In many large cities, monuments are erected in the symbolic place of the beginning of all roads in the region. There is such a sight in Minsk, its name is Zero kilometer of Belarus. The monument is made in a rather original form, many urban legends are associated with it. Where did the pyramid come from in the very center of Minsk and what is written on its faces? The answers to these questions and the exact address of the attraction are specially for you in our article.
Historical reference
Minsk became the provincial city in 1793 after the second division of the Commonwealth. Around the same time, a thorough improvement of the roads connecting the modern
capital of Belarus with other settlements was begun. In the fall of 1795, regular "postal" transportation of passengers began. In those days, the distance between cities was measured in miles. Milestones were installed on the postal tracts, and a special sign “zero versts of the province” was placed near the mail. A monument “Zero kilometer of Belarus” stands today in its place in Minsk.
Modern sign of the beginning of the roads of Belarus
In 1998, reconstruction of Oktyabrskaya Square in Minsk was carried out. It was here, about 1 kilometer from the main post office of the city, that the sign “Zero kilometer of Belarus” was installed. Granite was used as the main material for the monument. The Belarusian “zero kilometer” is made in the form of a regular low pyramid. Thanks to this decision, it is clearly visible from any end of the square, and at the same time it fits into its ensemble advantageously. The main architect of the project is A. Sardarov. The sculptor A. Finnish and metal artist V. Zavedeev also worked on the monument. On the sides of the pyramid there are bronze medallions, which depict: a map of the country's roads, a poem by a famous Belarusian poet, signs of the cardinal points, as well as the distance to the capitals of neighboring states and the nearest large settlements. Thanks to a competent combination of textures and shades, the monument looks very solid and noble.
Zero kilometer of Belarus: photos and description
For the manufacture of the monument used pink granite carved in Portugal. The southeastern side of the pyramid is decorated with a medallion with the inscription “Beginning of the roads of Belarus”. Bypassing the monument around, you can find out the exact distance in kilometers from Minsk to Warsaw, Moscow, Vilnius and Kiev, as well as read a poem by Yakub Kolas. There was also a place on the memorial sign for the Latin proverb Via est vita, which can literally be translated as "The road is life." On the platform at the base of the pyramid, you can read how many kilometers Minsk shares with the neighboring large settlements of the country and the most famous foreign cities. In order to see with your own eyes the sign “Zero kilometer of Belarus”, it is not necessary to remember the address. The monument was erected on Oktyabrskaya Square - this is a fairly popular place among tourists.
Myths and interesting facts about the monument
The zero kilometer of Belarus, installed in Minsk, was the first sign to indicate the beginning of roads in their country. Later similar monuments appeared in some other large cities. Shortly after installation, the memorial sign fell victim to the vandals. Several young people broke off bronze elements from the “zero kilometer” and took them as souvenirs. The abductors were caught, and the monument was reconstructed. Immediately after the incident, CCTV cameras appeared near the sculpture. In the evenings, October Square is brightly lit by numerous lanterns.
Many residents of Minsk and tourists believe that you can make wishes near this monument. Its mystical properties are usually associated with an unusual and mysterious form. Every resident and guest of the city can check whether the desire will come true . But the pyramidal shape of the “zero kilometer” is simply explained by its creators. The monument symbolizes wisdom and eternity. A version is also widespread, according to which, the pyramid was chosen as a symbol of the balance of heaven and earth. The names of its creators are immortalized on the monument. In addition to the architect, sculptor and metal artist, the author of the idea, A. Minin, is also on this list. There is a sign on the memorial with the inscription "Committee on Roads". What is noteworthy, this organization was reorganized and today exists under a completely different name.
Where is Zero Kilometer in Minsk?
Finding a reference point for the roads of Belarus is not difficult, even for those who first appeared in the capital of this state. The monument is located in the very center of the city. The sign “Zero kilometer of Belarus” (Minsk) has the following address: October Square, Building 1. The height of the granite pyramid does not exceed 50 centimeters. At the same time, a commemorative sign is visible from any end of the square. Do not forget to take a picture of yourself with this amazing attraction and be sure to try to find your city at the base of the pyramid.