The Liberation Monument is an important historical and cultural landmark in Baranovichi, located on Lenin Street in front of the House of Culture. Since September 3, 2008, the monument has been designated as a regional historical and cultural asset, making it a must-see attraction for tourists interested in Belarusian history and military events.
The Struggle for the Liberation of Baranovichi
In early July 1944, the troops of the First Belarusian Front, including numerous rifle divisions, engaged in fierce battles for the city of Baranovichi. They were supported by local partisans and underground fighters from the Baranovichi partisan formation. The German forces, considering the city a key railway hub, turned it into a strong defensive position complete with trenches, dugouts, minefields, and barbed wire obstacles. After two days of intense combat, on July 6, Soviet troops managed to encircle and defeat the enemy grouping, and on July 8, Baranovichi was fully liberated, marking a turning point in the region’s history.
The 20th Anniversary Liberation Monument
In 1964, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the city's liberation from Nazi-Fascist invaders, a monument in the form of a red granite stele (2.9 x 2.6 m) was erected in Baranovichi. Created by architects M. Milovidov, A. Marenich, A. Makarov, and sculptor M. Altshuler, the monument is adorned with an image of a red flag with a star and is accompanied by an eternal flame. The paved walkways, well-maintained lawns, and decorative shrubs make this site attractive for tours and photo sessions.
Monument Update in 1984
In 1984, to mark the 40th anniversary of Baranovichi’s liberation, the old monument was replaced by a new sculptural and architectural composition. The new monument features a wide stylobate (4.5 x 4.5 m) faced with red and gray granite slabs, and a three-dimensional element in the form of an unfurled flag made of forged copper, bearing a bas-relief image of a Red Army soldier in a helmet. The eternal flame at the base of the obelisk continues to symbolize the memory of the city’s defenders, attracting tourists and enthusiasts of Belarusian military history.
Bas-Relief Bronze Memorial Plate
Within the monument's grounds, a bas-relief bronze plate is installed with inscriptions in Russian and Belarusian. It commemorates the heroic deeds of the brave soldiers of the Soviet Army and the partisans who liberated the city on July 8, 1944. This inscription, a token of gratitude from the residents of Baranovichi, underscores the historical significance of the site and its importance for cultural tourism.
Metal Plates – Testaments to Military Glory
In the 1990s, two metal plates were installed on either side of the monument. The first plate lists 28 military units and formations honored with the title "Baranovichi," while the second lists 18 units and formations awarded orders and medals for their combat actions during the city's liberation. These elements add historical depth and serve as an additional point of interest for tourists interested in military history and the heritage of Belarus.