At Island of Tears, a sculpture of a guardian angel cries for Belarusian soldiers who died in the war in Afghanistan. Cross a flying arch bridge to get to the artificial island, also known as the "island of courage and sorrow." You'll see a large boulder with a bronze icon of the Mother of God at its entrance. In the center of the island is a memorial chapel surrounded by statues of mourning widows, mothers, and sisters. There are more than 770 names of Belarusians who died in Afghanistan inscribed on the walls of the chapel. The island’s surface is uneven; the many stones are meant to represent Afghan mountains. Willows, leaning over the water, symbolize sorrow. Use our Minsk trip itinerary site to visit Island of Tears on your trip to Minsk, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.
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Tours to Island of Tears
Island of Tears reviews
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One of the historical and famous places in Minsk. It symbolizes the memory of the Soviet internationalist soldiers who performed their military duty in Afganistan. more »
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The monument is to those fallen as a result of the Afghanistan war. It's very peaceful with benches that have a good view of downtown Minsk across the water. more »
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Thoughtful descriptions about Island of Tears. Thank you
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A heartbreaking memorial site for the soldiers who died in the war in Afghanistan.
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