Sites to visit

Minsk today looks young though it is one of the most ancient cities of Europe. Its origin dates back to the 11th century. It’s sufficient to speak about its virtue, but unfortunately no traces of old times have practically survived. Originally it was a wooden fortress with houses of townsmen built within the territory of the fortress’ walls. In the course of its history Minsk saw many wars that were fought on its territory. The city was destroyed 10 times during its lifetime. It is a town which rose from ashes and ruins like the mythic Phoenix due to the will and diligence of its inhabitants.

Its arterial street – the Independence Avenue of more than 10 kilometers in length – is considered to be a unique monument of architecture and urban development in post-war Europe.

It is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a clean and bright feel. Along with modern buildings, you will come across old churches and monuments. To have an insight into the old Minsk, travel to the east of the Svisloch River, where the Trinity Suburb (Troitskoye Predmestie) was rebuilt in the 18th–19th century style. It is a quaiet place scattered with cafes, bars, restaurants, and tiny shops.

The most recent addition to Minsk’s unique architecture is the diamond-shaped National Library with a 70-metre tower that is annually visited by thousands of readers and tourists.

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