Routes 1 to 3 form one big circle and are linked to Plošča Lienina, Plošča Pieramohi and Niamiha metro stations. So you can walk them all one by one on the same day, or start a new route every day.

Route 4 involves both walking and public transport.

Soviet MinskAlong the main street, a monumentto Soviet time.

WWII Minsk

Back-In-Time Minsk

Minsk From The Locals

1

2

3

4

Around the places filled with WWII andCold War memories.

Through the oldest part of the city wherethe spirit of the past reigns.

Across curious attractions outside thecentre.

The most interesting attractions in four walking routes:

Niamiha

Plošča Pieramohi

2 WWII Minsk

3 Back-In-Time Minsk

1 Soviet Minsk

Plošča Lienina

Pieršamajskaja

Self-guided4 Minsk walks

1 A 7-metre Lenin statue appeared in front of the House of Government in Niezaliežnasci (Independence) Square in 1933. An All-Soviet Union competition was held to choose the best design to fit the square’s architectural ensemble. The monument was decorated with scenes of the most important events of the October Revolution. The statue in Minsk was the highest monument to Lenin in the USSR at the time. 2 Walking down the main avenue, visit the Central Post Office to send a postcard to friends. Every day about a ton of letters leaves this place. It was constructed without any cranes and special equipment – builders did the work so well that it still hasn’t required any major repairs. On the facade there is the most accurate clock of Minsk that shows time in other world capitals, too. Inside the main hall one will see a 500kg bronze-and-crystal chandelier. Stand under it — you will hear the echo from all post office windows! 3 KGB still exists in Belarus. Its headquarters is on the main avenue but it’s forbidden to take pictures of it. The construction of the building involved German war prisoners and was strictly controlled. The controls engineer smashed poorly made windows to prevent their use and was convicted of hooliganism. When the KGB chief learned about it, he forgave the scrupulous worker. Many KGB em-ployees lived in the building opposite the street. 4 GUM department store was built by German war prisoners, locals and even the store’s employees.

6

14

On the opening day in 1951, lines stretched for 2 blocks. The shop offered a rich choice of goods and foreign deficit; women’s stockings were most demanded. Today you can still buy almost anything there, including stockings! 5 Why not turn to Karla Marksa (Karl Marx) street? There’s a building of a former Communist Party school at the intersection with Lienina (Lenin) street. Today future philologists and economists study here, but Soviet spirit still reigns on the ground floor where there’s a marble and wood cloakroom and a hall with columns. 6 If you have time, visit the National Art Museum in Lienina Street — you’ll find a rich collection of socialist realism art there. 7 Make a stop at the bar of Centralny shop for a drink. It has a casual atmosphere and great view of the main avenue. Don’t forget to turn around and explore wall decorations and bas-reliefs portraying Soviet people during harvest season. 8 In 1952 a 10-metre Stalin statue was put

up in Kastryčnickaja (Oktyabrskaya) Square. The statue was made by 4 Belarusian sculptors: Zair Azgur created the head and shoulders, Andrei Bembel made legs and the bottom part, Sergei Selikhanov and Alexei Glebov were responsible for the body. In 1961 after the end of the Stalin’s cult of personality, the monument was taken down. Imagine the effort considering that the foundation went 7 metres into the ground! The only piece of the giant monument that survived was a bronze button from Stalin’s coat, preserved by Azgur. 9 Aliaksandraŭski (Alexander) Garden got its name from Alexander Nevsky chapel that was nearby. The first Minsk fountain, A boy with a swan, and Janka Kupala Theatre are located there. Next to the theatre there’s a small artsy building that used to be a public toilet, and is a box office now. The legend says it is a copy of a mansion whose owner didn’t pay the architect for the project. In revenge, the latter designed a public toilet that looked exactly alike. From the side of the garden facing the main avenue there is a stone grandstand, that was used by Soviet leaders during military parades and public demonstrations. 10 Present-day building of the Administration of the Belarusian President housed the Central Committee of the Communist Party in the past. It was constructed on the site of the 19th century palace that belonged to Yan Carol Chapski, Minsk mayor, and had been pulled down. Only the walls of the new building had been put up when WWII

broke out. A one-storey orphanage, standing in front of the Party’s building, was demolished after the war. 11 The left wing of the Central House of Officers was built in the cathedral that had stood there before. The legend says that the right wing was constructed from the Jewish tombstones. By the way, Lev Trotsky, one of the leaders of the October Revolution, thought the palace was too posh for the Red Army. 12 The city’s first circus was wooden. The building appeared at present-day Plošča Svabody (Svobody Square) in late 19th century. Later it was moved closer to present-day Opera and Ballet Theatre and then to Gorky Park. During WWII a bomb struck the circus, killing many animals; handlers even had to let sea lions in the Svislač (Svisloch) river. After the war, Soviet authorities decided to construct USSR’s first stone circus in Minsk. 13 Gorky Park was laid down in the beginning of 19th century and was known as the Governor’s garden. Park visitors were greeted by a poster ‘After work there comes rest’. Svislač flew naturally though the park — stone quay was added only in the middle of 20th century. There is a planetarium and observatory in the park. 14 End your walk with a visit to Zair Azgur Museum. Azgur is a notable Soviet sculptor who was trusted to do portraits of the Party leaders. His workshop still houses many busts of Lenin. To reach it, take a taxi, or go by bus No.39 or No.18 to Pieršamajskaja (Pervomayskaya) or just walk enjoying the city’s atmosphere.

