In many large cities monuments are established in the symbolic place of the beginning of all roads of the region. There is such a tourist attraction in Minsk, its name is Zero kilometer of Belarus. The monument is made in a rather original form, with it is associated with many urban legends. 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 sights are specially for you in our article.
Historical reference
The provincial city of Minsk became in 1793 after the second division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Around the same time, a thorough improvement of the roads connecting the modern capital of Belarus with other settlements was started. In the autumn of 1795 regular "postal" transportation of passengers was started. In those days the distance between the cities was measured by miles. On the postal tracts were mounted verst poles, and near the post a special sign "zero verst of the province" was put. About a place in Minsk today stands the monument "Zero kilometer of Belarus".
The 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, 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 can be clearly seen from any end of the square, and at the same time it fits nicely with its ensemble. The main architect of the project - A. Sardarov, also worked on the monument: the sculptor A. Finnish and the metal artist V. Zavedeev. On the sides of the pyramid are fixed bronze medallions on which are depicted: a map of the country's roads, a poem by a famous Belarusian poet, signposts of the sides of the world, and also 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: photo and description
For the monument was used pink granite, hewn in Portugal. The south-eastern side of the pyramid is decorated with a medallion with the inscription "The Beginning of the Roads of Belarus". Walking around the monument around, you can find out the exact distance in kilometers from Minsk to Warsaw, Moscow, Vilnius and Kiev, and also to read the poem of Yakub Kolas. There was a place on the memorable sign for the Latin proverb Via est vita, which can literally be translated as "The road is life". On the platform at the bottom of the pyramid, you can read how many kilometers Minsk shares with the neighboring major settlements of the country and the most famous foreign cities. In order to see with your own eyes the sign "Zero kilometer of Belarus", the address need not be memorized. The monument is installed on Oktyabrskaya square - it is a place quite popular among tourists.
Myths and interesting facts about the monument
The zero kilometer of Belarus, installed in Minsk, was the first sign of the designation of the beginning of roads in his country. Later similar monuments appeared in some other large cities. Shortly after installation, the memorial sign became a victim of vandals. Several young people broke off the bronze elements from the "zero kilometer" and took them as souvenirs. The kidnappers were caught, and the monument was reconstructed. Immediately after the incident, CCTV cameras appeared near the sculpture. In the evenings the Oktyabrskaya square is brightly illuminated by numerous lanterns.
Many residents of Minsk and tourists believe that near this monument you can make wishes. His mystical properties are usually associated with an unusual and mysterious form. Check whether the desire will come true, every resident and guest of the city can. But the pyramidal form of the "zero kilometer" its creators explain simply. The monument symbolizes wisdom and eternity. The version according to which, the pyramid has been chosen as a symbol of balance of the sky and the earth is widespread also. On the monument are immortalized and the names of its creators. In addition to the architect, sculptor and metal artist, the author of the idea - A. Minin - is on this list. There is also a sign on the commemorative sign with the inscription "Committee on Motor Roads". What is noteworthy, this organization was reorganized and today exists under a completely different name.
Where is Zero kilometer in Minsk?
Find the starting point of the roads of Belarus is quite easy even for those who first appeared in the capital of this state. The monument is located in the heart of the city. The sign "Zero kilometer of Belarus" (Minsk) has the following address: Oktyabrskaya square, house 1. The height of the granite pyramid does not exceed 50 centimeters. At the same time, a commemorative sign can be seen from either end of the square. Do not forget to be photographed for memory with this amazing attraction and be sure to try to find your city at the bottom of the pyramid.