The stairs have 560 steps and this is one of the longest staircases in Russia. It was built by German prisoners of war. The Chkalov staircase was built in honor of the victory in the battle of Stalingrad. The work was finished in 1949. The monument to a famous pilot V.Chkalov is situated at the top of the stairs.
Every year on the City Day and the Day of Russia on June 12, races are arranged on the stairs. The fastest runner wins a car as a prize.