18, 39

18, 39

1

3

9

10

11

12 13

4

2

5

6

14

PieršamajskajaPlošča Lienina

Plošča Pieramohi

Niamiha

1 Soviet Minsk

7

8ParkHorkaha

Park JankiKupaly

pr. Nieza

liežn

asci

pr. Nieza

liežn

asci

vul. M

arksa

vul. K

irava

vul. Uĺia

naŭskaja

vul. P

ieršamajsk

aja

vul. Lieninavul. Enhieĺsa

vul. Zacharavavul. Ramanaŭskaja

Slabadavu

l. Internacy

janaĺnaja

vul.

Niam

iha

vul. Sviardlova

vul. Pulichava

vul. Babrujskaja

vul. Haradski Val

vul.

Mia

snik

ova

vul. Čyrvonaarmiejskaja

vul. Janki Kupaly

GUM department store

National Art Museum

Zair Azgur Museum

National Art Museum

Mon–Sun 11:00–19:00

Adult admission — 5 Br (€2.5)Audio guide — 2 Br (€1)

Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00

Adult admission — 3 Br (€1.5)

Belarusian State Circus

1

1

Plošča Pieramohi

Frunzienskaja

ParkPieramohi

2 WWII Minsk

12

43

5

6

11

8

9

7

10

Niamiha

pr. Mašerava

vul Kisialiova

pr. Pieramožcaŭ

pr. Pieramožcaŭ

vul.

Mie

ĺnik

ajte

vul. Rakaŭskaja

vul. Kaĺvaryjskaja

vul. Maksima Tanka

vul.

Kujb

yšav

a

vul. Janki Kupaly

vul.

Bahd

anov

iča

Staravilienski trakt

vul. Viery Charužaj

pr. Mašerava

vul. Kamunistyčnajav

ul. Zasl aŭskaja

1 A 38-metre obelisk stands in Pieramohi (Victory) Square. It was supposed to be 48 metres high and made of white marble with a pink tint. But granite turned out to be cheaper, and as 10th anniversary of the end of WWII was coming, it was decided to make the monument lower. There is a memorial gallery in honor of war victims under the obelisk. 2 In 1960-62 an apartment building No.4 in Kamunistyčnaja (Kommunisticheskaya) was home to Lee Harvey Oswald who became famous after he assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963. The windows of his flat with two balconies were facing the Svislach river. The radio factory where Oswald worked was just an 8-minute walk from the house. 3 The building

with a spike used to be an intelligence post; the house itself was built for officers. The spike is made of high strength steel. 4 One of the buildings of the Ministry of Defense was constructed on the foundation of the former female seminary, later a Medical Faculty and a hospital. The building is one of the best examples of Belarusian Soviet architecture. The legend says the architect hardly escaped punishment for building the military headquarters in the form of a Russian letter ‘Ш’ because it could serve as a tip to the enemy’s pilots. 5 Osmolovka neighborhood was built by German war prisoners, who helped to restore the city they had destroyed. In 1950s Osmolovka had a fence around it that

was locked at night. Locals would put tables in the quarter’s gardens during holidays and celebrate together. 6 There is an observation deck on top of Hotel Belarus (to get up, go to the reception). An impressive panorama of Minsk opens from the roof located 73 metres above the ground. 7 Take a walk down to Minsk Hero City Obelisk (opened in 1985) and the Park Pieramohi (Victory Park). The monument stands in front of the new Museum of the Great Patriotic War, that houses an interactive exposition dedicated to WWII events in Belarus. The entrance to the museum

is at the back of the building. The opening of the Park Pieramohi was planned in 1941, but was postponed till 1945 as WWII broke out. 8 In warm seasons fountains Victory and Eternity work in the park. 9 Another landmark here is the monument called The road to future. It symbolizes the past, present and future of Belarus. 10 After a stroll around the park, get on bus No.1 and get off near Hotel Yubileyny. Here, surrounded by residential buildings, there is a monument to Holocaust victims called Yama (‘The pit’). Five thousands Jews from Minsk ghetto were shot dead there during WWII. Altogether about 100,000 Jews died in Minsk ghetto during the war. 11 Minsk ghetto was located in Rakaŭskaja (Rakovskaya) Street. The

7 Museum of the Great Patriotic WarTue–Sun 11:00–18:00

Adult admission — 7 Br (€3.5) Audio guide — 3 Br (€1.5) Permit to take pictures — 1.5 Br (€0.75)

Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Military parade in Minsk

Lee Harvey Oswald in Minsk

Minsk after bombing

6 Observation deck on top of Hotel BelarusMon–Sun 10:00–24:00

Adult admission — 2,5 Br (€1.75)

buildings, that housed 70 people before the war, were packed with 250 residents — with only 1.5 m2 of area per person. Jews were given 200 grams of bread and thin soup for the day. Buildings No.17 and No.24 used to serve as synagogues.

