Minsk is the political, economic and cultural center of Belarus. Millions of tourists from the nearest countries of Europe, as well as all over the world, come here to see the best sights of the city. There are enough of them here. And before we tell you about the most popular of them, it is worth knowing a little about the city itself.
Basic information about the city and a description of the sights of Minsk
Minsk is the administrative center of the Minsk region, as well as the Minsk region. The first mention of this wonderful city dates back to the 11th century in the Tale of Bygone Years. Over these long centuries, the territory managed to be a provincial settlement, as well as the capital.
As for the architecture of this wonderful city, there is an interweaving of styles from different eras. For example, the central streets of the city are decorated with Catholic cathedrals, as well as Orthodox churches.
Tourists are increasingly going to this city due to the fact that there are quite a lot of interesting excursions on verybudget prices. In addition, everyone knows firsthand that in this locality affordable prices for housing, food, transport, and so on.
The city is also always very calm, clean, comfortable. There is never a fuss here. Only a lot of interesting sights in Minsk (photo below), cute parks, as well as hospitable residents. There is definitely something to see here. As you know, there are enough sights in many central districts of Minsk. You can talk about them endlessly.
Now we will tell you about what to see from the sights of Minsk.
High City
Minsk is considered to be a very multinational city full of different cultures and confessions. It is the High City that is the concentration of spiritual values of the inhabitants of this settlement. For this reason, there are a lot of religious sites here.
It is also worth noting that the architectural monuments of this city show some mixture of different styles. Including baroque, classicism and modern.
As for the history of the formation of this place, it appeared in the XII century. By the way, monuments from those times have survived to our time. By the 16th century, the richest and most influential people of the city mainly began to live in this place. In the Middle Ages, this area was considered the most prestigious for the construction of residences.
Until about the 18th century, this wonderful place was the most luxurious center of the city. And before the outbreak of World War II, this territory had a hugepopularity among creative and business people. Events of similar directions were constantly held here.
Unfortunately, during the hostilities, most of the buildings, as well as monuments, were destroyed. But after the end of the war, by the hands of the townspeople, the district was collected literally piece by piece.
It is also worth noting that the central element of the High City is Freedom Square, which is included in most excursion routes. It was built in the 16th century and quite a lot of interesting legends are associated with it. One of them says that under the ground of the square there are many underground passages connecting all the monasteries of the city. As you know, these tunnels are more than four hundred years old. Basically, they performed a defensive function in wartime.
This area offers a beautiful view of the Nemiga River. From this place you can see Minsk in all its glory. It is best to visit the High City in the evening, as this way you can fully enjoy the view and the mesmerizing atmosphere.
Address: Freedom Square.
Trinity Suburb
This landmark of the city of Minsk is considered to be a whole architectural complex. It is located near the High City of Minsk, which is considered part of the historical center. Once upon a time there was a monastery built in the 10th century on this site. Until the 19th century, there was a large market with many interesting things. Later, everyone broke up and built a park, as well as stone mansions.
There are similar architectural monumentsenough in Europe in large quantities. But, of course, few cities can compare with the antiquity of Minsk. Each building on the territory of this wonderful suburb has an architectural and historical value. Many houses here have cafes, museums, and souvenir shops.
The largest building in the area is the Opera and Ballet Theatre. By the way, there is a beautiful park around it. In the same quarter, you can find a museum of theatrical art, as well as two literary museums. It often hosts various exhibitions in art galleries. In addition, interesting events can be visited at the House of Nature.
From the territory of the suburbs you can enjoy an amazing view of the Svisloch River.
It is also worth noting the fact that this place has recently been reconstructed, as a result of which the ancient buildings have acquired a wonderful backlight.
Address: Maxim Bogdanovich street.
Minsk City Hall
Minsk City Hall is considered an architectural monument of the Middle Ages. This place can be called one of the brightest in the city. This attraction is located on Freedom Square. Next door to this architectural monument is the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as the Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the other side of the monument.
Initially, this town hall was made of wood, but at the end of the 17th century it was faced with stone. Tourists who visited here several centuries ago noted that thissightseeing in Minsk looks much more interesting in winter than in summer.
The history of the town hall is inextricably linked with the Magdeburg Law, which was granted by the Duke of Lithuania Alexander. This right arose in the 13th century and was aimed at regulating the position and activities of citizens in a feudal society.
By the way, the town hall is considered a symbol of city self-government. From the German language, the word "town hall" is translated as "meeting house".
It is also worth noting that in the middle of the 19th century this landmark of Minsk, the photo of which can be seen above, was destroyed by order of the tsarist authorities and later rebuilt again.
The residents of the city associate the town hall with gaining independence. Once the seat of a magistrate, many important administrative events are now held here.
As for the inside of the building, here on the second floor there are meeting rooms, and on the first floor there are exhibition halls of the city's museums. There is also an exposition hall, where a model of the historical center of Minsk of the 19th century is stored under a glass dome
By the way, performances of musical groups are constantly held near the town hall, as well as the opening of the City Day.
Address: Svobody Square, 2A.
Independence Square
Independence Square is considered to be the most beautiful and solemn square in Minsk. This place can be said to be the main attraction of the city.
As you know, Stalinist architecture is considered the pride of the city and thisterritory is its brightest representative. The famous Iosif Langbard made a huge impact on the appearance of this square. In 1934, he designed the building of the Government House, as well as the territory next to it, that is, the future Independence Square.
Initially, this place was called Lenin Square. And in those years it had the shape of a square, and now it is a rectangle. A roundabout of vehicles was then organized around this territory. It is also worth noting that parades and various events were often held here in those years.
