Aĺhierd Monument – equestrian statue at the Rynkavaja Square in Viciebsk, the first and the only monument to Lithuanian Grand Duke Aĺhierd in Belarus.

In 1320 Aĺhierd became the Prince of Viciebsk and in 1345 – Grand Duke of Lithuania. During his reign, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania increased by more than 2 times. Defeating the Tatars in the Battle of Blue Waters in 1362 Aĺhierd released Kyiv region and Volyn. Successfully fought with Russia, Poland and the Teutonic Order. Son of Aĺhierd Jahajla became King of Poland and founded the Jahajlavičy dynasty, whose representatives ruled in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary.

Idea to erect a monument to Prince Aĺhierd originated from Viciebsk authorities back in 2010. In a year a pedestal for the future composition on the Rynkavaja Square was established, but for three more years it remained empty. The grand opening of the monument took place on June 27, 2014 and was dedicated to the 1040th anniversary of Viciebsk.

The monument to Prince Aĺhierd was created by the Minsk sculptor Siarhiej Bandarenka. Equestrian statue of the armed Lithuanian Grand Duke is turned to the east. From outstretched right hand of Prince a falcon launches into flight – a symbol of princely power. Monument weighs three and a half tons. The height of the sculpture is 3.6 meters and the height of the pedestal is three meters.

Publication date: 12.06.2017.

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