Military and historical tourism in Belarus involves visiting memorable historical sites, a tribute and an important component of popular tourist routes.

Meaning of Military and Historical Tourism for Belarus

The historical heritage of Belarus is rich in military objects: for many centuries Belarus was arena for military operations. It is difficult to imagine tourism and historical sightseeing without visiting significant military monuments.

The preserved military and historical heritage of Belarus includes medieval castles, which protected our ancestors, and battle sites of the Great Northern War, which have now become memorial complexes. World War I also left a tragic trace on Belarus in the form of military monuments. The tragic legacy of the Great Patriotic War encompasses a large number of preserved and restored memorials. Military monuments of that period are the most popular among tourists and residents.

Most Famous Places to Visit

Military and historical heritage is represented by iconic places which have become symbols of Belarus. The atmosphere of the time when struggle for independence and peace took place has a significant impact on visitors. Here are the most famous monuments of the war years:

  • Brest Fortress-Hero Memorial Complex, widely known in Belarus and abroad, takes its rightful place on the ‘must-see’ list. The memorial includes defensive fortifications, surviving buildings, thematic monuments, and a museum.
Brest Fortress-Hero Memorial Complex
  •  Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk, the first one in the world on this topic, assembles a large collection of materials, exhibits and monuments of the tragic war of the 20th century. It remains relevant due to annual additions and is worthy of more than one visit.
Great Patriotic War Museum
  • Khatyn Memorial near Minsk is a tribute to victims of the Great Patriotic War. The memorial is located on the site of the village burned together with its inhabitants and symbolizes the tragedy of the entire Belarusian people.
Great Patriotic War Museum
  • Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex, an open-air museum, is worthy of the travelers’ interest. It recreates places of battles based on military drawings and displays military equipment.
Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex
  • Buinichi Field Memorial Complex near Mogilev was created on the site of terrible battles of the early days of the war and symbolizes courage of the Soviet soldiers. The complex consists of an arch and a 27-meter red chapel, connected by an alley, and exhibits military equipment and samples of weapons.
Buinichi Field Memorial Complex

Themed Events

Military and historical tourism is not limited to visiting memorials, monuments and complexes. We cannot but mention popular themed events held in Belarus:

  • Historical festivals, re-enactments, theatrical performances, especially knights’ tournaments and medieval festivals, such as Golshany Castle Festival, Knights’ Fest in Mstislavl, and Our Grunwald Festival.
  • Annual themed events on Victory Day (May 9) and Independence Day (July 3): parades, marches and concerts are organized throughout the country and have a special meaning for the Belarusian people.

Military and historical tourism plays an important role in education as it makes learning history more exciting. Belarus has a rich military and historical heritage, which is important for preserving the memory of the events of the past years.