22 Best Tourist Attractions in Minsk, Belarus

December 28, 2019 by Linda J. Leave a Comment

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Housed in a building that is garish, the greatest museum of Minsk houses an excellent display detailing Belarus’ suffering and heroism. With explanations throughout, artillery and also a range of real tanks, planes and atmospheric dioramas in WWII, it’s among the few attractions of those capital.

Vul Kastrychnitskaya

Vul Kastrychnitskaya known by its name, ulitsa Oktyabrskaya — has recently blossomed into the unofficial arts district of Minsk. Street artists have spraypainted murals that were brilliant to the giant facades of the flat blocks, warehouses and warehouses of this street, most of which now house event spaces, museums and hipster cafes. President Lukashenko has allowed ingenious expression to flourish that it generally free of street art and not disperse to other regions of the funding, that remain sanitised.

The district occupies a spirit and is just one of the few places where you’ll hear locals speaking referring to politics. Food truck civilization has taken root here and drinking over the street on any particular day is de rigueur.

Pr Nezalezhnastsi

The main city’s key thoroughfare contrasts with its absolute size. Formerly pr Francyska Skaryny, it runs out what traveling writer Colin Thubron dubbed the’ferro concrete tundra’ of outside Minsk into the current (read: Soviet) citycentre, terminating only north east of this railway station in the rustic and expansive pl Nezalezhnastsi. The route could be the world’s greatest embodiment of the post-WWII Stalinist Kingdom style, marked by expansive squares, utopian parks along with palatial architectural gems like the Central postoffice .

Museum of Folk Architecture & Rural Lifestyle

A couple dozen hardwood houses, a school, a church and a classic windmill have been transplanted to this folk museum in Azyartso. While perhaps not as developed since the similarly themed Dudutki memorial nearby, this is just a more authentic experience and a requirement for 19th-century rural-architecture buffs.

Belarusian State Art Museum

This fantastic memorial in another of Minsk’s iconic buildings (built in 1939) comprises authoritative functions Soviet social realists and Russian masters, for example Valentin Volkov’s social realist Minsk on July 3, 1944 (1944–5), constituting the Red Army’s coming in the ruined city. Several functions Chagall’s educator, by Yudel Pen, are all here, including his own 1914 portrait of Chagall, and Chagall displays rotate throughout here.

Ў Gallery of Contemporary Art

As it moved to vul Kastrychnitskaya in 2018 this gallery and cultural centre heralded a shift. It’s named after a letter unique to the Belarusian language called’u nieskladovaye’, a symbol of sorts of their Belarusian national identity. This really is one of those rare places where you will notice some Belarusian. It arouses the very best neighborhood visual and multimedia artists to two cavernous exhibition spaces that are Post Industrial

Pl Svabody

In the heart of the Old Town only off principal vul Lenina is magical pl Svabody, lorded over by the snowy medieval Ratusha (town hall). Off the northern edge of the square is the baroque, twin-towered Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, assembled in 1642. It was part of a Polish Bernardine convent, together with the Bernardine Church next door, which now houses archives.

Zaslavsky Jewish Monument

This sight hidden off amid trees away vul Melnikayte at a gully that is sunken, commemorates the savage murder of 5000 Jews out of Minsk . It’s composed of sculptures of men, women and children lining up to be shot, 1 person even carrying their violin.

National Library of Belarus

To get a taste of post-Soviet Belarus, head north of the centre a bit of Lukashenko-approved hubris, into the new library. You’ll want your passport to enter the main building, which is in the shape of a giant rhombicuboctahedron (look it up!) .

Former Residence of Lee Harvey Oswald

Only to the west bank, across the bridge Across the Svislach River, is the House of Lee Harvey Oswald. US president John F Kennedy’s assassin dwelt here for a couple of years. The construction has now evolved since Oswald’s time, but his flat is thought to be at the far left (northwest) side of their building on the next floor.

He arrived in January 1960 in Minsk afterwards leaving the US Marines and defecting to the USSR. Once herehe truly went native: he changed his name, married a Minsk woman, had a young child — and got work at a radio factory.

Independence Palace

This addition to Minsk’s totalitarian architecture is the new presidential palace in all but name of the country. Architecturally uninspiring, the glass-fronted eye-sore is a sign of Alexander Lukashenko’s permanence in politics and has hundreds of chambers spread over 50,000 sq yards.

