Despite the fact that there is very little left of the old, pre-war Minsk, the capital of Belarus does not feel a shortage of tourists. Perhaps the point is in the special energy of the city, which combines the rich European heritage and “Sovietness”.
A few years ago, the city authorities had plans to restore the historic center of the city. True, this requires a lot of money, so the implementation of a large-scale project has been postponed for the time being. In fairness, it should be said that most tourists go to Minsk not at all for cute stone houses (of which there are plenty in any European town). People are attracted by Soviet architecture and especially the sights of the Stalinist Empire style. For Belarus climate and geography, please check TopPharmacySchools.
Independence Avenue
It is in this rare style that Independence Avenue is built. Each house, standing along the main artery of the city, is not similar to the neighboring one, but, nevertheless, together they form an amazing ensemble. On the avenue, like beads, squares are strung, including one of the largest in Europe – Independence Square. Today, the Government House, the building of the Pedagogical University and the Church of St. Simon and St. Helena, or the Red Church, are located here.
Red Church
Edward Voynilovich allocated money for the construction of a majestic neo-Gothic temple. Coming from an ancient Belarusian family, Voinilovich helped the poor and disadvantaged all his life, donated funds for the construction of both Catholic and Orthodox churches. The Red Church was built in memory of his early deceased children. After the establishment of Soviet power in Minsk and the destruction of his family estate near Slutsk, Edward Voynilovich was forced to move to Poland, where he died a few years later. In 2006, the remains of the great Belarusian were reburied near the wall of the church he built.
Under the equipped Independence Square there is a shopping center “Stolitsa” with many shops selling goods of Belarusian manufacturers.
Minsk City Hall
The town hall is a symbol of the fact that the city has self-government, and its inhabitants can solve their problems on their own. Minsk received its town hall in 1600. In 1857, by decree of Nicholas I, the building was destroyed, and in 2004, thanks to the preserved drawings, it was restored. On the first floor of the building there are exhibition halls of the Museum of the City of Minsk.
In summer, musical evenings are held near the walls of the town hall, where famous performers perform.
Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War
The recently opened Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War quickly became one of the most popular attractions in Minsk. 10 huge exhibition halls, the latest technical equipment, a rich collection of exhibits, including real planes and tanks – all this attracts tourists who want to learn the tragic history of Belarus, where every third inhabitant died during World War II.
Monuments of Minsk
There are many interesting monuments in Minsk that bring a special flavor to the city. So, there is a rather interesting sculpture of customers near the Central Department Store. A family stands next to the window, where mother and father turn out their pockets in search of the remaining money, and children stare at the colorful outfits in luxurious showcases. The “grandmother with seeds” – a symbol of small business in Minsk – looks no less colorful. Having laid out her goods, she is waiting for her customers at the Komarovsky market. There are many other equally interesting sculptures, such as, for example, a cheerful Vasya or an avid bath attendant, a lady with a dog descended from the pages of Chekhov’s stories or a postman with a newspaper in her hands – all these are sculptures by V. Zhbanov, a famous Belarusian sculpture.
5 things to do in Minsk
- Walk along Independence Avenue from the Red Church to the Academy of Sciences.
- Eat potato pancakes in one of the Minsk
- Buy chocolate “Kommunarka”.
- Attend a concert at the walls of the town hall.
- Ride along the bike path along the Svisloch.
Minsk for children
There are not very many places for children in Minsk, but still you will be able to entertain the child, and you will be able to plunge into the world of childhood yourself.
The richest choice of attractions in Minsk is in the park. Chelyuskintsev. They can hardly be called extreme, but the child will definitely like them. The park is full of shops with ice cream, cotton candy and popcorn – in general, a standard set for a great outdoor pastime.
Despite some remoteness from the center, the Minsk Zoo is very popular with local residents and guests of the city. In addition to the enclosures, an exotarium is available to visitors, where the flora and fauna of South America are presented. Here, on the territory of the zoo, there is a dolphinarium. There is a dinosaur park next to the zoo.
It is difficult to find a child who does not like trained animals, acrobats or clowns. Therefore, if you have a free minute, buy tickets and go to the Minsk Circus. Belarusian artists often receive awards at international competitions, so the performances will not leave you indifferent.
Weather
The climate in Minsk, as well as throughout Belarus, is temperate continental. The sea air from the Atlantic Ocean has a huge influence on the weather. Fog is not uncommon in spring and autumn. Summers are warm but not hot. Winters are mild, with frequent thaws.
In recent years, the real winter in Minsk is set only in January. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs in the autumn-winter period, in winter there are snow hurricanes.
