Jubilee Square is now one of the key points included in tours around Belarus and Minsk, particularly in itineraries dedicated to the history of World War II and the Holocaust. Here, visitors can experience the atmosphere of historical remembrance and at the same time see how the modern city takes care to preserve its cultural heritage.
History of Creation
The history of Jubilee Square dates back to the early 20th century, but it gained the most recognition during the years of Nazi occupation in World War II. In 1941, after the German forces captured Minsk, one of the largest Jewish ghettos in the Soviet Union was established here. Jubilee Square became its center, and over 40 surrounding streets and alleys housed approximately 100,000 prisoners. People were subjected to inhumane conditions, mass executions, and deportations to death camps.
Due to its horrifying role during the war, the square became known as the "Slave Square"—from here, Jewish prisoners of the ghetto were led to their deaths. After Minsk was liberated in 1944, this place remained a somber reminder of those terrible days. Later, the city was reconstructed, and the area of Jubilee Square was transformed into a modern public space; however, the memory of the tragedy was preserved. The memorial stone installed in the park seamlessly fits into the modern landscape of the square and serves as a reminder of the tragic events that took place here during the war.
Architectural Features of the Square
Modern-day Jubilee Square is a well-maintained urban space that includes a park with green areas, walking paths, and cultural sites. The main architectural landmark of the square is the "Belarus" cinema, a major cultural center that continues to attract both residents and visitors of the city.
Despite the reconstructions carried out in the post-war years, the square has retained its historical context. It lacks the grandiose elements typical of Soviet architecture, which emphasizes its connection to the memory of the past.
Today, Jubilee Square is an example of how a city can preserve historical memory, turning places of tragedy into symbols of sorrow and respect for the victims of the past.
Tours Including a Visit to Jubilee Square
Jubilee Square is part of various sightseeing tours around Minsk and Belarus. It is frequently included in programs dedicated to the history of World War II, the Holocaust, and the Nazi occupation of Belarus.
Tourists visiting Minsk can book a tour that includes a visit to Jubilee Square to gain a deeper understanding of those historical events and see the memorial sites connected to the tragic history of the Minsk ghetto. The square is also frequently included in tours of Minsk. In such excursions, it appears not only as a place of remembrance but also as part of the modern urban environment, where history and culture merge in one space.
Jubilee Square is an important place for everyone interested in the history of Minsk and Belarus. If you are planning tours around Belarus, be sure to include this landmark in your itinerary to learn more about the heroic and tragic past of the Belarusian capital.
