Sights of Minsk - overview of the most interesting places in the city 2022

The capital of Belarus attracts the attention of guests from different countries with its interesting cultural heritage and low prices. To see most of the city’s attractions in a few days, you will have to carefully think through your route, because there really are a lot of them. Or you can use an alternative option and book a tour of Minsk from the Sputnik portal, during which you will visit the most iconic places in just a few hours.

Minsk is considered a multinational city. The combination of different cultures is reflected in the architectural ensembles, as well as the city’s monuments. Walking through its center and main streets, you will discover sophisticated Catholic cathedrals built alongside Orthodox churches. The most common architectural styles here are Art Nouveau, Classicism and Baroque. And in Minsk you will find unusual museums and large entertainment centers where you can have an interesting and fun time with your children.

Central squares of the city

We recommend starting your sightseeing trip by visiting the main squares. There are 4 of them in the city:

Independence Square
. Its territory occupies more than 7 hectares. Therefore, the area is considered one of the largest in Europe. As a rule, sightseeing tours begin from this part of the city. Many of the attractions located here are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. These include the Government House, Minsk City Hall, the “Architect” statue, the Church of Saints Simon and Helen, apartment buildings of the 20th century, and the metro building. Walking along Independence Avenue, you will also see the National Library, the Palace of the Republic, the Minsk Theater and GUM.

Square of victory . The assets of this part of the city are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War. Its central part is decorated with a monumental monument to soldiers of the Red Army. And nearby stands the Victory Obelisk. Below it is a memorial hall dedicated to fallen heroes. On Victory Square there is also an entrance to Gorky Park, a popular area for family recreation.
Oktyabrskaya Square
. Located in the center of the capital of Belarus, next to Independence Avenue. City concerts and fairs are often held here, and in winter you can go ice skating on the square. Its main attractions are the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions, as well as a complex of fountains.
Yakub Kolos Square
. A small block located next to the street of the same name. On its territory you can see the building of the State Belarusian Philharmonic, the National Olympic Committee, and a monument dedicated to Yakub Kolas.

You can see the central squares and their assets during an individual sightseeing tour. It lasts 3 hours and includes a visit to Pobediteley Avenue, Independence Avenue and Freedom Square. On the tour page you can read the program description, find out the schedule, route and cost. The tour is conducted in Russian.

Economic view of the city

Minsk is an industrial giant and produces 18% of the country's total output. One of the most famous enterprises is the Minsk Automobile Plant (mAZ). If you use Yandex maps of Minsk, you can easily find the address of the object: lane. Industrial 7. For this purpose there is a special line for searching for enterprises and organizations. It will be useful for job seekers to know how to get to an interview. In general, the city produces about:

20,000 trucks;
60,000 tractors;
2,000 buses;
106,000 engines;
166,000 bicycles;
•172 trolleybuses;
6,000 motorcycles.

The famous one is also located here, whose watches are valued and worn for decades. Their flagship store is located at 18 Nezavisimosti Ave. By finding it on the map and visiting it, you can buy yourself a durable item. The city produces televisions and DVD devices using . Refrigerators and household appliances come off the Atlanta assembly line. And of course, the tractor works. Having a Minsk map with you, you can safely travel and look for work in this large and beautiful city.

Minsk city: sights and symbols

Church of St. Simeon and St. Helena

The grandiose architectural ensemble is located at the address: Sovetskaya Street 15. Residents of the city call it the Red Church, thanks to the bright color of the building. The building is considered the most famous Catholic church in Minsk. Its construction began back in 1905, and the shrine acquired its modern appearance in 1970 after perestroika. The main architectural features of the temple are its asymmetrical shape and 50-meter tower. In front of the entrance to the building you can see several sculptural compositions. And its premises are decorated with stained glass and stucco.

You can visit the church for free during opening hours. Today this place is considered one of the iconic places in the city, which is why it is included in sightseeing tours.

Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

This exhibition is notable for being the world's first collection dedicated to the bloodiest war of the 20th century. Museum exhibits began to be collected in the post-war years from all European countries. Since 1942, his collection has reached more than 150,000 rare items, among which you will find military newspapers, letters, orders, weapons, equipment, medals and other attributes. The museum has 11 thematic halls, some of them equipped with modern 3D installations.

