Brest Hero Fortress

History of the Brest Fortress

The construction of the citadel began in the 1830s. The territory of modern Brest was then part of the Russian Empire, so Emperor Nicholas I ordered the construction of a number of powerful fortifications on the outskirts of the city to protect the western part of the country. Thus, on the islands formed by the Bug River and the tributaries of Mukhavets, a brick structure consisting of four fortifications appeared.

The military-political situation in Europe remained restless for a long time, so the fortress was modernized several times. By the end of the 19th century, it was surrounded by a ring of forts. The territory of the citadel housed a cadet corps, a granary, a bakery, a military hospital, an Orthodox church. The fortress was visited by Russian emperors and top military commanders.

At the beginning of World War I, with the efforts of soldiers and civilians, the citadel began intensive preparation for military action. However, in 1915 it was decided to abandon defense, evacuate valuable property, and partially blow up the structure. 

In the spring of 1918, the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was signed within the walls of the fortress. Brest came under the control of Germany, and later the Polish state. Until the beginning of World War II, the defensive structure was used as a prison, military warehouses, and barracks.

In the first days of World War II, the fortification was subjected to German bombings. By mid-September 1939, the citadel was occupied by the Germans, and on the 22nd, the city along with the fortress were handed over by Germany to the Soviet Union.

Early in the morning of June 22, 1941, the Brest Fortress came under fire from Nazi invaders. Despite the fact that the attack was unexpected for the inhabitants of the defensive structure, the German soldiers met with strong resistance. The fortress withstood many days of siege before it fell under the onslaught of the enemy. But even when the last defensive areas fell, individual groups and lone fighters continued to resist the enemy forces. According to historical documents, the last defender of the fortress was captured only a month after the beginning of the siege.

Post-war period

After the final victory over the enemy, the Brest Fortress becomes an important symbol of the heroism and resistance of the Soviet people. Stories are written, films are made about the events that occurred within its walls in June '41. Twenty years after the end of the war, in the spring of 1965, the citadel is awarded the honorary title of "Hero Fortress". In 1971, it becomes a memorial complex, which to this day attracts both Belarusian and foreign city guests. According to the staff of the complex, since its founding, it has been visited by 25 million people from 140 countries. People come here to learn more about the first days of the bloody war, to honor the memory of fallen heroes, to acquaint children with important pages of our history.

The tragic atmosphere of the first days of war can be felt right at the entrance to the complex - visitors are greeted with a message about the beginning of the war and the sounds of flying shells. The entrance itself is designed as a star cut out in a huge concrete mass.

The memorial complex includes:

• A museum dedicated to the defense of the citadel. Its collections consist of household items from the time of the war, documents, weapons, shell fragments, books, military photos.
• The Fifth Fort, where exhibitions dedicated to military topics are held.
• The Southeast Barracks - here is the "Museum of War - Territory of Peace" exposition.
• Sculptural compositions in honor of Soviet soldiers - monumental works of art created by Soviet masters.

Nearby are the remaining walls of the White Palace and the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

Exhibitions, overview and thematic tours, historical lectures, screenings of war films and historical chronicles, cultural events are held within the walls of the memorial complex.

To see the Brest Fortress with your own eyes, come to Brest by train or bus. You can reach the memorial complex by public transport, and in good weather, you can leisurely walk here from the station.