Sights

Sts. Simeon and Elena roman catholic church

Built in 1908-10, this beautiful New Roman-style asymmetric basilica of a sophisticated shape has a 50 m high bell tower.

Location: Independence Square (Ploshchad Nezavisimosti).

Stele In Ploshchad Pobedy (Victory Square)

The monument to soldiers and partisans is a magnificent 40m high obelisk is faced with grey granite and topped with the Pobeda Order pattern. The Eternal Flame burns in front of the monument.

Location: Victory Square (Ploshchad Pobedy).

Mount of Glory

The mount was erected on the 21st kilometre of the Minsk-Moscow motorway to commemorate the heroism of the Soviet Army in the 1944 Belarusian operation. The Mount of Glory is an impressive hill (35m high) topped by four bayonet shaped obelisks (each 35.6 m high). These symbolize the four fronts on which troops liberated Belarus.

Location: 21st kilometre of the Minsk-Moscow motorway.

Trinity Suburb

The oldest part of the city that remained safe by our time. Centuries ago it was the largest suburb of town and now it keeps the memory of ancient Minsk.

Location: Metro Nemiga.

Minsk Town Hall

In 1499 Minsk received the so called Magdebourg right - the right of an independent city. Minsk received the right to create its own organ of government, the magistrate, which was an administrative, executive and judicial body. The magistrate sat in the Town hall, which, thus, was the symbol of independence of the city. The first building of the town hall was constructed in the first half of 16 century in the territory of the Top market on the Cathedral square (the Svoboda square). In 19 century the times of Belarusian independence ended and the building of the town hall was demolished. The building of the town hall was destroyed, because its existence reminded people of customs of the past, of the ancient traditions of self-government.

It is restored only in 2004, and restoration was conducted by record rates.

The internal lay-out of a restored monument is not copied completely; the most valuable elements are kept only. On the first floor, where the magistrate settled earlier, a hall for the meetings and reception of guests of honour is situated. On the ground floor - the museum of Minsk: showrooms and an exposition, telling about the history and sights of the city. In a big exposition hall under a glass dome the model of the historical center of Minsk of the beginning of the nineteenth century will be placed. In the basement of the town hall the elements of a cobblestone road and brickwork are exposed. All these exhibits are collected during the excavations of the historical part of the city.

Location: Svobody Square (Metro Nemiga/Oktyabrskaya/Kupalovskaya).

The Island of Tears.

A monument to the soldiers perished in Afghanistan. The complex includes the chapel with the bells that ring for soldiers’ memory. The statue of crying guardian angel is also a part of the complex. Angel cries because he failed to serve his holy mission – to save soldiers’ lives.

Location: Metro Nemiga.

Central Gorky Park

Minsk oldest park. Laid in 1805, it was previously titled the Governor’s Gardens. There is an indoor skating rink, attractions, slot machines, planetarium, and the Maxim Gorky monument.

Location: Victory Square (Ploshchad Pobedy).

Zero Kilometre Landmark («The Beginning of All Belarusian Roadways»)

The starting point for measuring distances in all directions from our capital. The pyramid-shaped granite stone that symbolizes eternity and solidity was brought from Portugal. The sign’s bronze frame provides the distances from Minsk to the neighbouring countries’ capitals and Belarus’ regional and district centres.

Location: Oktyabrskaya Square (Metro Oktyabrskaya/Kupalovskaya).