Brest fortress-hero: a unique memorial complex
Brest Fortress is one of the most important places to see in Belarus and by far the largest tourist attraction in Brest. The fortress was not rebuilt at the end of the war, but instead became a shrine to the terrible and heroic events that took place there.
Brest Fortress is famous for its defense against the Nazis which took place from the 22nd to the 30th of June, 1941. One of the first battles of Operation Barbarossa, it was a vicious fight. The Brest Fortress, defended by the Red Army against the Wehrmacht, held out longer than expected, and thus became a symbol of Soviet resistance during the Great Patriotic War, along with Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad that spelled the beginning of the end of the Nazi war machine. The Germans planned to seize the city of Brest and the Brest Fortress which was located in the path of Army Group Center during the first hours of Operation Barbarossa. The fortress and the city controlled the crossings over the Bug River, as well as the Warsaw-Moscow railway and highway and were thus a key strategic objective to secure.
The entry of the fortress represents a huge star cut into a concrete block. Sounds of the metronome counting down the last peaceful moments are heard under the vaults of the Main Entrance.
The central alley leads to the Citadel. The sculptural composition 'Thirst" symbolizing thirst for life, struggle and victory is erected to the left of the bridge on the bank of the Mukhavets river. It is a monument to the suffering of the defenders of the fortress. With many trapped in isolated sections of Brest Fortress and, therefore, cut off from supplies by the Nazi attackers, the Red Army defenders were driven mad with thirst. Those that tried to sneak out at night to retrieve water were usually picked off by Nazi snipers.
The main part of the. memorial is the Square of Ceremonies, leading to the Museum of the Defense of Brest fortress and the ruins of the White Palace.
During the years the museum and the memorial of the fortress has become a centre of military and patriotic upbringing. Memorial groups from schools and vocational schools of the city keep honorable watch on the Memory Post. Every year on the Victory Day of 9th of May people gather to pay the tribute to the dead and living participants of the Great Patriotic War.
Top ten places to see in europe, and why
Europe offers travelers many beautiful places to visit. This continent has a rich culture offering a lot of beautiful buildings and a beautiful nature. The top ten places to visit in Europe will vary from the interests of every traveler. It is difficult to pick just 10 cities which are worthwhile to visit because almost every country in Europe has beautiful cities to visit. Here is my top ten list which you may like to visit:
PARIS
Paris is the most romantic city in Europe and also called the city of love. Everyone will enjoy a boat trip on the River Seine where you can sightsee all the main buildings of Paris. Probably is the Eiffel Tower, which can be called "the symbol of Paris" the most famous sight on your boat trip. Paris is also "the place to be" for tasting some excellent French wine. And what is Paris without a visit to one of the most popular night clubs of the world: the Moulin Rouge? You can enjoy there a marvelous cabaret with a delicious dinner.
ROME
Rome is an ancient city in Italy which is famous for its culture and beautiful historical buildings. The Coliseum is probably the most ancient monument in Rome where the building started in 7.5 A.D and finished in 80 A.D. Rome is especially popular because of Vatican City. You can find there the most valuable pieces of art in the world. The Sistine chapel can be called the artistic jewel of Vatican City. You can walk there for hours and admiring the beautiful frescoes of Michelangelo which are well known worldwide. Some other beautiful places to visit in Rome are: the Trevo Fontain and the Catacombs of Rome. A visit to Rome is also enjoying of the delicious pastas, the Italian coffee and gelato (the Italian ice cream).
CARINTHIA
Carinthia is a beautiful place in Austria with many mountains, glaciers and lakes. It is wonderful place for walking and enjoying the beauty of the nature. You can see mountains covered with snow and during your walking you will find beautiful flowers.
