The memorial complex in memory of the ghetto

The Memorial Complex to the Ghetto Prisoners in Baranovichi is one of the most important Holocaust monuments in Belarus. It commemorates the tragic events of World War II and preserves the memory of thousands of Jews who fell victim to Nazism. The memorial is located within the boundaries of the former ghetto and serves as a place of mourning, remembrance, and reflection.

History

The occupation of Baranovichi by German troops began on June 27, 1941. Just a few months later, in December 1941, a ghetto was established, forcibly relocating around 15,000 people. It held not only local residents but also Jews from nearby towns and villages, as well as refugees from Poland and Czechoslovakia.

The ghetto was completely enclosed with barbed wire. Its boundaries corresponded to the modern streets of Lisina, Gagarina, Bogdanovicha, and Tsaryuka. Mass executions began in 1942. On March 4, 3,400 people were shot, and in September–October, another 5,000 were killed. The complete liquidation of the ghetto occurred on December 17, 1942. In total, more than 18,000 Jews perished.

Architecture

The memorial consists of three expressive elements: an obelisk erected in the second half of the 20th century, a small chapel (ohel) designed in the tradition of Jewish funerary architecture, and a lapidarium — a collection of tombstones and commemorative stones. The composition is minimalist yet emotionally powerful, vividly conveying the tragedy of the place.

Excursions

The Memorial Complex to the Ghetto Prisoners in Baranovichi can be visited as part of an individual excursion from Minsk to Baranovichi, which we will gladly organize upon your request. This is a unique opportunity to connect with history, pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and gain a deeper understanding of its tragic legacy. You can book a private tour from Minsk, combining the visit to the memorial with other historical sites in the region.