While in Belarus we were staying in Stolin a couple of hours away from Brest, but luckily for us we did pass through the city and had read about Brest Fortress and thought it was worth a visit.

This national monument is one of the most important Soviet World War II monuments and is dedicated to the soldiers who fought to protect it against overwhelming odds for six weeks during the war. The walk up to the Fortress is so impressive because of the sheer scale of the entrance. As you approach, you can see an even greater monument framed behind the huge star opening. This huge mans face protruding from a vast rock certainly makes you feel tiny! There are a number of statues, the old fortress walls and barracks, there is also the museum which houses some interesting pieces and a huge obelisk representing hero status from the Soviet regime.

The Fortress is a beautiful place to walk around and is very peaceful, occasionally you may see soldiers parading through the grounds.