Pl Nezalezhnastsi

Independence Sq, formerly pl Lenina, is dominated by the 1930s constructivist Belarusian Government Building (supporting the legendary Lenin statue). Even the red brick Catholic Church of SS Simon & Elena, built in 1910, is well worth popping up for a peek at its exceptional, wave-like, arched ceiling. Its gabled Bell-tower and attractive detailing are similar to many brick churches in the Teutonic north west of Poland. Underneath the square lies Stolitsa Shopping Centre.

National History Museum

Two newly museums in just one single here. The top floors are occupied by the history museum proper with exhibits including a replica of their printing media used by hero Francyska Skaryny plus some rooms on Soviet lifestyle, of significance. Down stairs, the environment and character museum will soon be of interest to children having its assortment of creatures. There’s also a large space for art exhibits that are temporary.

Trinity Hill

Trinity Hill is a diversion on a bend of the river just a little north of the center of Minsk’s prewar buildings. It’s some cafes, shops and restaurants, and also a walking bridge leads over to the Island of Courage & Sorrow, an evocative Afghan war tradition called locally as the Island of Tears.

Church of St Aleksander Nevsky

This red-brick church shut by the Bolsheviks, reopened by the Nazis, closed by the Soviets, was built in 1898 it’s open once more. It’s stated that during WWII, a bomb dropped through the roof and landed plum before the altar, but failed to detonate.

SS Peter & Paul Church

Off the vul Lenina overpass may be the beautifully restored 17thcentury SS Peter & Paul Church. The oldest church of the city, it looted by Cossacks, was built in 1612 and restored from 1871. Its interior is well worth a look, although now it is awkwardly dwarfed by the morose concrete structures surrounding it.

Church of SS Simon & Elena

Even the Catholic Church of Elena & SS Simon , built in 1910, is worth looking up for a glimpse in its exceptional, wave like, arched ceiling. Its rugged, gabled Bell-tower and detailing are reminiscent of many brick churches at Poland’s Teutonic north.

Ratusha

Minsk’s ratusha has been rebuilt at the location where it was originally constructed in the 1800s now lords it over pl Svabody, its pointed steeple beckoning visitors into the Upper City. It’s closed to the general public.

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

Off the border of pl Svabody could be your baroque Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, integrated 1642. It was part of a Bernardine convent, together side the Bernardine Church nearby, which now houses archives.

Kamaroŭski Rynak

Certainly one of the collectivist masterpieces of Minsk, Minsk’s market should not be missed by market fans. It’s really a colourful smorgasbord of seasonal (also unseasonal) vegetables and fruits, breads and all types of meat.

Island of Courage & Sorrow

Sitting on a small island connected to the Old Town with way of a walking bridge, sailors know as the Isle of Tears that this Afghan war memorial that was evocative. Integrated the shape of a tiny church together with four entrances, the monument is surrounded by towering gaunt statues of their sorrowful wives and mothers of all Belarusian soldiers that perished in the war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan (1979–8 9 ).

Bust of Felix Dzerzhinsky

Between pr Nezalezhnastsi along with vul Karla Marksa can be a long narrow park having a bust of Felix Dzerzhinsky, the founder of the KGB’s predecessor (the Cheka) and also a native of Belarus.

Best Minsk Travel Guide

March 27, 2019 by Linda J. Leave a Comment

Minsk Travel Guide

Minsk will nearly surely surprise you. The capital of Belarus is also, unlike the dull standing, an innovative, modern and tidy location. Stylish cafes, notable restaurants and packed clubs vie for the attention, whilst ice pubs and free galleries took up residence at a city center once totally remodeled into the tastes of Stalin. Inspite of the powerful police presence and obedient populace, Minsk is really just a thoroughly pleasant place that is simple to become keen on.

The main attractions in Minsk

Minsk Independence Square

Independence Square is also home for a unique Metro station called Lenin Square, also marginally encroaching on its grounds would be that the Church of Saints Simon and Helena — a reddish brick Roman Catholic place of worship also called the Red Church.

