Katyn

Memorial Complex “Katyn”

The Memorial is situated 18 km west of Smolensk, in Katyn forest. In the period of mass repressions about 8,000 Soviet people were buried here. Also, 4,421 Polish officers were killed immediately at this place in 1940. They were taken out from Poland in 1939, after Poland’s partition.

The Memorial became worldly-wide famous in 1943, when Germans found here burials of Polish officers. Since that moment this Katyn tragedy has become a problem question in relations between Poland and Russia. The word “Katyn” for Polish people is a symbol of evil.

The Memorial was created in 2000 due to efforts of two countries – Russia and Poland.

It includes a Polish military cemetery, Russian burial places and an expositional pavilion for accepting visitors.

A seven-meters high Orthodox cross was erected over the Russian part of the cemetery.  Concrete  paths lead to 9 common graves. The injustice and cruelty of  untimely death of those buried here is emphasized by acute angles of the fence.

The Polish cemetery – six common graves – is situated at the place of  execution and burial of Polish officers. A Catholic cross, a bell and an altar along with a Wall of Memory make up a unified complex. The wall with nameplates of those killed encircling the burial place makes an indelible emotional impression.

In the pavilion of the main building you can make a tour of museum expositions, watch  documentary, and find a kiosk with printed and ritual output.

According to numerous accounts, this monument to Stalin’s despotism victims is remarked by a high level of contents and performance.

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Address of the branch:
Kozjy Gory, Gnezdovo
Smolensky District, Smolenskaya Region
Phone: +7 (4812) 48-51-82