Beautiful Minsk has been referred to as a city stuck in the Soviet era. In fact, its calm and quiet atmosphere, which helps to keep peace of mind, acts on tourists and residents in a special way. Many travel agencies recommend a visit to Minsk to those who prefer a relaxing and interesting holiday to glamour. Why is it worth coming here at least once in a lifetime?
Yes, in its streets you will not find the bustling rhythm of our time, there are still many buildings reminding of Stalin’s empire. But this is what makes it stand out and distinguishes it from other noisy tourist centers of the world. Is this not aristocratically charming?
Admire the Stalin’s Empire Style
In the postwar period, the builders actively started to restore infrastructure. The architects had a huge choice of projects, and the main street was dedicated to the construction projects in the Stalin’s Empire style. It was something the city was proud of, and all the guests of the “city of the Sun” were brought to this avenue. The visitors left the capital of the republic, filled with a sense of admiration for the power of the vast empire of the Soviets. Today the Independence Avenue is expected to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Minsk is the only one of all the cities of the former socialist camp that can boast of such an integral ensemble of the main avenue.
Sign up to the library
The history of the National Library in Minsk is similar to the history of the Eiffel Tower: the city residents hated this building until it became the symbol of the city. In the first years after its opening, the “diamond of science” was simultaneously included in the lists of the most beautiful and the ugliest buildings in the world.
Here you will learn the word “rhombocuboctahedron” – this is the geometric shape of this 23-storey building. Then, look at 300 manuscripts and early printed books in the Library Museum, or at least at one of them — the 15th-century Bible of the first Belarusian printer, Francis Skorina. And make sure to take a glass elevator to the open observation deck to look at Minsk through binoculars with a 30x magnification.
Hang out until dawn in the Upper Town
The Upper Town is the heart of Minsk. Here, back in the XII century, the wealthiest and most influential residents of the city settled down, and gradually it became the center of business and cultural life. In the “heart of the city” there is a “kingdom” of hipster cozy neighborhoods. When visiting the galleries here, you can fully enjoy the aura of trendy art. Fortunately, the city has this potential. It is as if the city has been created for a comfortable stay and it can amaze you with the bright colors of festivals held on the narrow streets of the Upper Town. Creative people involved in the field of art gather together in this part of the city. Here you can buy handmade souvenirs by local artisans. There are many magicians of all kinds here.
Citizens and guests of the capital gather for events held by street theaters, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of old European medieval cities. And at the same time you can listen to modern hits of cover bands. All this “procession” of colorful emotions is accompanied by memorable mime clown show programs, reminding of French streets by the Eiffel Tower. Suddenly the sculptures come to life, winking cheerfully and smiling, providing passers-by with joy and some adrenaline.
Take a walk on the cobblestones in Troitsky Suburb
In the very heart of the city, there are small houses of the Troitsky suburb comfortably located, like toys, in the “embrace” of the embankment of the Svisloch River. On a clear sunny day, they are clearly reflected in the river, reminding of houses in an English county. This is a historical place of the city, completely preserved by its residents from the blows of the war.
Enjoy the silence at the Red Church
The church of Saint Simeon and Helena is often called simply the Red Church. It was built by the Minsk gentry Eduard Voinilovich by 1910 in memory of his children, who had died young. In the Soviet times, there was a theater in this neo-Gothic church, then a film studio and a cinema house, and in 1990 it was returned to believers. Today, in addition to the service, the church often hosts performances, exhibitions and concerts of organ music.
Say “wow” in the art gallery “Ў”
If you are in Minsk for just a couple of hours, be sure to visit the Gallery. Every day they come up with something amazing! Today they would paint their versions of “Bathing the Red Horse”, tomorrow they would watch and discuss the movies about Soviet pioneers, and the day after tomorrow they would listen to the Silver Wedding cabaret band and draw on the walls together with the children. In the Minsk gallery of modern art one can and should walk anywhere around and touch everything.
The gallery was named after the letter “Ў”, which exists only in the Belarusian language.
Your impressions will not be complete if you do not try the Belarusian cuisine. Take a peek at a local bar and enjoy the aroma of a cup of fresh hot coffee or vigorous mulled wine on a cool day. This will warm the soul and help to cheer up!
Having satisfied your appetite, you can go to the “LogvinaU” bookstore. It is no surprise not only to find rare editions there, but also writers themselves! Before departure, you should visit the souvenir shops and buy a lamp in the form of a subway car or multi-colored ceramics with national ornaments.
Take a picture at the cemetery of tower cranes
The cemetery of tower cranes is a mystery that attracts like a magnet. Stalkers of all ages seek this almost enchanted place of the apocalypse, fenced with wire. It’s better to take pictures from outside – the view will be better and you won’t have to break the law. By the way, the “cemetery” is actively working, that is, the exposition is constantly updated!
Swim in the Minsk Sea
No less exciting is the tourist attraction of the Zaslavsky water reservoir. The Minsk residents call it the “Minsk Sea”. It offers anything you like – yachting, a helicopter ride, a beach bliss. If you like barbecue and country recreation, you are welcome to the Yunost sanatorium on the Island of Love. Before coming to Minsk, it is worth exploring the system of transportation here.
Listen to incredible stories in Rakov
A cozy town of Rakov is a 15-minute drive from Minsk, and there is a private museum-gallery of artist Felix Yanushkevich. The gallery building looks very different from the usual rural landscape. The house, built with red brick, is surrounded by a stone fence, decorated with frescoes, quotes in Latin and interesting sculptures. Inside, you can find yellowed medical records of the beginning of the last century, a crossbow, a stuffed capercaillie, Uniate and Old Believer’s icons, medieval portraits of the gentry, a charred harmonium and ceramic statuettes of Christ.
But what will surprise you most of all are the legends either invented or overheard by the owner. Charismatic Felix Yanushkevich will captivate even the most inveterate skeptic with stories from the past of Rakov and the surrounding area. You will learn how in the Middle Ages the Belarusian language became the main language of communication on the territory from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. And also – about the rampant life of smugglers and prostitutes in the 1930s in Rakov.
Taste “draniki” (potato pancakes) and “krambambulya” (an alcoholic cocktail)
Belarusian cuisine is hearty and interesting, and the meals are slow. Minsk does not like rush. Do not try to overtake time. It is better to sit in a cozy cafe or restaurant with friends or family, enjoying the taste of draniki with caviar or pancakes with meat. For those who wish to have something more substantial, we recommend tasting sliced vyandlina (pork ham) or local varieties of sausages prepared according to home recipes. Be sure to try rich verashchaka (meat soup), a machanka (meat dish) with pancakes and smoked ribs, and pork baked in pots with vegetables, mushrooms and herbs.
The best restaurants of Belarusian cuisine in Minsk are:
Be sure to pay tribute to the strong “Krambambulya” made with honey and spices, “Belarusian” balm and “Zubrovka”. And for desert try Belarusian prysmaki: chocolates produced by Kommunarka and Spartak factories, cranberries in sugar and Bobruisk marshmallows produced by Red Pischevik factory.
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