The grandiose building in which the exhibition is located impresses with its unique style. It is located on Heroes Square, next to the monument “Minsk - Hero City” and the sculpture “Motherland”. The architectural concept of the building is very original and symbolic. The structure is divided into 4 parts, each of which is dedicated to one military year. Its façade is made in the shape of a salute of 11 rays, which symbolize victory.

Gate of Minsk

The key attraction of the capital of Belarus can be seen at the very first acquaintance with the city. It is located on the station square and is considered the main entrance to Minsk. Don’t forget to take a symbolic photo against the backdrop of the gate, where your journey around the city will begin.

The attraction consists of two identical towers located opposite each other. The buildings were erected in 1953 in the style of the Stalinist Empire style. On one of the towers you will see a coat of arms. And the second is decorated with a valuable trophy from the Great Patriotic War. This is a huge watch with a dial diameter of up to 3.5 meters. Small arched windows, stucco moldings, and sculptures placed on the sides give the towers a solemn appearance.

Palace of Culture of Trade Unions

Walking along October Revolution Square, it is difficult not to notice the exquisite building, reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple in outline. It is decorated with columns, sculptural compositions and stucco moldings. This is one of the symbols of Minsk - the palace of culture of trade unions. It was built back in 1956 and has become an important cultural center of the city. Today the building houses the Theater Hall, where you can go with the whole family. The palace also hosts other entertainment: theater evenings, performances by dance groups and artists.

Nesvizh Castle

Cult sights are located not only in the center of Minsk, but also in its surroundings. Nesvizh Castle is considered one of the most visited places. This is a large palace and park complex located in the town of the same name in the Minsk region. The building dates back to the 16th-18th centuries and was founded by Prince Radziwill Sirotka. During this time, the castle was rebuilt a large number of times, so its architectural style has notes of Baroque, Classicism, Art Nouveau, Rococo, Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic.

Today Nesvizh Castle is located in a picturesque place. It is surrounded by a well-kept park with a lake. Its interiors are also distinguished by the beauty of its decoration. The castle has 300 chambers and 12 spacious state rooms. The Golden, Royal, Hetman, Marble and Star halls are particularly luxurious. Crystal chandeliers, fireplaces, altars, sculptures and paintings decorate the chambers of Nesvizh Castle.

For those who want to have a good day with the whole family, we recommend booking a 10-hour trip to the sights of the Minsk suburbs of Mir and Nesvizh. During this time, you will visit famous palace and park ensembles, stroll through parks, and visit the main assets of each city. The cost of the trip includes entrance tickets, guide services, transportation costs, and lunch in a restaurant.

Masonic House

The name of this place alone suggests that many secrets are associated with it. It is believed that it was built in 1817 on the initiative of the Masonic lodge. But there is no exact evidence confirming such a relationship. The only argument in favor of this legend is the shape of the building, reminiscent of a Masonic cross.

The exterior design of the building has almost completely retained its authentic appearance, and its interiors have been changed several times since its construction. Today the building houses the collections of the Museum of Theater and Music, which is worth a visit if you find yourself near the architectural complex.

City Hall

The building is located on Freedom Square and is considered one of the iconic architectural monuments. Next to it are the Cathedral and the Church of the Blessed Virgin. The Town Hall is considered a symbol of urban justice and independence, thanks to the historical events that are associated with this place. It is curious that in the 19th century the town hall was completely demolished and then rebuilt. Inside the building there are meeting rooms and exhibitions. The most interesting item in the exhibition is a miniature copy of the central part of Minsk in the 19th century.

Entertainment

Waterpark Lebyazhiy

Address: Pobediteley Ave., 120 Phone: (+37517) 279-84-45 Website: https://waterpark.by/ru/ Opening hours: 11.00-23.00 Mon-Fri, 09.00-23.00 Sat-Sun Cost: 35 bel . rub.

Lebyazhy can simultaneously accommodate 2 thousand people: the territory of the fifth largest water park in Europe occupies 32 thousand square meters. m. In “Lebyazhye” they work:

water slides for adults and children;
a town for children under 7 years old;
surfing simulators;
bicycle paths and sports grounds;
7 bars;
SPA complex.

