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The Mound of Glory
The Mound of Glory is one of the most renowned World War II memorials in Belarus. It rises above the plains of the Minsk region and stands as a symbol of victory and the people’s gratitude to the Soviet soldiers who liberated Belarus from Nazi occupation. The height of the memorial complex exceeds 70 meters, and its distinctive silhouette is recognizable from afar. Today, the Mound of Glory is not only a place of remembrance but also a must-see destination on the excursion from Minsk to the Mound of Glory.
History
On July 11, 1944, a decisive battle took place on the site of today’s Mound of Glory — the culmination of an operation to encircle and destroy a large Nazi army group, now known as the «Minsk Cauldron». Over 70,000 enemy soldiers were killed, and about 35,000 were taken prisoner. This victory allowed the Red Army to liberate Belarus and advance further into Europe — into Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and toward Germany itself.
In 1966, to commemorate this heroic event, it was decided to create a memorial complex. The first step was laying a commemorative plaque, and by 1967 the mound construction began — a national initiative, with people from across the Soviet Union bringing soil from their homelands to honor the fallen. The official opening of the Mound of Glory took place on July 5, 1969, marking the 25th anniversary of Belarus’s liberation.
Architecture
The architectural concept of the complex blends symbols of military valor and collective memory. Atop the 35-meter-high mound stands a sculptural group of four bayonets clad in titanium alloy. Originally, three bayonets were planned — one for each Belarusian front — but a fourth was later added to represent the Baltic Front’s participation in the liberation of Belarus.
The bayonets reach 35.6 meters in height and are securely supported by a deep pile foundation. At the base of the monument is a mosaic bas-relief bearing the inscription: «Glory to the Soviet Army, the Army of Liberation!», while the outer ring features the faces of soldiers from different military branches. Two ceremonial staircases lead to the summit — each with 241 steps. The mound is covered in a special type of turf with strong roots to prevent erosion, and an underground irrigation system keeps the greenery fresh.
Excursions
You can visit this iconic site as part of an excursion from Minsk to Khatyn and the Mound of Glory — one of the most popular tours among guests of the capital. We offer not only group tours with a rich program and professional guide, but also the option to book a private tour to the Mound of Glory, tailored to your interests. This is a great way to delve deeper into the history of the memorial and enjoy a more personal and comfortable experience.
The Mound of Glory is also a frequent stop on military-historical and commemorative tours of WWII sites. Ceremonies, military oath-takings, festive concerts, and historical reenactments are regularly held here, especially on Victory Day and Independence Day.
Individual and corporate excursions - The Mound of Glory
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Khatyn - The Mound of Glory
- Dates on request
- Duration: 5 hours 30 min.
- certified guide services
- transport services
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Destinies, scorched by war
- Dates on request
- Duration: 14 hours
- certified guide services
- transport services
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Minsk - Hatyn - Barrow of Glory
- Dates on request
- Duration: 9 hours
- certified guide services
- transport services
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Belarusian vacation 4 days
- Dates on request
- Duration: 4 day
- excursions according to the program
- meeting/seeing off at the train station
- certified guide services
- transport services
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Minsk - Dudutki - Hatyn - Barrow of Glory (2 days)
- Dates on request
- Duration: 2 day
- excursions according to the program
- meeting/seeing off at the train station
- certified guide services
- transport services
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Minsk - Hatyn - Barrow of Glory - Brest - Belovezhskaya Pushcha (2 days)
- Dates on request
- Duration: 2 day
- excursions according to the program
- meeting/seeing off at the train station
- certified guide services
- transport services