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In recent years, Kudykina Gora Park on the outskirts of the village of Kamenka has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lipetsk, a city located in the Central Federal District of Russia, thanks to the statue of Zmei Gorynich, a vivid representation of the main villain in dozens of Slavic folk tales and legends in Russia. According to Slavic beliefs, Zmei Gorynich is considered a ferocious creature, the embodiment of the devil. It has three heads and can breathe fire.
The three-headed dragon statue, approximately 15 meters tall, sits atop a mound in the middle of Kudykina Gora Park. Created by Ukrainian sculptor Vladimir Kolesnikov, the work primarily uses concrete and an iron frame. Construction began in 2015 and was completed after about two years.
The structure was created by Ukrainian sculptor Vladimir Kolesnikov, using primarily concrete and a steel frame, and was constructed in 2015 and completed after approximately two years.
Even before its completion, photos of the Zmei Gorynich statue were widely shared on social media, attracting millions of likes. Now, having been put into use, this three-headed dragon statue helps Kudykina Gora Park attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The highlight of the statue, besides its lifelike appearance, is its vivid sound effects, depicting the screams before the three mouths spew fire. These special effects are only shown at 7 PM on weekends and holidays.
These special effects are only available at 7 PM on weekends and holidays.
To see the impressive Zmei Gorynich statue firsthand, visitors will have to travel 400 km from Moscow via the M4 Don highway. Besides the three-headed dragon statue, Kudykina Gora Park offers many other free attractions for the whole family within its 500-hectare grounds.
