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 in Russia’s Central Federal District, thanks to its statue of Zmei Gorynich, a life-like version of the main villain in dozens of Slavic folk tales and legends in Russia. According to Slavic beliefs, Zmei Gorynic is considered a ferocious animal, the incarnation of the devil. It has three heads and can breathe fire.
The 15-meter-tall three-headed dragon statue is located on a mound in the middle of Kudykina Gora Park. The work was created by Ukrainian sculptor Vladimir Kolesnikov, using concrete and an iron frame as the main materials, and was built in 2015 and completed after about two years.
The work was created by Ukrainian sculptor Vladimir Kolesnikov, using the main materials of concrete and iron frame, built in 2015 and completed after about two years.
Even before its completion, a series of photos of the Zmei Gorynich statue were widely shared on social networks, attracting millions of likes. Now that it is in use, this three-headed dragon statue helps Kudykina Gora Park attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.
The highlight of the statue, in addition to its realistic appearance, is the vivid sound, depicting the scream before the three mouths breathe fire. These special effects are only available at 7pm on weekends and holidays.
These special effects are only available at 7pm on weekends and holidays.
To see the impressive Zmei Gorynich statue, visitors will have to travel 400 km from Moscow via the M4 Don highway. In addition to the three-headed dragon, Kudykina Gora Park has many other free attractions for the whole family within its 500-hectare area.
