Alleya Letchikov

If you are looking for a place where history intertwines with the silence of nature, then Pilots' Alley in the city of Orsha will be an excellent point on your itinerary. This memorial site, located in Belarus, is a living monument to the heroism of the region's natives. The alley consists of 70 slender maples, each planted as a symbol of deep respect for the feats of the pilots — Heroes of the Soviet Union.

Alley of Letchikov. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

It is not just a park, but an important part of the large-scale Mound of Immortality memorial complex. The alley was established in 2015 and has since become one of the most revered places in the city. It bears the names of outstanding aces, such as Anatoly Solyanikov and Illarion Kirpichev, whose fates are forever inscribed in the region's history. Walking here, one can feel a special atmosphere of continuity between generations.

Today, Pilots' Alley is a popular attraction with a high rating among travelers. It is perfect for quiet walks and reflection. The combination of memorial solemnity and natural beauty makes it a significant cultural heritage site of the Vitebsk region, attracting both locals and guests of the city.

To clarify information about events held on the territory of the memorial complex, you can use the following contact details:

A visit to this site offers guests an opportunity for quiet and thoughtful relaxation. You can take a stroll under the canopy of 70 maples, each symbolizing a year of peaceful life since the Great Victory. Be sure to pay attention to the information elements telling the story of the Orsha pilots' service. Reading the stories of heroes like Anatoly Solyanikov, who flew more than a hundred missions in the legendary ground-attack aircraft, provides a fresh perspective on past events.

As the alley is integrated into the overall territory of the Mound of Immortality, visitors should explore the entire complex. You can walk along the radial paths that branch out from the mound like sunbeams and climb to the very foot of the monument. From here, peaceful views open up, and the proximity of the Dnieper River bank adds a special picturesque quality to the walk.

For photography enthusiasts, the alley provides many interesting angles, especially during the golden autumn or spring bloom. This place is also perfect for educational walks with children, helping to tell them about the heroes of their homeland and the importance of preserving historical memory in an accessible way.

Getting to this memorial site in the city of Orsha is easy. Pilots' Alley is located at Anatoly Solyanikov Street, within the memorial park on the banks of the Dnieper River. If you are arriving in the city by train, remember that Orsha is a major railway hub. From the Orsha-Centralnaya station, you can reach the city center by bus or minibus in just 10–15 minutes. The remaining part of the way to Solyanikov Street is an easy walk of about 20 minutes.

For those who prefer comfort, a taxi ride from the railway station will take no more than 5–10 minutes. If you are traveling by private car, follow the M8 highway (Minsk — Vitebsk) to the city entrance, then follow the signs for the Mound of Immortality. Free parking for visitors is provided near the memorial complex.

A walk from the city's central streets to the alley is also pleasant: the route passes through picturesque areas, allowing you to better feel the atmosphere of ancient Orsha. Navigator coordinates will help you find the entrance to the park area without error.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the memory of the local residents' feats. Pilots' Alley was solemnly established on May 9, 2015, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory. It became an important addition to the large-scale Mound of Immortality memorial complex, which was opened in 1966. Notably, the mound itself was built by the entire community: factory workers, veterans, and schoolchildren brought soil in buckets and scoops, creating a symbol of eternal memory.

The central figures of the alley are hero-aviators from the Orsha region. Among them, a special place is held by Anatoly Solyanikov — a renowned ground-attack pilot who flew over 115 combat missions in his Il-2. His childhood was spent here, on the banks of the Dnieper, and his personal records and autobiography are carefully preserved in the city museum today. The memorial also immortalizes the name of pilot Illarion Kirpichev.

The entire layout of the park is filled with deep meaning. Six alleys radiate from the Mound of Immortality in different directions, resembling sunbeams. Each of them is dedicated to prominent figures whose lives are connected to this region: Konstantin Zaslonov, Anna Nikandrova, Sergey Mitt, Yuri Smirnov, and Marcel Lefèvre. The 70 young maples planted here symbolize the peaceful years that have passed since the end of the people's great feat.

For a leisurely stroll along Pilots' Alley and to explore the adjacent Mound of Immortality complex, most visitors need between 1 and 2 hours. This time is quite sufficient to walk under the shade of the maples and read the information stands and memorial plaques dedicated to the hero-aviators.

If you plan to walk down to the banks of the Dnieper or stay for quiet contemplation and photography of the park's picturesque views, it's worth setting aside a little more time. The place encourages thoughtful walks, making it especially popular with couples and those seeking solitude within the city limits.

Pilots' Alley is part of an open memorial park, so it is accessible to visitors 24 hours a day. You can come here at any convenient time, whether it's early morning for a quiet walk or in the evening hours.

Access to the territory of the complex is free and open daily, including weekends and holidays. Since there are no special checkpoints, visitors are only advised to take into account the weather conditions and daylight hours for a comfortable viewing of the memorial plaques.

A visit to the memorial alley can be combined with a tour of other interesting sites in Orsha. A walk around the surroundings will allow you to get better acquainted with the city's history, see ancient monasteries, and visit modern entertainment parks.