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Attractions in Sevastopol - Monument to Kazarsky

The monument to Kazarsky is set just the opposite to the front entrance of the Primorsky Boulevard, on the central hill of Sevastopol. It is only 2-3 minutes walk from Nakhimov square.  

Opened in 1839, it was the first monument in Sevastopol. Designed by eminent architect, A.P. Brullov on charity funds of Russian seamen, the monument commemorates the deed of the Brig Mercury and its crew under the command of Captain A.I. Kazarsky.

The battle took place in Bosporus, in the period of Russian-Turkish war.

On May 14, 1829, Russian detachment of three vessels including brig Mercury run across a Turkish squadron consisted of 14 vessels, including 6 battleships. While other Russian ships successfully fled the danger, Mercury, a low – speed vessel faced two Turkish battleships.

Despite the tenfold superiority of the enemy, Mercury accepted the battle keeping her flag flying.  Mercury managed to win the battle by damaging the rigging and masts of Turkish battleships. Finally, after long exhausting battle Mercury fled with 22 shot holes in the hull and 4 crew members mortally wounded.

Mercury and all the members of her crew were awarded by the Russian Emperor, Nikolas I.  This heroic deed was so fantastic that even there were people who did not believe that a brig could win a battle against two heavily armed battleships. 

A short inscription is written on the monument. It says: “To Kazarsky. The Example for the Next Generations”.