As for the modern appearance, the square began to look like it is now in the post-war years. This wonderful place acquired its modern name in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union. After all these events, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out here. As a result, a pedestrian zone appeared at this place. In addition, she was surrounded by various sculptural compositions, as well as greenery.
At the beginning of the 20th century, reconstruction was carried out again for several years, as a result of which the roundabout was corrected. At this place, a shopping center was formed, which we can still see. It's called "Capital". There is also parking here.
Without any doubt, this area has become completely different, turning into a recreation area for citizens, as well as tourists. By the way, there is a light and music fountain here.
Address: Independence Avenue.
Victory Square
As you know, in almost every city that was part ofSoviet Union, there is Victory Square. This place is considered a place of mourning, as well as a bright memory of the soldiers and those who died in the difficult years of the Great Patriotic War. Absolutely every year, on the ninth of May, this square hosts an event dedicated to people who bravely fought for their lives, as well as their homeland.
This square is located on Independence Avenue. Previously, it had a different name and was called Round. It was only in 1954 that it was changed to Victory Square.
It is also worth noting that this place is considered one of the brightest and most beautiful in Minsk, built according to a single architectural plan. In the middle there is a fairly large obelisk, around which there are picturesque squares. By the way, the obelisk is decorated with the Order of Victory.
Work on this moment began in 1942, that is, during the Great Patriotic War. The architect Zaborsky believed very much in the spirit of our soldiers, so he decided to design this monument.
As for the important parts of the obelisk, it is decorated with a sword at the bottom, as well as a laurel branch. Of course, the designers did not forget that this attraction is located in Minsk, so they decorated the stele with "belts" with Belarusian ornaments. There are wreaths that symbolize the four fronts that participated in the liberation of the country from the Nazis. There is also an eternal flame, which was solemnly lit in July 1961.
Address: Independence Avenue.
Pishchalovsky Castle
Not many tourists coming to Minsk canbelieve that in the very center of the city there is a real prison. This place is considered a historical and architectural monument. It is interesting to note that this building was used for its intended purpose throughout the history of its existence.
The main architect of this building is Kazimir Khrschanovich. Usually this castle is called by the name of the customer - Rudolf Pishchalo. The castle was completed by 1825 and put into operation at the same time.
The life of the prisoners was very different from the modern one. The prisoners cooked their own food, and also worked and earned money. Basically they were engaged in socially useful affairs. Despite such democratic conditions, life in prison was not easy enough. Epidemics constantly went outside the castle walls, for this reason people died.
As for the war years, the castle did not suffer at all then. He went through both wars and served his own purpose. The new government received it in the same condition.
By the way, mostly revolutionaries, rebels and other people dissatisfied with the authorities were kept here. This prison was considered one of the most reliable in Europe.
Address: st. Volodarsky, house 2.
House of the Government of the Republic of Belarus
The building of the Government House is located on Independence Square. This architectural structure is considered one of the best monuments of constructivism.
This attraction once laid the foundation for the formation of a new center of Minsk. This building houses the Parliament, which consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives, andalso the Council of the Republic. In addition, the Council of Ministers and the Presidential Library of the Republic of Belarus are located here.
As for history, the Government House was built in the 30s of the XX century by the architect Joseph Langbard. A competition for the best work was held, and quite eminent architects participated in it.
From interesting facts, it is also worth noting that the building was built entirely by hand, since in those years there was practically nothing automated. The architectural structure was built without excavators, bulldozers, and tower cranes. In addition, at that time there was a problem of shortage of building materials. For example, cement or metal. The only mechanization that existed was a mine lift built from logs. It was made to lift bricks.
The interior of the building is decorated with many busts, as well as sculptures. Here you can see the bust of K. Marx, F. Engels, as well as F. Dzerzhinsky and A. Myasnikov. In addition, there is a five-ton star-shaped chandelier inside the government house.
In the early 30s of the XX century, the Government House was considered the tallest building in the city.
Address: st. Soviet, 11.
The Gates of Minsk
"The Gates of Minsk" is an architectural complex located on the Railway Station Square. It is an 11-story building with 5-story buildings on the sides. It is considered one of the main attractions of Minsk (Belarus).
This architectural ensemble appeared on the square in the 40s of the XX century. Up to this point itwas not here. B. Rubenko supervised the reconstruction. By the way, the style of this complex is Stalinist Empire style.
As for the appearance of the building, on one side of the gate there is a German clock, which is the largest in Belarus. The diameter of their dial is 3.5 meters. On the other side of the ensemble is the cast coat of arms of the BSSR. The towers are decorated with sculptures of a collective farmer, an engineer, a soldier, and a partisan.
"The Gates of Minsk" are considered a recognizable symbol of the city. They are the successor to the wooden star gates of the Castle District.
Address: st. Kirov, 2.
Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater
This attraction of Belarus in Minsk is considered the only opera house, as well as the largest theater in the Republic of Belarus. It is located on the territory of the Trinity Suburb, which was mentioned above.
This building is considered one of the brightest examples of constructivism. It has the status of an architectural monument of national importance. It was built in the 30s of the XX century according to the project of I. Langbard.
There is an opera company, a ballet company, a symphony orchestra and a choir. Basically, performances are held here in the original language, as well as in both state languages of the country - Belarusian and Russian. Within the walls of the theater there is also a children's music studio and the group "Belarusian Chapel".
Address: Place de Paris Commune, 1.
Conclusion
Minsk is a very versatile multinational city that can surprise everyone. Attraction ReviewsMinsk are very different. Basically, everyone notes that the city is very clean, beautiful and modern. In addition, people like that events are constantly held in the village. Addresses of Minsk attractions will help you navigate the city. If it will be difficult to find some religious building, the locals are very friendly people, they will definitely help you find your way.
