In 1961, a monument to the writer Maxim Gorky appeared on the embankment of Rostov-on-Don, where he visited three times. He first came here in 1891, when he briefly stayed at a Rostov lodging house. Later, during the Soviet era, he passed through Rostov-on-Don twice on his way to Italy and back. Interestingly, in Italy, the writer had a large estate that was completely at odds with his proletarian image.

Before the Gorky monument was installed, there was a monument to Stalin in this place. However, after the condemnation of the cult of personality, his statue was removed, and a bronze Gorky took its place. The writer is depicted in full length, wearing a long unbuttoned coat, with his hands in his pockets. The figure is set on a square base and rises on a high red granite pedestal. The monument features his real initials and pseudonym: 'A. M. Gorky.'