Sevastopol withstood several sieges and was twice destroyed in its history. Therefore, there are places in this city that every local resident considers truly sacred. Malakhov Kurgan is one of them. It became famous in the period 1854-1855, as well as in 1942, when the German army tried to seize the city. Today, there is a memorial complex dedicated to two battles.
"Malakhov" was a named in honor of Mikhail Malakhov. He was a captain who settled near a hill and deserved the reputation of a sympathetic person. Residents of the city often turned to him for help; they said, "I will go to Malakhov, to the mound." So this place became called his name.
Another personality is directly related to the battles on the mound - sailor Peter Koshkin. Being from a peasant family, Koshkin was sent by a landowner to recruits for bad behavior. He later entered the fleet and took part in the Battle of Sinop. However, fame to him brought the defense of Sevastopol from the armies of the Turks, French and British. He often single-handedly made forays into the enemy's rear, bringing prisoners with him, bringing weapons and foodstuffs.
Many legends are associated with the sailor’s name For example, they say that once he managed to save Admiral Kornilov from an enemy bomb. Koshkin's response to the admiral’s thanks soon became a household word: “The cat (Koshkin) likes the affectionate word.” Or another, where it is stated that the sailor bravely saved the body of his dead comrade, the soldier Trofimov from vandalism, by digging it out of the trench.
Deserving the glory of the national hero, Peter the Cat was immortalized in the name of one of the streets leading to Malakhov Kurgan.
Now Makhalov Kurgan is a quiet place. Tourist groups rarely come here, and in general there are few people walking. Anyone who wishes has the opportunity to walk along the paths and leisurely examine each memorial. The following monuments are installed on the kurgan territory:
- The common mass grave of Russian and French soldiers who laid down their heads in the battles on Malakhov Kurgan in 1855;
- Monument dedicated to the pilots, who fought for the liberation of the Crimea during the Great Patriotic War. Established in 1944;
- Memorial sign of the artillery battery located here in 1941-1942 and headed by Lieutenant-Captain A.P. Matyukhin;
- The almond tree is the only living thing left here by 1944;
- The cast-iron map of the fortifications and bastions of Malakhov Kurgan during the Crimean War;
- Monument to Admiral V. A. Kornilov;
- Memorial sign to admiral PS Nakhimov in the place of his injury;
- The White Defense Tower, inside of which is now a museum of defense and liberation of Sevastopol.
Malakhov Kurgan is located in the city, and it is easy to get to it by public transport. To visit the complex you need to purchase a ticket