Independence Square is just a Minsk Landmark, chiefly due to the statue of former Russian ruler Vladimir Lenin that stands in the front of Government House. Even photographing the statue at the same time was not enabled, and tourists are regarded as approached by guards requesting to put away their cameras.

Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War

The several exhibits also research life through the war to the Soviet Army and the Belorussian Partisans, together with being a display about life in concentration camps — just 2 that were positioned in Belarus and would be also the web sites of over 60,000 deaths. At the face of the memorial is Victory Park, which uses its ceremonial archway and fountain is worth a couple of minutes of your energy. Entry into the museum, such as most other activities in the nation, is of enormous significance for the money and sound guides can be found in many languages, together with all visual advice translated into English and, even in a few areas,” German.

The Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War is Just One of Europe’s Largest museums, Also Maintains Complete the memory Concerning the great deed of Belarusian people along with Those of the Soviet Union from the Fight against Nazism.’

Minsk Island of Tears

Minsk’s Isle of Tears continues the subject of recalling fallen Belarusian comrades. This specific monument recalls the Soviet soldiers out of Belarus who expired in the decade-long war with Afghanistan between 1979 and 1989.

Reachable with a tiny footbridge, the island includes a massive chapel because of its centerpiece, together with gruesome amounts of mourning mothers, brothers and sisters during its base. Additionally, there is a statue of a predator that is crying, doubling up like a water fountain. What is particularly unique about the island that its place from the Svislach River, providing out amazing views across the entire body of water into the large buildings around Pieramožcaŭ Avenue, although additionally place against a background of some large flat construction.

Holy Spirit Cathedral

This was performed in 1642 as a portion of their bigger Bernardine monastery and has been damaged with a fire 99 decades after before undergoing renovation. The fundamental waters of the Belarusian Orthodox church have been contradicted by several Minsk’s most populous religions. The surface is just as amazing because its innards, which makes it among the town’s most identifiable symbols. They welcome people, too, even at the busiest of times, therefore be certain that you take your camera!

A stone’s throw away from the Svislach is Holy Spirit Cathedral, located in a few of the very scenic regions of the metropolis.

National Library of Belarus

Even the 73-meter high building can be found out the city center from the northeast area of their city, and also certainly will call for a 15-minute Metro ride for its nearest channel — Uschod. The library includes 8.6 million components of numerous websites poured over by 2000 people daily. Through the night time time, the construction shows LED lights and is distinguishable from the remainder of the metropolis. Besides its principal purpose, the library features a touristic part having its observation deck. Visitors may choose the scenic elevator up into the roof where they are going to come across opinions across the nearby area and just two big flashes — the utilization which incurs no additional charge.

Appearing Much like the Death Star in Star Wars Compared to a Center for Learning and Resource, the National Library of Belarus houses the largest Group of Belarusian Published Substances on the Planet.

Getting there

There are 3 primary entry points into Belarus — plane, bus or train. Minsk National Airport functions more than 45 destinations over 14 air companies, and home-grown air-line Belavia travels directly from Gatwick Airport in London. To get from the airport into the town center that the number 300 or 17-3 buses and shuttle buses 1400-TK1430-TK are economical tactics to make it to the principal interchange.

Since Belarus is a relatively inexpensive nation, they’re also viable but may cost much more than the usual single ticket to public transport. It is possible to enter from all the neighboring states by train too, but we chose to choose the Eurolines trainer from Vilnius, Lithuania into Minsk which required approximately three-and-a-half hours daily, for example, boundary controller, reserved throughout Lux Express. The purchase price to get a return journey dropped just short of 25, also flying into Vilnius via Ryanair after that becoming the bus Minsk proven to be much less costly than flying straight back, and we must check out one of my preferred cities!

Best Places to Visit in Belarus

Top 10 Best Places to go in Belarus

February 8, 2019 by Linda J. Leave a Comment

Best Places Belarus

Belarus might not be a well-known country in Europe yet there are amazing places to discover. Those places are not very popular amongst people, in fact, Belarus is a great city both for its nature and culture. You can always find something for you in Belarus.

