Poklonnaya Hill

Poklonnaya Gora (Russian: Покло́нная гора́, literally "Bow-Down Hill"; metaphorically "Worshipful Submission Hill"') is, at 171.5 m, one of the highest natural spots in Moscow. Its two summits were separated by the Setun River until one of the summits was razed in 1987. Since 1936, the area has been part of Moscow, and it now contains the Victory Park, with many tanks and other vehicles that were used during World War II on display.

Historically, the hill had great strategic importance, as it commanded the best view of the capital of Russia. Its name is derived from the Russian for "to bow down" since everyone approaching the capital from the west was expected to do homage here.^[1] During the French invasion of Russia in 1812, it was the spot in which Napoleon in vain expected the keys to the Kremlin to be brought to him by Russians.