Victory Square

Victory Square in Minsk is one of the most iconic and historically significant squares of the city, located on Independence Avenue, the main artery of the Belarusian capital. It attracts attention from both locals and tourists due to its majestic monument, which symbolizes the victory in the Great Patriotic War and preserves the memory of the fallen. The central element of the square is the Victory Monument, installed in 1954. This is a granite obelisk about 40 meters high, erected in honor of the heroes of the Red Army and Belarusian partisans who fought during the war. Its design was developed by architect Georgy Zaborsky, who conceived the monument back in 1942 while recovering from an injury sustained in the Battle of Stalingrad. The obelisk is clad in gray granite, brought from the Zhytomyr quarry, and at its top is the image of the Order of Victory, the highest military award of the wartime. Each of the four sides of the pedestal is adorned with bronze reliefs created by renowned Belarusian sculptors. These reliefs depict key moments in the history of military actions and popular resistance:

• "May 9, 1945" (sculptor A. Bembel) — dedicated to Victory Day.
• "Belarusian Partisans" (sculptor A. Glebov) — symbolizes the contribution of Belarusian partisans in the fight against the occupiers.
• "Glory to the Fallen Heroes" (sculptor Z. Azgur) — pays tribute to the heroes who gave their lives for liberation.
• "The Soviet Army during the Great Patriotic War" (sculptor S. Selikhanov) — portrays the exploits of the army in the fight against fascism.

The Eternal Flame, lit at the base of the obelisk on July 3, 1961, became a symbol of eternal memory for the fallen. The honor to ignite it was given to Hero of the Soviet Union Alexey Burdeiny. This flame still burns today, serving as an important symbol of courage and sacrifice for the sake of freedom. Modern Victory Square is a place where people come to honor the memory of the millions who died during the war. Newlyweds often come here to lay flowers at the Eternal Flame, symbolizing respect for the deeds of past generations. A feature of the square is the underground gallery surrounding the obelisk. It leads to a memorial hall where plaques are installed bearing the names of 566 Heroes of the Soviet Union who fought on Belarusian soil. At the center of the hall is a wreath made of artistic glass with internal lighting — a symbol of eternal memory for the fallen heroes. The architectural ensemble of Victory Square took shape between 1939 and 1958. Before the war, the first residential buildings had already been laid according to a typical project by architect Roman Stoller. Construction was halted due to the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War, and after the hostilities ended, work resumed. By 1956, six residential buildings with corner towers were completed, as well as the monumental entrance to Gorky Park, designed by the same architect as the obelisk — Georgy Zaborsky. Gorky Park, located next to the square, remains a popular recreational spot for residents and visitors of the capital. The buildings surrounding Victory Square were constructed in the post-war years, and some were built by German prisoners of war. These houses are executed in the classical Stalinist style with rich decorative designs. Capsules with ashes from Soviet hero cities are embedded in their walls, making this architecture even more symbolic and significant. Victory Square is an important element of Minsk's central avenue. It is part of the 1932 master plan, which was revised and refined after the war. The city's layout changed: the old center retained a regular street grid, and beyond the Svisloch River, new districts began to be developed. Victory Square, originally known as Round Square, received its modern name after the obelisk was erected and the residential buildings were completed in 1958. Today, Victory Square is easily accessible for all who wish to visit. Directly beneath the square lies the metro station of the same name — "Victory Square," making it a convenient starting point for city walks. Victory Square is not only a symbol of remembrance of heroic events of the past but also an important part of city life. Tourists and residents of Minsk can enjoy its architecture, stroll through the surroundings, visit Gorky Park, or simply feel the spirit of history that surrounds this significant place.