Friendship mound in honor of Belarusian, Latvian and Russian partisans

The Friendship Mound Memorial Complex is a symbolic site located at the tri-border point of Belarus, Russia, and Latvia, dedicated to the heroism and solidarity of the partisans of three brotherly nations during the Great Patriotic War. Situated 32 kilometers from Sebezh, this memorial serves as a reminder of the heroic unity and resistance in the dense border forests, where a true partisan region was born. It was officially opened on July 3, 1959, marking the 15th anniversary of the unification of partisan forces with the Red Army.

History

During the war, these lands became a stronghold of mass resistance: it was here, in the remote woods, that Belarusian, Latvian, and Russian partisan units joined forces. By 1942, the partisan territory covered over 10,000 square kilometers and was home to around 100,000 people. On this liberated land, Soviet governance operated, along with schools and collective farms — daily life continued even under occupation.

The creation of the Friendship Mound became a powerful symbol of combat brotherhood. The memorial honors those who fought side by side for freedom and a common future.

Architecture

The complex spans three forest clearings divided by woods and a stream — one for each republic. At the center stands an artificial hill with the symbolic «Friendship Oak», planted atop soil brought from the mass graves of partisans and Red Army soldiers. Three alleys lead to the top of the mound, each representing a country: maple (Russia), linden (Latvia), and birch (Belarus). Flagpoles stand at the base of each staircase, and granite slabs feature inscriptions in three languages praising the blood-forged friendship.

Each side holds a commemorative monument: in Russia — a memorial to Maria Pynto, a brave female partisan; in Latvia — a boulder with a relief of Imants Sudmalis, Hero of the Soviet Union; in Belarus — a star honoring the international youth organization of Proshki village. There is also a «Friendship» museum house and a recreated partisan dugout, illustrating the fighters’ life and heroism.

Excursions

The Friendship Mound Complex is one of the most important historical landmarks commemorating the partisan movement in Belarus and neighboring countries. It is a must-see location on excursions across Belarus dedicated to the memory of World War II. You can visit the Friendship Mound as part of an individual excursion from Minsk with a trip beyond the city — especially relevant on memorial dates and holidays.

Each year, on the first Sunday of July, veterans, representatives of the three countries, and youth gather here. The main event is the touching ritual of the Friendship Bonfire, jointly lit by delegations from Belarus, Russia, and Latvia — a ceremony that unites generations and nations.