The first mention of Minsk dates back to 1067. During its existence, the city experienced both its heyday and periods of decline. But, despite his difficult fate, he was able to preserve the spirit of the cultural city. Walking along its streets it is difficult to imagine that just 100 years ago everything here was completely different. We suggest you to get acquainted with the list of the most interesting sights of Minsk.
Freedom Square
It is from this place that almost all sightseeing tours around Minsk begin. Freedom Square (formerly Napoleon) received its name in 1917. In the XVI century there lived a nobility, there were markets and shops.
Today, this place attracts tourists built in the XVII century town hall. Over its long history, this building has changed its appearance many times. Initially, the building held a meeting of the magistrate. Later there was a court and a police station, after which the building was transferred to a music school.
Thanks to the Belarusian architects, now we can see the town hall exactly as it was immediately after construction. Next to it is a monument, known as the Governor’s Carriage.
The Bolshoi Theatre
The building of the Bolshoi Theater was built in the last century in the style of constructivism. During the Great Patriotic War, it was completely looted by the fascists. Then he had to recover for a long time. Today, an alley has been planted near the theater, decorated with ladies in medieval dresses and dancing ballerinas.
Memorial complex "Khatyn"
This place became a symbol of the terrible tragedy that the Belarusians had to endure during the Second World War. The complex was built in the 60s of the last century. Working on it, the authors tried to convey a patriotic idea to future generations. Due to the combination of unique architecture and sound, this place has the strongest emotional impact on visitors.
Gostiny Dvor
This building is located on Freedom Square, and was built in the XVIII century. Later it was completely redone, becoming rectangular and acquiring the features of classicism. Inside built a small courtyard. In the past, its walls were located trading rows, administrative services and were residential premises.
Local shops and shops were considered the best in Minsk. On the third floor of the Gostiny Dvor there was a hotel, where only wealthy guests could afford to stay.
In 1909, the building was reconstructed, giving it the features of modern. But still some features of the earlier exterior have been preserved. Therefore, today Gostiny Dvor looks non-uniform.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a merchant club and a bank were located here. And during World War I, a theater and a hospital were opened in their place. In 1917, party congresses and meetings were held in the building, for which it was called the “Minsk Smolny”.
During the Great Patriotic War, the building was badly damaged, and one of its parts was completely destroyed. After the war, the headquarters of the NKVD was located in a renovated building. In the years of independence, Gostiny Dvor was completely renovated and today is one of the business cards of the city.
Golshansky castle
This place is shrouded in legends. It was built in the XVII century by Prince Sapieha and was one of the most beautiful in the Lithuanian principality. Its windows were made of stained glass, the floors are of marble, and the walls are decorated with frescoes. Under the castle was built a whole network of stone dungeons. For 2 centuries it was used as a defensive structure and served as the residence of the local rulers.
Today we can see only ruins here. Partially the castle was destroyed during the war with the Swedes. And what was left of him was dismantled by the last owner for the construction of the tavern.
Museum complex "Dudutki"
The Museum of Handicrafts and Old Technologies was founded in 1993, 40 km from the capital on the picturesque banks of the river Ptich. Visitors to the museum complex have the opportunity to get acquainted with life, the secrets of crafts and the customs of the local population several centuries ago. Here you will be offered to feel like a baker or potter, to learn the skills of a miller or a blacksmith.
The purpose of the creation of this museum complex was to introduce the guests to the ancient crafts. Therefore, a bet here was made not on architectural features, but on creativity.
Island of tears
In the center of the historical part of Minsk there is a place that can cause tears even in strong men. On a small, artificially created island, a memorial was built in memory of fellow countrymen who died in Afghanistan. Virtually every locality of Belarus has its dead in this distant, but at the same time terrible war.
The official name of this monument is “The Island of Courage and Sorrow”, but the citizens of Minsk themselves called it the Island of Tears. Architects and builders have been working on its construction for 8 years. And the opening of the memorial took place in 1996.
Church of Simeon and Helena
Having visited the Freedom Square surrounded by the monuments of Soviet constructivism, the building constructed of red brick at the beginning of the last century stands out. The church of Simeon and Helen miraculously survived, although many times was threatened to be destroyed. The construction of this temple, its creator, timed to the tragic death of their children.
During the years of Soviet rule, there was a film studio, a theater, and the House of Cinema. Church, it was transferred only in 1990. Today this place is included in the main sightseeing tours.
Boulder Museum
This place can be the most unusual in the city. Here, on a fairly large area, more than 2 thousand huge stones, brought here by the glacier millions of years ago, are collected.
The territory of the museum is a map of the country where settlements are enclosed with stones.
Rakovsky suburb
This is one of the few neighborhoods in the city where buildings of the XIX century are preserved. Here everything is permeated with the spirit of antiquity. And between the old residential buildings located existing factory buildings.
Trinity Suburb
This area is considered the most picturesque in the city. In the Trinity Suburb, you can visit the cozy courtyards and houses with tiled roofs. In the 1980s, a reconstruction was carried out here, recreating the architectural appearance of a 19th century city.
Despite the fact that Minsk has a long history, there are practically no old buildings in it. But local residents have not forgotten their history and culture, and in recent years they have been actively engaged in recreating the historical appearance of their city.
