Vitebsk authorities once again promise to establish a monument in Vitebsk Prince Algirdas. But it will not be that monument, which is expected. For 4 years, while the sculpture of the Grand Duke discussed and argued, changed its author, has been changed and the project itself.

However, viteblyane have doubt realized this project at all. The fact that almost the Lithuanian Grand Duke Algirdas, for whose domination reached Vitebsk medieval heyday, the city authorities have promised for the fourth year. Last promise sounded this very occasionally in the past year.

This year, the opening of the monument Olgerd indicated in the program in 1040 anniversary celebration of Vitebsk (according to legend, the city was founded in 974). Announced the long-awaited event for 15 hours on June 27.

Under the project, a monument to Prince Algirdas ascend the podium, built opposite the Holy Resurrection Church four years ago, in 2011. City authorities have announced a competition of sculptures and architectural projects. Recognized winner of Vitebsk's Valery Mighty. According to his plan, Vitebsk had to get an equestrian statue of Duke Algirdas in hunting costume with a falcon on his arm, more than 4 meters in height, together with a pedestal.

However, all the past 4 years pedestal was an art object in itself. Sculpture of the prince did not appear. But did bronze plates with images of Vitebsk locks and so it was called - "Monument Vitebsk castles."

History Vitebsk monument Prince Algirdas during this period has survived many dramatic turns. For example, after the announcement of the winner suddenly there were "members of the public" who opposed the establishment in Vitebsk "monument Lithuanian prince." And then, when the monument designed by Valery Mighty was already cast in the city suddenly decided to organize a public discussion of the idea - whether really need a monument, or not ... Most of the townspeople were "for": during discussions and debates on the Internet.

The promise of a monument Prince Algirdas given countrymen back in 2010, City Council repeated firmly in the past year: the monument ought to set in Vitebsk to June 1, 2013, and the city Housing Service has had to find the funds. Last year's discovery also planned in the City Day, dedicated to the anniversary of the liberation of Vitebsk during World War II.

But last year plinth remained empty. And this year the townspeople for a surprise: it turns out, the monument will not like what it saw sculptor Valery Mighty - winner projects. Monument to Prince Algirdas for some reason, which was not explained viteblyanam, tasked to do Minsk author Sergey Bondarenko. He is a renowned master sculptures of horses. Among his works, for example, - sculpture near the circus building in Minsk.

Seeing The new version of the monument on the Internet, many residents of Vitebsk note that the Prince's horse Olgerda really looks great. As for the prince, his new image Not all are happy. Although the general idea remains the same - the prince with a falcon on his arm - some people think it looks like a simple hunter, not a statesman. And some general and says that the image Olgerda became almost a caricature - a pier, and recalls he was not the Grand Duke, and old Don Quixote, tortured futile fight against windmills.

Radio Liberty