VIENNA
Vienna is the city of the classical music. There is a lovely park with a statue of Johan Strauss, the composer of "The Blue Danube (Die schttne blaue Donau). A statue of Mozart and decorated with images from Don Giovanna can be found in Burggarten. Also the Staatsoper and the Volksoper are popular places for music lovers. Have you seen the movies of Sissi? If you enjoyed these movies you certainly need to visit the Hofburg Imperial Palace where you can visit the Sissi Museum. Some other important places to visit are: the palace of Shonbrunn with their beautiful gardens, the Wienerwald, the Donau park, the St. Stephans Cathedral, The Karlskirche and Prater. You also need to visit the Spanish Riding School where you can see the Lippizan horses which gave marvelous shows. You can enjoy some delicious desserts in Vienna like the Apfelstrudel and the Sachertarte.
TUSCANY
Tuscany is the most beautiful place in Italy and situated east of the Uguarian Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Florence and Siena are the two cities in Tuscany where you can find the most pieces of art. The Duomo and the Cathedral are masterpieces and well known in the world. The cathedral "Santa Maria del Fiora" is the most important building in Florence and the third greatest in the world. Marble from Carrera is used in many important buildings in Tuscany. The leaning tower of Pisa is also an important building in Tuscany and popular worldwide. Michelangelo is also an important person in Tuscany. Many of his works can be found in Tuscany and especially in Florence. Almost everyone knows his most popular work. David" which he created for the cathedral of Florence but the original work is now preserved in The Gallery of the Academia di Belle Arte. Lucca, Volterra, Pistoia, Carrara and San Gimignano are other beautiful cities in Tuscany which are worthwhile to visit. Tuscany is not only a region of beautiful buildings and statues but is situated in the most beautiful landscape of Italy. There are many flowers and the green colors of the nature are beautiful for sightseeing.
LONDON
London is a beautiful place in Europe with many historical buildings. Buckingham Palace is a beautiful building in London and is the official Residence of the British monarch. Everyone can visit this palace and there are different galleries with beautiful art works from painters like Rubens, Van Eyck and many others. There are different galleries and you can also make a walk in the gardens and admire the beautiful flowers. The Palace of Westminster is also an important building in London and one of the greatest Parliaments in the world. The Bell Tower of this parliament and called "Big Ben" is well known worldwide. It is especially famous during the night when the clocks are illuminated. Also the Abbey of Westminster is worthwhile to visit. Other places of interest are the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, the Marble Arch nearby Hyde Park Corner and Windsor Castle.
THE BLACK FOREST
This region in Germany is popular for its highlands and woods. Everyone who likes walking will have a nice time there. This place is also popular for the famous cuckoo clock and also Germany's largest waterfall can be found there. The Black Forest is the heart of the woodworking industry and you can buy some wonderful souvenirs in wood and it is the ideal place for buying a cuckoo dock. Enjoy also the Black Forest Cake, a delicious dessert in this regionl
OSLO
Oslo is the main capital of Norway. The fjords in Norway are amazing and offer beautiful sights.The Vigeland Park is one of the highlights of Oslo. This sculpture park has a great quantity of Gustav's Vigelands works. There are 192 sculptures this park and "the Fountain" which was the first sculpture in this park is still now one of the most beautiful ones. Other important places to visit in Oslo are the Royal palace, the Vikingship museum and the Kings Castle. Norway is also the country for fish. If you like to eat fish; it is the place to be for crab, salmon and many other kinds of fish.
COPENHAGEN.
Copenhagen is a beautiful city in Denmark. This city is popular because of the bronze statue of the little Mermaid which you can admire in the harbor. A beautiful church in this city is the Frederiks Church (also known as the Marble church). This church has the largest Dome of Scandinavia. Other places of interest are Christiansborg Slot (where the Parliament is housed),Tivolo(a park of entertainment for children)and the Town Hall.
BRUGES
Bruges is a city in Belgium with many medieval buildings like the Church of Our Lady. The Belfry is maybe the most popular building of Bruges. You can see this beautiful building already when you are on the Market Place. Bruges is also special for its narrow streets and cobblestones. The Minnewater is a nice place in this city, which is also called the Venice of the North. It is a romantic park where you can walk and see many swans and birds. Behind the Minnewater you can visit the Beguinage. Bruges offers you also a lot of statues like Jan Breydel, Hans Memling, Guido Gezelle, the apocalyptic rider and many others.