Katyn Memorial
Мемориальный комплекс «Катынь»
A national memorial park in the Katyn Forest, commemorating the Polish officers executed in 1940 and the victims of Soviet repression. The atmosphere is sombre and solemn.
The Katyn Memorial lies in Katyn Forest, about 18 km west of Smolensk. It opened in 2000 and includes a Polish military cemetery, where the Soviet NKVD executed around 4,400 Polish officers in 1940, and a burial area for victims of Soviet political repression. Forest paths link the gravestone walls and Orthodox and Catholic crosses, and an exhibition hall presents the historical background. You can reach it by suburban bus or taxi. Entry to the grounds is free, though some exhibition halls charge admission. Please remain quiet. The memorial is closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-18:00 (check official site)
Nearby sights
- Gnezdovo Barrows
- Church of St. Michael the Archangel (Svirskaya)
- Lopatinsky Garden
- Church of St John the Theologian
- Church of Sts Peter and Paul on Gorodyanka
- Gromovaya Tower (Smolensk – Shield of Russia Museum)
- Smolensk Art Gallery
- Blonie Garden