Island of Tears

The Island of Courage and Sorrow (also known as the Island of Tears, a small footbridge leads from the Trinity to the Island of Tears, a memorial commemorating Soviet soldiers from Belarus who died in the decade-long war with Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989. The centrepiece is the chapel, with haunting figures of grieving mothers, sisters and widows at its base. A nearby fountain features the boy-like figure of an angel, rigged up to cry teardrops. You may notice that a certain part of his anatomy is shinier than the rest. This is explained by the tradition of newlyweds visiting war memorials on their wedding day, and a modern folk belief that if the bride gropes this poor young lad’s privates she’ll be guaranteed children.
The Island of Courage and Sorrow (also known as the Island of Tears, a small footbridge leads from the Trinity to the Island of Tears, a memorial commemorating Soviet soldiers from Belarus who died in the decade-long war with Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989. The centrepiece is the chapel, with haunting figures of grieving mothers, sisters and widows at its base. A nearby fountain features the boy-like figure of an angel, rigged up to cry teardrops. You may notice that a certain part of his anatomy is shinier than the rest. This is explained by the tradition of newlyweds visiting war memorials on their wedding day, and a modern folk belief that if the bride gropes this poor young lad’s privates she’ll be guaranteed children.

Popular places to visit

Traetskae Pradmestse

You can learn about the history of Minsk with a visit to Traetskae Pradmestse. Experience the area's museums and art scene.

Traetskae Pradmestse

Minsk Sports Palace

Catch an event at Minsk Sports Palace during your trip to Minsk. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Minsk Sports Palace

National Opera and Ballet of Belarus

You can get tickets for a performance at National Opera and Ballet of Belarus during your stay in Minsk. Experience the area's museums and art scene.

National Opera and Ballet of Belarus

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

Learn about the local history of Minsk when you spend time at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

Pl Svabody

You can learn about the history of Minsk with a visit to Pl Svabody. Experience the area's museums and art scene.

Pl Svabody

SS Peter & Paul Church

After visiting SS Peter & Paul Church, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Minsk. Make time to visit the monuments and churches while you're in the area.

SS Peter & Paul Church

Top Hotel Deals

Willing Hotel

Willing Hotel

3 out of 5
Lenina Street 50 Minsk
Willing Hotel
Hotel Europe

Hotel Europe

4.5 out of 5
28 Internatsionalnaya Str. Minsk
Hotel Europe
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minsk

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minsk

5 out of 5
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Minsk
Boutique Hotel Buta

Boutique Hotel Buta

5 out of 5
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Boutique Hotel Buta
Minsk Marriott Hotel

Minsk Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
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Minsk Marriott Hotel
Hampton by Hilton Minsk City Centre

Hampton by Hilton Minsk City Centre

3 out of 5
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Hampton by Hilton Minsk City Centre
The Basilian Minsk, Curio Collection By Hilton

The Basilian Minsk, Curio Collection By Hilton

4 out of 5
Bogdanovicha Str. 2,3 Minsk
The Basilian Minsk, Curio Collection By Hilton
StudioMinsk in Historic Centre

StudioMinsk in Historic Centre

3.5 out of 5
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StudioMinsk in Historic Centre
Imperial Palace Hotel

Imperial Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
Miasnikova Str., 25 Minsk
Imperial Palace Hotel
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