Press releases

23 Sep 2026

Mound of Glory memorial complex near Minsk granted first category of historical and cultural value

An archive photo

MINSK, 23 September (BelTA) – The Mound of Glory memorial complex has been granted the first category of historical and cultural value by a decision of the National Scientific and Methodological Council on Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture, Irina Voronovich, Head of the Department for the Protection and Registrartion of Historical and Cultural Heritage at the Belarusian Ministry of Culture told BelTA.

“Recently, the Mound of Glory was granted a new status: the first category of historical and cultural value. This legally established the fact that the memorial is not merely a regional heritage site of Minsk Oblast, but a monument of global significance that symbolizes victory over fascism,” Irina Voronovich said.

She explained that the memorial previously had the third category of historical and cultural value, which is the category of regional significance. The first category is of international significance and is granted to unique sites of global cultural, aesthetic, and documentary value. These often include architectural masterpieces, landmark memorials, and historic city centers. Such sites fall under the strictest centralized control of the government.

The Mound of Glory honors the heroism of Soviet soldiers and officers during the liberation of Belarus and marks the completion of Operation Bagration. The monument was built at the site of key battles: in the summer of 1944, a 105,000-strong German force was defeated in the area in what became known as the Minsk Pocket. The memorial was laid on 30 September 1966 by representatives of Hero Cities and opened on 5 July 1969. The memorial complex has drawn around 40 million visitors from over 100 countries since it opened.