Memorial on site the concentration camp Masyukovschina

The Memorial at the Site of the Former Nazi Concentration Camp "Masyukovshchina" is one of the most significant monuments on the map of excursion routes in Belarus dedicated to the tragic events of World War II. It is located in the western part of Minsk, on the territory of the former village of Masyukovshchina, where during the Nazi occupation a camp for Soviet prisoners of war, "Stalag-352", operated. This camp became a true symbol of human suffering: over 70,000 people of various nationalities perished here during the war years. Today, the memorial complex serves as a reminder of the inhumane conditions endured by the prisoners and stands as a place of sorrow, remembrance, and reflection. The memorial is included in patriotic and historical-educational excursions from Minsk and is part of the routes of excursions across Belarus.

History of the Memorial

The "Stalag-352" concentration camp was established by the Nazi occupiers in July 1941, shortly after the start of the Great Patriotic War. It was set up on the territory of a former cavalry unit of the Red Army, where existing infrastructure—stables, barracks, and warehouses—was already in place. The camp occupied about 16 hectares. Tens of thousands of Soviet prisoners of war were held there, separated by nationality: Russians, Ukrainians, Jews, and Central Asians were housed in different barracks. The living conditions were unbearable—hunger, cold, unsanitary conditions, and abuse by the guards. Any infraction could result in brutal punishment, including public executions. The winter of 1941 was especially horrific, with 200–300 people dying daily from cold and exhaustion. The dead could not be buried in time; bodies were left in ditches, ravines, and along roadsides.

After the liberation of Minsk, the process of commemorating the victims began. In 1949, a temporary memorial sign was erected on the site of the camp. In 1956, it was replaced by a monument bearing an inscription that became symbolic: “Contemporaries and descendants! Bow your heads, here lie in eternal rest those who did not kneel before the enemy.” In the 1960s, the area was extensively landscaped: trees were planted, alleys were created, and a zone of silence and memory was established. The memorial became not only a historical site but also a spiritual center visited by families of the victims, schoolchildren, students, and tourists.

Excursions with Memorial Tour

The "Masyukovshchina" memorial is regularly included in the itineraries of educational excursions from Minsk. It is a key stop in programs devoted to World War II, the fate of prisoners of war, and the victims of Nazism. Such excursions across Belarus resonate deeply with visitors of all ages—schoolchildren, students, historians, veterans, and international guests.

During the excursion with a tour of the memorial, participants learn about the tragic events that took place in the camp, hear real stories of the prisoners, and see burial sites and commemorative signs. Guides explain the structure of the camp, its specific features, and its role in the Nazi system of genocide. Visiting "Masyukovshchina" becomes a moment of personal reflection and a tribute to those who perished.

You can book an excursion on our website. It is also possible to organize specialized tours for corporate clients or educational institutions. An excursion from Minsk to the memorial is not just a trip—it is an important act of civic remembrance, historical preservation, and respect for the victims of the tragedy.