Minsk Victory Square
Victory Square at night
Iconic Minsk Victory Square is both a famous tourist attraction in Belarus and a place of pilgrimage for Belarusians remembering those who died in the Great Patriotic War (World War 2)
History of Minsk Victory Square
One of the most important places in Belarus, Minsk Victory Square (ploshchad Pobedy) is dominated by the huge 40m obelisk, a memorial to the country’s war dead.
Previously known as The Circus, Victory Square was renamed and made into a memorial in 1954 when the obelisk was erected.
Around the base of the monument were placed four scenes engraved by Belarusian sculptors, depicting:
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9th May 1945 Victory Day
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Partisans of Belarus
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Glory to the fallen heroes
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Soviet Army during the years of the Great Patriotic War
On 3rd July 1961 an eternal flame was lit at the base of the obelisk.
Minsk Victory Square today
Minsk Victory Square today is a place of pilgrimage for the people of Belarus wishing to remember the millions that died in the Great Patriotic War (World War 2). Many newly married couples stop off at the eternal flame to take a special wedding-day photograph.
You can find out more about the history of Minsk Victory Square and its role in Belarusian history in the museum under the square.
Around the square you can see beautiful examples of 1950s architecture.
The main entrance to famous Gorky Park is on Victory Square.
Getting to Minsk Victory Square and where to stay
Victory Square is easily accessible on foot from the city centre. You can also get here by metro – Ploshchad Pobedy metro station is located right on the square.
There are many hotels in Minsk, ranging from newly-built 5-star luxury hotels to budget hostels, where prices start at around 30 USD a night.
Tourist attractions near Minsk Victory Square
Exploring the city on foot? There are lots of important places to see in Minsk including:
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Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul
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Island of Tears: memorial to Belarusians who died during the 1979-1989 war with Afghanistan
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Gorky Park: the largest park in Minsk on the banks of the Svislach River.
Ideas for day-trips from the city:
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