There is a healing underground spring on the territory of the water park.

Minsk Zoo

Address: st. Tashkentskaya, 40 Phone: (+37517) 345-32-65 Website: https://minskzoo.by/ Opening hours: 10.00-18.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 9 bel. rub.

The zoo opened in 1984. Until 1997, only a few species of mammals lived here. With the advent of the 21st century, the complex was supplemented with a dolphinarium, a petting zoo, a stone castle for lions, and a dino park.

2.5 thousand animals are distributed over separate territories:

mammals: yaks, Cameroon sheep;
invertebrates: giant forest cockroach, tarantula spider;
birds: black stork, pink flamingo;
fish: piranha, black pacu;
reptiles: turtles, iguanas;
predatory mammals: Bengal tigers, lions.

Animals in captivity reproduce well: small bison, tiger cubs, and goat kids live in enclosures.

Minsk Dolphinarium "Nemo"

Address: st. Tashkentskaya, 40 Phone: (+37517) 340-00-04 Website: https://nemominsk.com/ Opening hours: 09.00-18.00 Mon-Sun Cost: 15 bel. rub. (with free entry to the zoo)

Shows featuring dolphins, fur seals and a sea lion are held at Nemo from Tuesday to Sunday at 12, 15 and 18 hours. The performance lasts one hour.

Dolphinarium services:

swimming with animals under the supervision of an instructor;
training in the peculiarities of feeding and training mammals;
diving with dolphins;
photography with animals.

Alivari Brewing Museum

Address: st. Kiseleva, 30 Phone: (+37529) 500-17-55 Website: https://alivaria.by/ Opening hours: 08.30-17.30 Mon-Thu, 08.30-16.30 Fri; Sat, Sun - days off Cost: 14 bel. rub.

A brewery appeared on the site of the museum in 1864. Then the bourgeois Rokhlya Frumkinova decided to open a small production of the foamy drink. Since the end of the 19th century, the factory has changed three owners; after the revolution, the plant was nationalized.

The museum's exhibits are dedicated to the history of brewing, including:

archival documents of the plant;
vintage bottles and labels;
equipment for preparing the drink from the late 19th century.

Visitors are taught how to brew beer according to ancient recipes, and participants receive certificates for completing the course.

The museum hosts a tasting of 10 beers from.

Unusual sights

In addition to historical and cultural attractions, the streets of the city contain many interesting houses and neighborhoods. One of them is considered to be a residential complex located in Odintsova Lane. This area has long gained popularity among local residents, who call it the “Gaudi quarter of Minsk.” The quarter is decorated with futuristic houses of different colors and shapes, which will become an excellent backdrop for memorable photos.

Another colorful place that is worth visiting during an excursion in Minsk is the Red Courtyard, located at 7 Revolyutsionnaya Street. Its atmosphere fully corresponds to its name. All the houses and courtyard walls are painted bright red. During the summer months, it often hosts music concerts, film screenings and art exhibitions.

Minsk delights its guests with a variety of interesting and beautiful places. In order not to waste extra time searching for assets on the map, it is better to seek help in choosing an exciting excursion on the Sputnik website. We will help you choose a program that suits your taste.

Stories, routes and tips from tourists with photos

To create a “maximum program” for one day in Minsk, you can find ideas in the materials of users of the Tourister website. RU. In addition to interesting routes, such reports contain a lot of useful information, tips and recommendations. In addition, such reviews are always filled with bright and “live” photographs.

Three reviews from Albert about a walking tour of the capital of the Republic of Belarus:

“Minsk is pedestrian. Unexpected discoveries. Upper City"
“Minsk is pedestrian. Independence Avenue - post-war neoclassicism"
“Minsk is pedestrian. From the Minsk Gate to the Red Church"

Article about one day in Minsk from Sergei Arkhipkin:

“On your own to Belarus - one day in Minsk”

You can read about walking around the city in the article by Svetlana Appolonova:

“Walking around Minsk, Independence Avenue”

All reviews about holidays in Minsk on Tourist. RU

Also, if after reading all kinds of materials and viewing information on the Internet you still have questions, we suggest using the “Questions and Answers” . Here you can get useful and informative answers to your questions from experts.