There is one special place in Minsk - the Pit memorial. Having come here for the first time, one can note the majesty and sadness of the sculptural compositions. But at the same time, without knowing the history of Belarus, it is difficult to guess the significance of this object on the map of the country. This monument is dedicated to the innocent victims of the Holocaust. Where is the memorial, and what is its true history?
March 2, 1942 in the history of Belarus
During World War II, Minsk was occupied by enemy troops from 1941 to 1944. On the third day of the occupation, all Jews living in the city were ordered to surrender all their money and valuables. The official date of foundation of the Jewish ghetto in Minsk is 1941-19-07. The main purpose of its creation was initially the systematic destruction of all identified representatives of this nation. At the end of the summer, at least 100,000 Jewish prisoners lived in the ghetto in Minsk. March 2, 1942 is a day that will forever go down in the history of Belarus. Just then onThe territory of the Jewish ghetto was destroyed at least 5 thousand prisoners. The bodies of many victims were simply thrown into a deep ravine. It was in its place that the Minsk memorial "Pit" was created.
Creating an obelisk
The cruelty that flourished in the Minsk ghetto could not be forgotten after the city was liberated from enemy invaders. In 1947, an obelisk was erected at the burial place of the executed prisoners. The inscription on it reads: "Blessed memory for eternity to the five thousand Jews who died at the hands of the fierce enemies of humanity - the Nazi-German villains on March 2, 1942." Remarkably, the text is engraved on the granite obelisk not only in Russian, but also in Yiddish. This is the first monument in the USSR to the victims of the Holocaust, on which the use of Yiddish was officially allowed. The author of the lines is the poet H. M altinsky. What is noteworthy, despite the permission received for the design of the memorial, he was subsequently exiled to the Gulag camp. The stonecutter who worked on the obelisk, Morduch Spryshen, also suffered for his creation. But, despite all this, the Pit memorial still exists today. A memorial obelisk is one of the most important elements of the sculptural composition.
Reconstruction of the "Pit". Sculptural group "The Last Path"
In 2000, the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust in Minsk was reconstructed. For ethical reasons, all work was carried out manually, without the use of construction equipment and mechanisms. Archaeological excavations at the memorial site were also not carried out. The Pit memorial in Minsk was supplemented with a sculptural composition. Along the stairs leading to the paved center of the ravine, a line of prisoners descends to certain death. The figures look haggard and as impersonal as possible. They are more like mournful spirits than human beings. The monument is officially called "The Last Way", its authors are architect L. Levin, sculptors A. Finsky, E. Polok. It is worth noting that it was originally planned to make the figures of the prisoners more expressive. According to the first version of the project, among the doomed were to be: a pregnant woman, a musician, as well as representatives of other creative and socially useful professions. However, the composition consisting of sad and sexless human figures was finally approved. It is worth noting that the sculptural group looks impressive even in this style.
Where is the Pit memorial in Minsk? Monument photo
The sculptural composition is located on Melnikaite street. An alley of the Righteous was planted near the memorial, dedicated to peaceful Belarusians who sympathized and helped Jews in wartime. It is easy to get to this memorable place by public transport. The nearest metro station is Frunzenskaya. You can also get to the ground transport stop "Hotel Yubileinaya" by buses: 1, 1n, 69, 73, 119 and 163. The Pit Memorial is available for visiting around the clock, admission is free.
Opinion of city residents and reviews of tourists
Many people who visited the memorial dedicated to the memory of the victimsof the Holocaust in Minsk, they note that this place is distinguished by a special energy. Being here is not easy enough, and impressionable persons should not be in principle. And yet, despite its mournful history, this place is a cult for many residents of Belarus. Jews and representatives of other nationalities regularly come here to honor the memory of the ruthlessly exterminated prisoners of the Minsk ghetto. On memorial days, rallies and other public events are held here. Remarkably, despite its importance to urban history, The Pit is very rarely included in tourist guides. But at the same time, the interest of city guests in the monument is increasing every year. It is not difficult to find the Pit memorial in Minsk, the address of this mournful landmark is Melnikaite Street. Several scandalous stories are connected with the monument to the victims of the Holocaust. From time to time, "Pit" suffers from attacks by vandals, which causes a serious public outcry.
