Park of Victors in Vitebsk is dedicated to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. It was opened in 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Its creation was part of a large-scale program to immortalize the memory of the war heroes. The park is located in a picturesque area on the banks of the Western Dvina River, making it not only a memorial zone but also a popular spot for relaxation among locals and visitors.
In Park of Victors, the alleys run in the form of terraces along the riverbank, and several staircases lead up to the high bank towards Kalinin Street. The park features monuments and memorials that remind visitors of the heroism of soldiers, partisans, and civilians who fought for victory.
The territory of Park of Victors covers 4 hectares. To the south lies Victory Square, where the monument "To the Liberators of the Vitebsk Region" stands in the form of three bayonets. To the north, there is the Millennium Square of Vitebsk and the Annunciation Church, built in the 12th century. Victory Park includes several notable sites:
1. Alley of Heroes – This is a pathway lined with busts and plaques bearing the names of war heroes. Here, the names of both famous military leaders and ordinary soldiers who distinguished themselves in battle are immortalized. Each bust is accompanied by brief information about the hero`s deeds.
2. The military equipment exhibition – The collection of equipment displayed in the park covers both the period of the Great Patriotic War and more modern models. This makes the park interesting for visitors of all ages, especially for those who are passionate about history and military technology. Here, you can see: cannons, tanks, armored personnel carriers (APCs), infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), a helicopter, and many other examples of modern military equipment.
3. Parachute Tower – A tall metal structure from which training parachute jumps were once made. Parachute towers were an integral part of paratrooper training in the pre-war and wartime periods. They were used to help soldiers get accustomed to heights and practice landing skills. Today, it serves as an attraction where anyone can experience a parachute jump.
4. Sculptural Composition Dedicated to Paratroopers – Vitebsk has always been home to the 103rd Airborne Division, so the city has a strong connection to paratroopers. The monument to paratroopers, created by Vitebsk sculptor Ivan Kazak, is a monumental sculptural composition depicting a group of paratroopers in full combat gear.
Park of Victors is not only a place of remembrance but also an important educational center. Excursions for schoolchildren and events dedicated to Victory Day are held here. This park complements the memorial complex of Victory Square.
