Memorial Complex to Soviet soldiers and partisans

In the very heart of the town of Kletsk, on its central square, stands the Memorial Complex to Soviet Soldiers and Partisans — a monument that carefully preserves the memory of heroic defenders of the Motherland. This complex is dedicated to those who brought Victory closer at the cost of their lives: soldiers, partisans, and more than 7,000 civilians of the Kletsk district who perished during the Great Patriotic War. Today, tourists and descendants of heroes come here to pay tribute and connect with history. If you are planning a trip from Minsk to the Memorial Complex in Kletsk, it will be not just a tour, but a deep immersion into the past — filled with pain, courage, and hope.

History

The history of the memorial is inseparable from the tragic and heroic events of 1944. On July 3, during the Minsk offensive operation, Red Army troops approached Kletsk. Fierce battles unfolded here: the 219th Kremenchug Tank Brigade, the 54th Guards Rifle Division, the 162nd Guards Rifle Regiment, the 1313th Artillery Regiment, and other units fought side by side to liberate the city from the occupiers. Victory came at the cost of 546 soldiers’ lives, who were buried in a mass grave — the site where the memorial now stands.

The war left a deep mark on the region: over 8,500 residents became its victims, dozens of enterprises and institutions were destroyed, and cultural landmarks were wiped from the map. In memory of these events, the Memorial Complex was created in 1975.

Architecture

The memorial was designed by architects Ya. Kovalevsky, S. Karpov, and V. Rysakov. It was built in a monumental style characteristic of the post-war period. The complex includes a mass grave, a memorial wall bearing the names of the fallen, and sculptural elements symbolizing sorrow and valor. In 2015, on the 70th anniversary of Victory, a granite slab with the names of 33 identified soldiers and the number 457 for the unknown was added to the wall. A commemorative plaque was also installed in honor of Senior Seaman I.A. Apanasevich, who died in 1989 during a fire aboard the submarine “Komsomolets.”

Excursions

A unique opportunity to get to know the Memorial Complex in Kletsk more closely is through an individual tour from Minsk. We are happy to organize a customized trip for you, combining it with visits to other significant sites in the Kletsk district — museums, natural attractions, and historical buildings. During the tour, you will hear real stories of battles, learn about the heroism of ordinary people, see the places where combat took place, and honor the memory of the fallen at the mass grave. This journey is not only a history lesson but also a way to deeply feel the value of peace and life.