The memorial complex marking the First World War front line, a Renaissance church, and the Obaranki tradition offer different ways to discover Smarhoń. You can focus your trip on the history of remembrance, include architecture, or learn about the local connection to a ring-shaped pastry. When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first consider which of these themes will be most important to your stay.

Remembrance of the First World War

Smarhoń’s memorial complex was created at the site of actual wartime events and relates to the front line from 1915 to 1917. It is located in Victory Park. Its features include the large-scale bronze sculpture “Winged Genius of Soldierly Glory,” an avenue, bronze sculptures of soldiers and refugees, and a memorial stone bearing a message to future generations. Together, the large-scale artwork, avenue, figures, and message represent different forms of remembrance.

Guided tours of the memorial complex are available for a closer look at the subject. Tours take place by prior appointment from Tuesday to Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; Monday is a day off. Book in advance and confirm the arrangements for your visit.

A local history excursion begins and ends in Smarhoń. It focuses on evidence of the First World War, including bunkers, fortifications, cemeteries, and the memorial complex. This gives it a different focus from a visit to the individual memorial site: the emphasis is on a range of different historical sites. If you are interested in this excursion, you can consider it as a separate themed activity in your travel plans, alongside a visit to the memorial complex.

Another, distinct place of remembrance is a chapel in Smarhoń, built near a mass grave of victims of a prisoner-of-war camp. During the Great Patriotic War, the camp was located on the site of Smarhoń’s central hospital. This historical connection gives the site its own significance in the remembrance of war.

Renaissance architecture and sculptures in the cityscape

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is a notable Renaissance architectural monument in Belarus. Its architectural focus differs from that of the memorial sites and adds an example of Renaissance brick architecture to the picture of the city. In Central Park, the genre sculpture “Bear Academy” adorns the main avenue. Together, the church and sculpture show that, alongside its historical themes of remembrance, Smarhoń also offers architecture and public art.

Obaranki and local tradition

A tradition about Obaranki is also associated with Smarhoń. According to the story, the “abwaranak” set out from here to travel the world almost 500 years ago. Over time, the name evolved into “abaranak”—the familiar ring-shaped pastry with a hole in the middle. The story has been passed down as a tradition; it links the city’s name with a food culture that can also be understood through the pastry’s shape.

On June 28, 2025, the “Smarhonskija Abaranki” festival market took place in Smarhoń. The program included a workshop on making authentic Smarhoń Obaranki. This specific event connects the pastry tradition with a market and hands-on preparation, but does not in itself establish a recurring event date.

When choosing your holiday apartment, you can consider whether you want to focus primarily on remembrance, architecture, or the Obaranki tradition.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Slonim, Karobčycy, Nawahradak, Aziory, Zeĺva, Kareličy, Grodno, Astravets.

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