Memorial «Border guards»

The "Guards of the Border" Memorial is a significant commemorative complex dedicated to the heroism of Soviet border guards who defended the frontiers of the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War. It is located in the center of Brest, at the intersection of Masherov Avenue and Lenin Street — in a picturesque and historically rich area of the city. Nearby is a square that was long known among locals as the "Ah-oh Square" due to passersby’s enthusiastic reactions to its beauty. Today, it is officially named the Border Guards Square. Directly opposite the memorial is the Museum of Rescued Art Treasures, making this part of the city particularly attractive for inclusion in excursion routes. The memorial is listed among the recommended sites to visit on city tours in Brest and also features in excursions around Belarus.

History of Creation

The monument was erected in 1972 on the initiative of local authorities and veterans’ organizations. Its authors were sculptor Mikhail Altshuler and architects Alexander Gorbachev and Nikolai Milovidov. The location was not chosen by chance — the monument was placed on an ancient pagan mound, which gave the composition not only symbolic depth but also a special sacred meaning. This place seems to encompass different historical epochs — from pre-Christian Belarus to the heroic chapters of the 20th century. In 2001, the monument was renovated and received the status of a full-fledged memorial complex. The project was funded from various sources: veterans of the border troops, active military personnel, and concerned citizens all took part. Thanks to the efforts of the community, the memorial became one of the central symbols of border guards' military glory in Belarus.

Architecture of the Memorial

The central element of the memorial is a massive granite commemorative sign bearing the inscription: “To the border guard heroes who fell in battle for the Motherland in 1941–1945.” The monument is executed in a strict and solemn style, highlighting the seriousness and importance of the soldiers’ sacrifice. On either side of the monument are decorative border pillars, painted in the traditional green color and bearing the symbols of the border service. They display portraits and brief biographies of eight heroic border guards:

– Ivan Petrovich Belyaev — deputy political officer, rifleman;

– Alexander Abramovich Zavidov — corporal, rifleman;

– Varlam Mikhailovich Kublashvili — senior warrant officer, senior inspector;

– Ivan Petrovich Barsukov — Hero of the Soviet Union, colonel, head of the border detachment;

– Andrey Mitrofanovich Kizhevatov — Hero of the Soviet Union, lieutenant, head of the border post;

– Alexey Alexandrovich Novikov — junior sergeant, squad leader;

– Grigory Ilyich Kofanov — private, Red Army soldier;

– Garmazhap Ayurovich Garmaev — Hero of the Soviet Union, senior lieutenant, assistant chief of the border commandant's headquarters.

These figures form a symbolic gallery representing strength, courage, and the self-sacrifice of those who defended the borders.

Excursions with Memorial Visit

The "Guards of the Border" Memorial is a must-see stop on various patriotic and educational programs, as well as on tourist routes around the city of Brest. Additionally, there are excursions from Minsk that include a visit to Brest with a tour of the memorial.

Such an excursion from Minsk is suitable for individual tourists interested in military history, as well as for organized groups — schoolchildren, students, military personnel, and corporate clients. Tour guides share not only the history of the monument’s creation but also the stories of each hero depicted on the monument, making the excursion deep and memorable.

You can book an excursion with a visit to the "Guards of the Border" Memorial in advance through our website. This allows you to choose the date, format of the tour, and additional sites you may visit on the same day. Such a visit is more than just a stop on a city walk — it is a true lesson in courage and remembrance.