Railway station

ParkHorkaha

Park JankiKupaly

12

34

67

8

10

11 12

14

1615

13

3 Back-In-TimeMinsk

5

9

Pieršamajskaja

Kastryčnickaja

Plošča Pieramohi

Kupalaŭskaja

Plošča Lienina

NiamihaFrunzienskaja

pr. Nieza

liežn

asci

vul. M

arksa

vul. K

irava

vul. Uĺia

naŭskaja

vul. P

ieršamajsk

aja

vul. Lieninavul. Enhieĺsa

vul. Zacharava

vul. JankiKupaly

vul. Ramanaŭskaja

vul. Rakaŭskaja

vul.

Mas

koŭs

kaja

SlabadaInternacyj

anaĺnaja

vul.

vul.

Niam

iha

vul. Sviardlova

vul. Pulichava

vul. Babrujskaja

vul.

Mia

snik

ova

vul. Čyrvonaarmiejskaja

vul. K

lary Cetkin

1 The bridge on Niamiha (Nemiga) overlooks the hill where Minsk was born. In 11th-16th centuries a wooden castle, surrounded by 10-meter wall, was located at the confluence of Niamiha and Svislač rivers. After a fire in 16th century the city center was moved to present-day Vierhni Horad (Upper Town), while the territory of the castle was settled by Jews and turned into a trade area, where the city’s main market was situated. Today you can see shop Alesya, the entrance to Niamiha metro station and a building of sports association at the site of the ancient castle. 2 One of the first settlements appeared in Trajeckaje Pradmiescie (Trinity Hill) at the crossing of trade routes. It used to be the biggest neighborhood in Minsk, but only one block survived until today. 3 The first pharmacy opened in 17th century. At that time the permission of the Polish king was required for it. By the middle of 19th century the number of pharmacies grew to four. One of them is found at the crossing of Staražoŭskaja (Storozhevskaya) and Bahdanoviča (Bogdanovicha) streets. Rare pharmaceutical books are displayed there. 4 The Opera and Ballet Theatre was built on the site of the former Trinity market, the largest market in Minsk in 16th-early 20th century. During WWII the theatre lost the auditorium; furniture and costumes were taken away by the invaders. After the war, artists lived in one half of the building, while German prisoners, who were helping to rebuild the city, stayed in the other. 5 Zybickaja

(Zybitskaya) Street was important for the city’s trade; the river port was located there in 17th century. The area was unsafe because the homeless, criminals and rebels found shelter in it. Now it is a hip place with many bars and cafes. 6 The Museum of Theatre and Music History is located in the former House of Masons. The facade of the building remained intact. Although there is no reliable evidence that Masons gathered there, in 1820s the house belonged to a woman whose husband was listed among the members of a Masonic lodge — perhaps, that is how the building got its name. According to another suggestion, Masons built the house in the shape of a Masonic cross. 7 Most of the old buildings that survived are found in Vierhni Horad.

Bernardine monastery and convent were located there once. The Holy Spirit Cathedral, standing on the hill, is the former Bernardine church. In the late 19th century a building behind the church was used as the archive, and the monastery served as a prison. In early 20th century a market opened here. It was replaced by cafes, while the archive is still there. After WWII, secret underground tunnels were discovered under Plošča Svabody (Svobody Square). They were connected with each other and running from the churches and monasteries down to the river. The tunnels were filled up and closed. 8 Facing Plošča Svabody, there is a concert hall with a facade reminding a cathedral. Actually, it used to be one — the building housed the Holy Spirit Church and neighbored Basilian monastery complex. The church was rebuilt into Peter and Paul Cathedral, while the monastery complex was turned into a shopping arcade. Minsk governor was almost assassinated in front of the church at the beginning of 20th century. In 1936 Soviet authorities blew it up. For a long time the place remained empty, until it was built anew in 2000s. The original exterior of the Holy Spirit Church was recreated during the renovation. 9 Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary is in front of the restored Town Hall. It was built in 18th century as a Jesuit church, and renamed into a Marian Cathedral after Jesuits order stopped existing. The building was badly damaged during WWII, restored, and turned into

