Minsk | Belarus

Minsk – Capital of Belarus

Minsk is the capital of Belarus (population – 1.9 m), near the river of Svisloche. The city was destroyed through the Second World War, many historical monuments were lost. In the old town you can see some of XVII c. buildings.  Tourism is not develop in Minsk. You can stay only one weekend in the city and you will see all the famous monuments.

Don‘t forget if you want to go to the Minsk, you must have a visa.

What to visit in Minsk:

Great Patriotic War Museum in Minsk

City and settlements were destroyed through the Second World War, dead a lot of people, were destroyed all generations. In those terrible years more than 3 m.  people died, including about 50.000 partisans and underground fighters. The collection of the world’s first museum of the Great Patriotic War was founded in 1942 y. In 1966 y., the museum moved to a building specially built for it in the central square of Minsk (now – Oktyabrskaya Square). A unique open-air exposition of military equipment and weapons was opened in 1977 y. The museum become too small for all exhibition, in 2014 on the Independence day was open renewed Great Patriotic war museum.

The tickets cost Br 8.50, if you use photo and video cameras, it cost more.

National Library history

The library was founded in 1922 y., there are 60.000 books. During the Great Patriotic War the Belarusian State Library lost about 83% of it‘s books and special equipment, after the war the library was recovered. Library become too small for all books, so in 1989 y. was held to choose the best architectural design for the library, the winners become architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov , they suggested the Belarusian diamond design. The building was built in 2006 y, the total area of the building is 113.669 m²., weighs 140.000 tonnes. In the evening the building’s facade is converted into a multicolored LED screen consisting of over 4.500 light sources. On the top of building you can see Minsk panoramic view.

Victory square

In the city centre you will find Victory square, in the centre there are monument obelisk, which was built for Red army solders who dead during Second World War. Monument made of gray granite, it’s high – 40 m. Near the monument was light up eternal fire in 1961 y., many visitors and city quest comes and leaves the flowers for the dead solders.

The Palace of the Republic

It is a government building in Minsk and used for official state functions including forums, meetings, conventions, concerts, symphony orchestras, and New Year’s events.

Red church

This church was made by architects Tomasz Pajzderski and Wladyslaw Marconi from Poland. Construction was started in 1905 y. and was completed in 1910 y. It is named Red Church for its red exterior made up of bricks.

Botanical garden

It is a wonderful place for nature lover, the garden was extablish in XX c., it‘s the most visited places of nature in Minsk. This garden is open all the year, the biggest part of garden is under the open sky and you can visit all exhibition all years.

The National Academic Grand Opera and Ballet Theatre 

Local people call „Opierny Teatr“ or „Opera and Ballet Theatre”, the current building was opened in 1939 y. The architect – Losif Langbard, due to low budget the design was established just a part.

Isle of Tears

It is a monument for Soviet soldiers from Belarus who died in war with Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989 y. In the centre there are the chapel, figures of grieving mothers, sisters and widows. There are fountain features the boy-like figure of an angel, is a tradition to visit war memorials on wedding day.

Saint Peter & Paul Church

Is the oldest city church, it was started in 1612 y. and was completed in 1707 y. The church is surrounded by morose concrete structures but its interior is still look well and you have to see it.

Pishchalauski Castle

The historical building is known as Pishchalauski Castle,  the castle sometimes is called the Belarusian Bastille.  Pishchalauski castle was built in 1825 y. and formerly served as a prison. It is one of the oldest building in Minsk. And the last place in Europe there is death penalty. There were political prisoners, social and cultural figures.

And also:

• Many objects is not so far from each other. There are tram, bus, trolley bus, single tickets cost Br. 0.60, and metro – Br. 0.65. You can buy tickets in the station;
• Everywhere you can pay in card, so it is not necessary to change the money;
• In Minsk you have to see the Belarusian circus, we advise you to buy tickets beforehand;
• Belarussian products are cheap and good quality;
• National dishes is made of potatoes, very popular potato pancakes „Draniki“, soup „Zacirka“, pumpkin soup „Garbuzok“, smoked egg.
• Popular drinks: vodka „Berezovaya“, soft drinks, beer;
• Souvenirs: handicrafts made of clay, wood, straw and canvas;
• The best place to stay: BELARUS HOTEL