If you are interested in medieval culture, nature, art or Soviets, Belarus is the right address for you as you can find everything in the country. There are interesting museums, castles, national parks and theatres from different eras in Belarus

Where is Belarus

Best Place to Visit Belarus

Minsk

Minsk is an amazing and crowded city with its spectacular and distinctive atmosphere. The buildings are usually mixed of post-Soviet architecture and in European style, which makes the city very special. There are lots of different activities to do or places to visit in Minsk. You must visit Independence Square (Nezalesznastsi) and Post-Soviet style buildings around the area. GUM is a popular place for shopping, and you can find the best stores in GUM. You can wander around the central streets of Minsk, see the monuments and discover the remains from Soviet times which can be really interesting. There are also structures from the Empire rule and they are also glamorous so do not forget to visit them. There are lots of Russian Orthodox Churches with distinctive architecture. You can discover the city’s ancient soul in Trinity Hill as well. Minsk is also famous for its pubs, which you can find in every other street. Zybickaja and Revaljutsyjnaja are popular streets for pubs.

Mir Castle

Mir Castle is a very popular touristic landmark of Minsk. Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles are dominant in the castle. The architectural style of the castle impresses its visitors for the most. Under the protection of UNESCO, there are lots of cultural activities and celebrations are made in the castle.

Braslav Lakes

Braslav Lakes is the natural wonder that you cannot miss. It is an important place for its fauna and flora, where more than thirty fish species live. There are lots of lakes in the area, probably more than 300. The nature of the area is amazing and there are many landforms in the area. So, if you go to Belarus, do not forget to visit Braslav Lakes and discover them.

Lida

Lida is a city in the west part of Belarus. It can be said that Lida Castle is the most popular attraction of the city. The castle dates back to the 14th century and has a very distinctive brick style. The Church of Saint Joseph, which was built in the 18th century, is another famous attraction of the city. Jew also live in Lida and there is a memorial stone for the people who died in World War. You can also find lots of gift shops and places to eat. You can also visit the wooden houses, churches and typical post-Soviet streets in the city.

Brest Fortress

Brest Fortress is a Russian made fortress that was built in the 19th century in Brest city. It is a very important place as no one surrendered to Germans during the war and the fortress became a symbol of Brest city. War Memorial Complex was opened for visitors in 1971 and there are lots of monuments, historical information and memorial places along with the artworks. The fortress was a symbol of Brest. The fortress is located in the center of the Bug River

Kossovo

Kossovo is a little city in Belarus and famous for its castle. The castle of Kossovo is going to make you feel the spirit of ancient Belarus.

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

There are different kinds of plants, especially pine trees in Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. The park is more than 5000 old and there are also interesting animals like bison or Zubr. There are walking roads, sports complexes, children’s playgrounds, and guest houses. You can visit Santa Clause or Grandfather Frost’s home in summer, which attracts the kids most. You can also stay in hotels and enjoy the view.

Grodno

Grodno is a city on the border of Belarus. One of the most popular touristic attractions of the city is Grodno Church. The architectural styles of the city’s churches are usually Baroque and Medieval. There are lots of churches with amazing architecture. There are artistic features of the church like ceramic, design and paintings. The Orthodox Church dates back to the 12th century, yet there are many churches in the city, for example, Lutheran and Catholic. There is a river in the city that makes a great view of the churches. You should visit the ancient Grodno Castle if you go to Grodno for sure.

Nesvizh

Nesvizh is a city famous for its great architecture. The city was found in the 13th century and became popular for being that old. The buildings in the city have been changed and enriched through time and there are many art works can be found in the city. If you go to Nesvizh, you should stroll in the city and visit the museum, church and castle.

Stalin Line

You can experience the history and take photos in the Stalin Line. There are organizations and celebrations are held in the place. You can observe the equipment that was used in war and live like a soldier by eating what they ate, riding what they rode and experience the war times. If you are interested in World War, it might be a fun and interesting activity for you.

Belarus Capital and Largest City

Minsk

Minsk is the capital city of Belarus and attracts tourists by its churches, artistic places, vivid streets and museums. You can experience and observe the history in the city as there are so many buildings from different eras. The nature is also amazing in the city and there are national parks under the protection. You can visit so many museums about war, the medieval history of Belarus and etc. Minsk is also a cultural city thanks to its museums, theatres and libraries. There are interesting places just like post-Soviet structures such as KGB buildings, Independence Square and Prospect, parks and iconic streets.