Red Church

Upper town

a House of Physical Culture. In the late 20th century the place got its original look and was presented to the Catholic Church. 10 Pobeda cinema house was built on the site of Transfiguration convent that had been destroyed during WWII. 11 Neo-Gothic Pishchalauski Castle on the corner of Valadarskaha (Volodarskogo) Street is a prison now. In the early 20th century black flags were hung out of its windows after every execution. 12 Choral Synagogue was located in Valadarskaha Street. It was closed after the October Revolution; the building became a House of Culture and later a cinema. After a makeover of the facade, the Russian Drama Theater moved in it. Vladimir

Mayakovsky, a Russian Soviet poet, performed there in 1925–1927. 13 The Red Church was builton a sad occasion in the early 20th century, when Minsk nobleman Edvard Vaynilovich lost his children, son Simeon and daughter Elena. The heartbroken parents decided to put up a church in memory of the two. In Soviet times the building was used first as a cinema studio pavilion, and later as a cinema house. After USSR broke up, the church was returned to believers. 14 You can reach Kastryčnickaja (Oktyabrskaya) Street by metro, taxi or on foot. The street is an example of red-brick industrial architecture. Some of the century-old factories are still operating here. For example, the local distillery, that spreads yeast smell across the neighborhood, dates back to the late 19th century. The quality of produce was good that Minsk-made vodka was delivered to the Russian emperor and won medals at exhibitions in Paris and Rome. After the October Revolution the plant was nationalized and is now called Kristall. 15 Founded in 1908, MZOR plant (deciphered as Minsk Plant of October Revolution) is still engaged in machine-tool production. At the time, it was a wooden warehouse Giant with 12 workers. Then the factory was nationalized, its large windows were eventually laid to keep warmth inside. 16 Kastryčnickaja is one of the most bustling and hype streets in Minsk. There are hipster bars and cafes, a creative space, gallery, yoga studio and graffiti created by world-famous artists.

Opera and Ballet Theatre

27

41

27

41

ParkČaliuskincaŭ

BotanicalGarden

4 Minsk FromThe Locals

4

2

1

PloščaJakuba Kolasa

AkademijaNavuk Park Čaliuskincaŭ

Maskoŭskaja

Uschod

Uručča

3vul. K

iadyški

vul.

Jaku

ba K

olas

a

vul.

Kujb

yšav

a

vul. Surhanava

vul.

Fili

mon

ava

vul. Staletavavul. Kazlova

vul. Akademičnaja

vul. Skaryny

Minsk ring road

Min

sk ring road

vul. Šuhajeva

vul. Parnikovajapr. Niezaliežnasci

vul. Kupr ev ič

a

vul. Rusijanava

vul. Kal inoŭskahavul. Valhahradskaja

1 You can’t learn the real spirit of Minsk without visiting Komarovka Market, located next to Plošča Jakuba Kolasa metro station. It has an indoor part covered by a 26-metre dome and a seasonal market. Make a stop at the entrance to have a look at the fountain and the sculptures around it. Locals say the best kebabs in Minsk are also in Komarovka — they are cooked in cafes behind the market. The cafes are open daily till late, and there are lines even at night! The market was named after a village Komarovka that belonged to the rich noble Radziwiłł family. The village was situated on a marshland and was one of the most rundown parts of the city. 2 Minsk Botanical Gardens at the exit from Park Čaliuskincaŭ metro station is a museum of flowers and plants. During the German occupation soldiers grew buckwheat and tobacco there. In 1980s, when there was the shortage of food supplies in the USSR, the workers of the Botanical gardens supplied local housewives with seasonings. 3 Two more metro stations along the Maskoŭskaja Line, and you’ll find yourself looking at the ‘diamond’ of the National Library of Belarus. The building in the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron weighs 115,000 tons. On the back side of the library there’s the lift to the observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Minsk from that height of 73 metres.After you go up and down, take a walk along Slepyanskaya water system in the park near the library. 4 Take a taxi, bus No.27 or trolley No.41

2

1

3

Botanical Gardens

Komarovka Market

Observation deck on National Library

Tue–Sun 10:00–20:00 (till 4pm in winter)

Adult admission — 6 Br (€3)

and get off at the stop Muzey valunou to visit the Museum of Boulders. It is an open-air museum where over 2000 giant stones are laid in the form of the map of Belarus, with the terrain and hills repeating the highest and lowest points of the country and blue spruce denoting the main cities.Boulders were left by glacier and collected all over Belarus. Each stone has a legend about it. For example, the stone Ded (‘Gradnfather’) stood in a pagan temple in the center of Minsk and was a place of worship up till the October Revolution in 1917.

Mon–Sun 12:00–23:00

Adult admission — 3 Br (€1.5)

Tue–Sun 09:00–19:00

Botanical Gardens

National LibraryKomarovka Market