В Минске имеется одно особое место - мемориал "Pit". Having come here for the first time, it is possible to note the majesty and sadness of sculptural compositions. But at the same time, not 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 the Second World War Minsk wasoccupied by enemy troops from 1941 to 1944. On the third day of the occupation, all Jews residing in the city were ordered to hand over all available money and valuables. The official date of the founding of the Jewish ghetto in Minsk is 19.07.1941. The main goal of its creation was initially the systematic destruction of all identified representatives of this nation. At the end of summer, at least 100,000 prisoners belonging to Jewish nationality lived in the ghetto area in Minsk. March 2, 1942 - the day, forever entered into the history of Belarus. At that time, at least 5,000 prisoners were killed on the territory of the Jewish ghetto. The bodies of many victims were simply dropped into a deep ravine. It was in its place was created the Minsk memorial "Pit".
Creating an Obelisk
The brutality that flourished in the Minsk ghetto, notcould be forgotten after the liberation of the city from enemy invaders. In 1947, an obelisk was erected at the burial site of the prisoners who were shot. The inscription on it reads: "The bright memory of eternal time to five thousand Jews, who died at the hands of the fiercest enemies of mankind - Nazi-German villains on March 2, 1942". What is noteworthy, the text is stamped on a 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 it was officially allowed to use Yiddish. The author of the lines is the poet H. Maltinsky. What is noteworthy, despite the permission received for the design of the memorial, he was later exiled to the camp of the Gulag. I suffered for my creation and the rocket that worked on the obelisk - Morduh Sprishen. But, despite all this, the memorial of the "Pit" exists today. A commemorative obelisk is one of the most important elements of the sculptural composition.
Reconstruction of the pit. Sculptural group "The Last Path"
In 2000, a memorial dedicated to the victimsThe Holocaust in Minsk was reconstructed. For ethical reasons, all work was done manually, without the use of construction machinery and mechanisms. Archaeological excavations in a memorable place were also not conducted. The "Yama" memorial in Minsk was supplemented by a sculptural composition. Along the stairs leading to the paved center of the ravine, stretches a string of prisoners descending to certain death. The figures look haggard and maximally impersonal. They are more like sorrowful spirits than people. The monument is officially called The Last Path, its authors are the architect L. Levin, the sculptors A. Finsky, E. Polok. It is worth noting that initially it was planned to make the figures of 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 asexual human figures was finally approved. It is worth noting that in this style of sculpture the group looks impressive.
Where is the memorial of Yama in Minsk? Monument photo
The sculptural composition is on the street.Melnikayte. An alley of the Righteous is planted near the memorial, dedicated to peaceful Belarusians who sympathized with and helped the Jews in wartime. Getting to this memorable place is easy on public transport. The nearest metro station is Frunzenskaya. You can also get to the “Yubileinaya Hotel” ground transport stop by buses: 1, 1n, 69, 73, 119 and 163. The Pit Memorial is available for visiting around the clock, free admission.
Opinion of residents and reviews of tourists
Many people who visited the memorial dedicated toIn memory of the victims of the Holocaust in Minsk, they note that this place is notable for its special energy. Being here is not easy enough, and impressionable ladies should not 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 destroyed prisoners of the Minsk ghetto. On memorial days, rallies and other social events are held here. What is remarkable, despite its importance for urban history, “The Pit” is very rarely included in tourist guides. But at the same time, the interest of city visitors to the monument increases with each passing year. It is not at all difficult to find the Pit memorial in Minsk, the address of this mournful landmark: Melnikaite Street. Several scandalous stories are connected with the monument to the victims of the Holocaust. From time to time "Pit" suffers from the encroachments of vandals, which causes a serious public outcry.
