Eternal Flame in Velikiye Luky — webcam streaming online

Military Glory Memorial on the Banks of the Lovat

Velikiye Luky is a city with a deep military history, bearing the honorary title of "City of Military Glory." The heart of the memorial complex here is the Eternal Flame — a symbol of remembrance for the defenders of the Fatherland, lit on May 8, 1985 in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Soviet people's victory in the Great Patriotic War. The monument is located on the Lovat River embankment, in a scenic area offering views of the historic city center and the water surface.

The architectural design of the monument was developed by the head of the architectural group G.K. Yelin and the senior architect of the Pskovgrazhdanproyekt Institute S.A. Dyakonov. The square stone pedestal with a burning flame became the focal point of the memorial square, surrounded by paved walkways and green plantings.

Liberation of Velikiye Luky: The First Major Victory After Stalingrad

Velikiye Luky was occupied by Nazi German troops in August 1941. The first attempt to liberate the city was made as early as July 21, 1941, when Soviet forces temporarily drove out the occupiers, but the city once again fell under enemy control.

Final liberation took place on January 17, 1943 during the Velikiye Luky offensive operation, which lasted from November 25, 1942 to January 20, 1943. Troops of the 3rd Shock Army of the Kalinin Front eliminated the encircled 7,000-strong enemy garrison. Velikiye Luky became the first major Soviet city completely liberated from Nazi troops after the victory at Stalingrad. The operation tied down significant Wehrmacht forces on the central sector of the Soviet-German front.

Memorial Complex: From the Eternal Flame to the Military Glory Park

Today, the memorial zone on the Lovat embankment is a large-scale complex encompassing several commemorative sites. The central element is the 1985 Eternal Flame, around which a memorial square with information stands and flower beds has been formed.

Nearby is the mass grave of Soviet Army soldiers who died in the battles for the city in 1941–1943. The Alley of Heroes of Military Glory was opened on January 17, 2015 — on the anniversary of the liberation of Velikiye Luky. The alley commemorates the names of Heroes of the Soviet Union connected to the Velikiye Luky land.

In 2024–2026, the complex was expanded with new sites. The Monument to Participants of the Special Military Operation became a tribute to modern defenders of the Fatherland. The Memorial Park of Military Glory was solemnly opened on May 22, 2026. On the same day, as part of the all-Russian campaign "We Keep the Fire of Victory," PJSC Gazprom lit the second Eternal Flame — "Flame of Memory" at the monument to SMO participants. This became the 12th Eternal Flame in the Pskov region.

Traditions of Remembrance: From Victory Day to Liberation Anniversary

The memorial at the Eternal Flame remains a gathering place for residents and visitors of Velikiye Luky. The main annual event is May 9, Victory Day, when a solemn rally with wreath and flower laying at the mass graves takes place on the square. The "Immortal Regiment" procession passes along the embankment from Lenin Square to the Eternal Flame, and military personnel march in a ceremonial parade.

January 17 is another significant date, when the city celebrates the anniversary of its liberation. Schoolchildren and youth organizations participate in wreath-laying ceremonies, passing the baton of remembrance from generation to generation. The tradition of lighting a flame from other memorials symbolizes the unbreakable connection of times.

Velikiye Luky: A City at the Crossroads of Historical Routes

Velikiye Luky is located in the south of the Pskov region, on the banks of the Lovat River, at the intersection of the Moscow–Riga and St. Petersburg–Kyiv railway lines. The city is known not only for its military history but also for its architectural heritage. From the Lovat embankment and the square near the Eternal Flame, views open up of the earthworks of the Velikiye Luky Fortress — a historical monument preserved from ancient times.

Near the memorial zone are Lenin Square with its grand Stalin-era post-war architecture, the drama theater, and one of the city's symbols — the "Stone Flower" fountain. The original art installation "Chairs for Lovers" by Pskov blacksmiths from 2012 has become a popular spot for walks. From the embankment, the opposite bank of the Lovat, the bridge, and the cathedral are visible.

The Lovat River: Waterway and Promenade

The Lovat is the largest river in the Pskov region, a right tributary of the Lovat Bay of the Baltic Sea. The embankment in Velikiye Luky is landscaped as a promenade with flower beds, benches, and observation decks. It was here, on the high bank, that the memorial complex was created, uniting the memory of the past with the everyday life of the city.

The webcam with a view of the center of Velikiye Luky allows you to observe not only the memorial but also the life of the embankment — townspeople's walks, solemn events on memorable dates, and the changing seasons in the square's green plantings.

What the Camera Shows

The online camera broadcasts the memorial square with the "Eternal Flame" monument in the urban environment of Velikiye Luky. In the center of the frame is a square stone pedestal with a burning flame, surrounded by paved walkways in red-brown and gray colors. Information columns are installed around the perimeter of the square. To the right are flower beds with red and pink flowers, to the left is a lawn and a staircase descent. Trees, shrubs, and green plantings are visible in the background. A well-maintained urban area, a memorial complex on the Lovat River embankment.