The World War II period wasn't the only time when the city underwent armed attacks. Minsk also suffered during the Russian-Polish war in 1654-1667, and during the time when Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812.

In 1793, Minsk became the capital of the Province of Minsk, and formed part of Russia. Industrial development in Russia, and constuction of railroads assisted Minsk in its developing as a huge industrial center. Moscow-Brest and Libava-Romny railroads connected the city with Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic states.

Since the beginning of the 1917 Russian Revolution, the rule in Minsk did change time and again. The foreign intervention caused irretrievable damage to Minsk. It was not until Minsk became the capital of one of the Union Republics that it managed to restore its former legacy.

Minsk lies along the Svislosh River at the very core of Belarus. It is a major transport center of the Republic with two airports, subway system and a railroad station.

Minsk is centrally located in the region with Moscow 750 km to the East and Warsaw 550 km to the West. Saint Petersburg is 900 km to the North and Kiev is 650 km to the South.

Today Minsk is a major city in Belarus, its economical, cultural and educational center. The Academy of Sciences of Belarus and the Belarusian Lenin State University are located here. Minsk is known for its art and cultural achievements as well. There are 16 museums and 11 theatres in the city. The most famous museums are the National Museum of Belarusian History and Culture, the National Arts Museum, the Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War and the Museum of Old Belarusian Culture. The Belarusian Ballet is something you shouldn' t miss.

Minsk has marvelous examples of Baroque architecture - the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit (1642), and the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (1613). Other great buildings include the Maryinsky Cathedral, Church of St. Mary-Magdalene (1847), St. Stanislaus Cathedral (1754).

Quite simply, there is nowhere like Belarus. For many Westerners it’s a pariah state presided over by the much-vilified You-Know-Who, while Minsk is little more than a quirky reminder of the Soviet Union in its pompous prime. But for those who actually bother to go and see it for themselves, Minsk is a surpsingly charming, calm, clean and safe city. Locals talk freely and frankly about You-Know-Who with either contempt or affection, largely depending on their situation and income. But most take a genuine pride in their city which, it must be remembered, was built out of the total devastation of WWII. Minsk now serves as an almost unparalleled monument to the more grandiose aspirations of Soviet architecture and urban planning. The city centre’s spacious, pedestrian-friendly streets and ornate facades are truly impressive at times. There is not a great deal to do in terms of sightseeing compared with most European capitals. A few days, or a week at most, should suffice to get the best out of the city. Minsk is more a place to stroll around and soak up the unique atmosphere. In keeping with the rest of Europe, prices continue to rise sharply, notably with fuel and food, meaning the prices listed here will probably be out of date before long. That said, you’ll still feel like a tycoon with so many roubles in your pocket.

LADIES GALLERY: ENTER 

Why?  Taking a holiday in Minsk, capital of Belarus, is like whizzing back in a time machine to an Orwellian Soviet-era society where the clock stopped in the 1960s. A Minsk holiday is therefore a unique and fascinating experience.

When?  The best time to travel to Minsk is during the warm summer months between May and September, when the streets are lively and outdoor cafes open their doors. Summer, however is also the wettest season, so it would be wise to pack an umbrella along with the sunglasses.

Who for?  Westerners usually find a Minsk holiday a little perplexing, and it is not a city that most would choose for a romantic or relaxing break. A holiday in Minsk would appeal most to those interested in history, or fascinated by the socialist way of life, or for those who simply want to experience something different off of the usual European tourist track.

More Info:  A holiday in Minsk is fraught with rules and regulations, so it is imperative that travellers know the ins and outs of Belarussian society before they go. Our comprehensive Minsk travel guide contains all the information required to ensure a trouble-free visit.

Overview

Minsk city

The Svisloch River and the Trinity Suburb, Minsk

Minsk city is the capital of Belarus. It is the political, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the country and the administrative centre of the Minsk region.

Minsk is the most economically developed city in Belarus. There are 1.8 million inhabitants in Minsk, and the population is constantly growing.

Transportation network in Minsk

Minsk is located on the main transportation routes connecting Western Europe and the East, regions of the Black Sea coast and the Baltic States.

Highways connect Minsk with the largest cities in Belarus: Orsha, Vitebsk, Molodechno, Brest, Slutsk, Mogilev and Gomel.

Minsk has a large railway network which connects Brest, Moscow, Vilnius and Gomel. There is a national airport in the capital.

The city has a very good public transportation system. You can easily reach any place by bus, trolleybus or tram. Minsk, like most big European cities, has a fine metro system. 

Industry in Minsk

Minsk is a large industrial centre. The city produces 20.2% of the total volume of industrial output.

Industry within the city is diverse in nature. The main branches are:

• food production
• light industry
• motor industry
• tractor manufacturing
• machine-tool construction
• metal working
• instrument making
• radio engineering and electronic equipment manufacturing

Education in Minsk

Minsk is a large educational centre within Belarus. The main educational institutions of the country, including lyceums, high schools and colleges, are concentrated in Minsk. The key institutions include:

• Academy of Management of the President of the Republic of Belarus
• Belarus State University
• Belarus State Medical University
• Belarus State Economic University
• Belarusian National Technical University
• Belarusian State Technological University
• Belarusian State Academy of Arts

Culture and sport in Minsk

The capital has an extensive network of cultural establishments with 18 museums and 12 theatres, including:

• The Belarusian State Museum of the Great Patriotic War (World War 2)
• National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus
• The National Museum of Culture and History of Belarus
• National Academic Bolshoi Ballet Theatre of the Republic of Belarus
• State Musical Comedy Theatre of the Republic of Belarus
• State Theatre of Dolls of the Republic of Belarus

Minsk has about 3,600 sports centres including stadiums and athletic fields, pools, sport centres and exercise rooms, tennis courts and a ski line.

The largest sports centres in Minsk are:

• Dynamo Stadium
• Sports Palace
• Tennis Palace
• Football Arena
• Ice palace
• Minsk-arena sport centre

Attractions in Minsk

There are numerous interesting historical places and architectural monuments, including:

• Troitsky suburb
• Victory square
• Independence Avenue
• Orthodox and Catholic Churches
• National Library of Belarus

Svetlana
Age: 30
City: Minsk
ID: 1576464
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