combine their visit with many other interesting sites. A walk around the area will help you feel the atmosphere of the ancient city more deeply and discover both classic monuments and modern entertainment centers.