Iskhod

Памятник «Исход» (Новороссийск)

Iskhod (Памятник «Исход») in Novorossiysk: what it is, why it matters, and how to visit

Iskhod (“Исход,” meaning Exodus) is a waterfront monument in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, Russia, located on Admiral Serebryakov Embankment (Ulitsa Naberezhnaya Admirala Serebryakova), near house 35.
It’s an emotionally charged sculptural group depicting a White Army officer and his war horse, created as a public reminder of the Russian Civil War and the departure (“exodus”) of White forces and supporting Cossacks from “red” Russia.

If you’re building a Novorossiysk itinerary, this is one of the few spots on the promenade where you can pause for something historical rather than purely scenic.

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Quick facts (from published sources)

- Name: Monument “Iskhod” (Памятник «Исход»)
- Address: Ulitsa Naberezhnaya Admirala Serebryakova, 35, Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, 353905
- Unveiled/installed: 12 April 2013
- Sculptor: Alexander Suvorov (Александр Суворов)
- Height: 7 meters
- What it depicts: a White Army officer and his horse
- Cultural reference: composition linked to a scene associated with the film “Served Two Comrades” (Служили два товарища) and the character played by Vladimir Vysotsky

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The story behind “Iskhod” (and why it’s on the waterfront)

Novorossiysk’s seafront is the right place for this memorial because the monument is explicitly about departure—not triumph. Sources describe it as dedicated to the exodus of the White Army and aligned groups during the Civil War.

The sculpture’s tension comes from its core idea: the officer is shown pulling the horse by the reins, while the horse rears forward. This is not a calm “equestrian statue” in the classical sense. It’s a frozen argument between duty and instinct—one body trying to leave, the other resisting. That’s exactly why people stop here: the piece reads clearly even if you don’t know the backstory.

A commonly cited cultural layer is its connection to “Served Two Comrades”, specifically the association with a dramatic episode involving the character portrayed by Vladimir Vysotsky.
(If you’re the kind of traveler who uses film as a lens for place, this is one of the few “cinematic memory” points on the embankment that’s easy to experience without planning.)

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What to look for on-site

1) The composition and silhouette

From a distance, you’ll read three strong lines:
- the officer’s extended posture,
- the taut reins,
- the horse’s raised front legs and forward drive.

That silhouette is why photos of Iskhod work in almost any weather—bright sun, overcast, even at dusk—because the monument’s outline is legible against the sky and water. (This is visible in widely published images of the statue.)

2) The setting: bay views as part of the experience

Travel references describe the location as offering views across the bay and surrounding landscape, which helps explain why visitors combine it with a longer promenade walk.

3) A note on vandalism history (practical, not sensational)

Local reporting notes at least one incident where parts of the monument (the reins) were damaged/removed, affecting how the gesture reads.
That’s useful context if you arrive and notice anything missing or repaired—your photos might not match older images.

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How to visit efficiently

Best way to fit it into your day

Because Iskhod sits on the Admiral Serebryakov Embankment, it’s easiest to treat it as a walk-by highlight rather than a standalone destination.
Plan on:
- a short stop for viewing and photos, then
- continuing along the promenade to whatever else is on your route.

Photo angles that consistently work

These aren’t “secret spots,” just reliable compositions:
- Side view to capture the full tension between the officer and horse (many published photos use this angle).
- Horse close-up to emphasize motion and detail (also common in published imagery).
- Low angle with sky behind the horse to exaggerate scale (the statue’s height is documented at 7 meters).

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Historical sensitivity: how to approach the monument respectfully

This memorial is tied to a civil conflict that remains sensitive in historical memory. Sources frame it as part of a broader pattern of monuments to victims of that tragic period.
If you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t want heavy history, you can still keep the stop light: focus on the sculpture’s artistry and the waterfront setting. If you do want context, read the backstory first so the symbolism lands.

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Accuracy & “what could be outdated” checklist (important)

- Opening hours / tickets: Some travel listings describe it as always accessible, but I’m not treating “24/7” access as guaranteed without an authoritative municipal source. (Treat it as an outdoor public monument and verify locally.)
- Travel feasibility & advisories: International travel to Russia can be affected by changing visa rules, transport availability, and government advisories. Those conditions change quickly—check your own government’s current guidance before booking.
- On-site condition: Past reporting shows the monument has experienced vandalism/damage at least once, so the exact appearance may differ from older photos.

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Why “Iskhod” is worth your time (even if you’re not a history buff)

Iskhod stands out because it’s not abstract: you instantly understand the conflict in the figures. It also anchors a specific chapter of Novorossiysk’s story—a port city where departure is part of the identity—without requiring a museum visit or guided tour to grasp the basic meaning.