Minsk – capital of Belarus

The capital of Belarus is the most visited city, which is visited not only by tourists from different countries, but also from regional centers. The article will tell about the peculiarities of the city, its history and current situation.

Brief history of Minsk

Foundation of Minsk

The history of the city, and of Belarus itself, begins in the 5th century with the appearance of the Slavs and the gradual assimilation of the Baltic tribes. In the 10th century, the spread of Christianity began on the territory of modern Belarus.

Belarus went through different periods of formation, one of the most memorable was the period of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which included the lands of modern Belarus, Lithuania, Ukraine and Russia. Further, the GDL united with the Kingdom of Poland, as evidenced by the Union of Lublin. Its goal was to unite the two states into the Rzeczpospolita. This period was tragic in the history of modern Belarus, because then the state faced a number of wars, the result of which served to weaken the Rzeczpospolita. Subsequent years divided its territory between Austria, Prussia and the Russian Empire, which included the Belarusian lands.

Before the USSR

In 1840-1850. the Belarusian people were actively forced to switch to Russian, and it was forbidden to use Belarusian in colloquial speech. The subsequent years were accompanied by numerous wars, including with the army of Napoleon, the uprising of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, etc.

In 1915-1916. Belarus faced the events of the First World War, and numerous battles were fought on its territory. The occupation of the country continued until December 1918.

In March 1918, the Belarusian People's Republic (BNR) was formed, which existed until the withdrawal of German troops from the territory of Belarus at the end of 1918. The next year, the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic began its existence.

USSR period

The Russian-Polish war was a significant event in the life of modern Belarus. It resulted in an agreement according to which the lands of western Belarus went to Poland, and in the eastern lands the BSSR was re-formed, which in 1922 became part of the USSR. The fate of Belarus within the USSR was tragic, since more than 86,000 Belarusians suffered as a result of the Stalinist repressions.

The events of the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War have not spared Belarus. The feat of the heroes is not forgotten to this day, and memorial complexes and monuments in memory of the victims have been opened on the territory of the country.

Modern Minsk

In 1991 Belarus was proclaimed an independent state with its own Constitution and President. Since that time, the city has been the largest economic, political, cultural and scientific center of the country.

Population of Minsk

Today the population of Minsk totals about 2020, 60 thousand people, which is 1/5 of the population of the entire country.

Every year there is an increase in the number of foreign citizens who migrate to Belarus for the purpose of employment. Thus, for 2020, the top countries have formed, whose citizens move to the Republic of Belarus for permanent residence. The three such countries include Russia, China and Ukraine.

It is also noted that residents of other countries come to Belarus for employment, but their total number is significantly less than the three above.

Districts of Minsk

The territory of Minsk is conditionally divided into 9 districts, including the Central District, Sovetsky, Partizansky, Pervomaisky, Zavodskoy, Leninsky, Oktyabrsky, Moskovy and Frunzensky.

The main sights of Minsk

Cathedral of the Descent of the Holy Spirit

Arriving in Minsk, many tourists first of all go to appreciate the city center. There you will find the most "postcard" temple in the city. It is so called because of its frequent application to all types of souvenirs from Minsk. The cathedral is located in the very center of Minsk, on the territory of the Upper Town, so you simply cannot pass by.

The Cathedral preserves a centuries-old history, and believers come here specially because of the presence of several powerful Orthodox shrines. Among them: the icon of the Mother of God of Minsk, the relics of Sophia Slutskaya and the Great Martyr Barbara.

Gates of Minsk

Every tourist arriving in Minsk by train will begin sightseeing as soon as he gets off the platform. The first attraction that will meet you is the Gates of Minsk - two tall towers in the Stalinist Empire style. The coat of arms of the former BSSR still hangs on the right tower, and a captured German clock on the left. If you come to the capital in the evening, you are doubly lucky, because the illuminated gate looks especially impressive.

GUM

The GUM building is located on the main avenue of the capital. GUM is a part of the architectural ensemble of the City of the Sun. Previously, the store was the only one in the city, and the variety of goods could be envied. Do not be lazy to go inside the store, because the spirit of that time still reigns there, and the building remains one of the main attractions of Minsk.

Minsk architecture

The modern architectural appearance of Minsk is mostly Soviet heritage. The pre-war city was well rebuilt, and kept many subtleties of architectural solutions. There are only a few houses left where this is noticeable: the streets have become twice as narrow, the height of buildings is 3 or 4 floors. In the post-war period, the city was built up so that the old one remained, and the new one appeared nearby. For example, the city rampart was then removed, and then the construction of the current streets of Marx, Internatsionalnaya, Kirov began. True, nobody touched the historic center.

Official symbols of Minsk

The coat of arms of Minsk is a baroque shield, in the blue field of which there is an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, standing on a silver cloud, with her hands raised in a blessing gesture in red and blue robes, which is supported on the right and left by two kneeling angels in silver robes with silver wings.

The flag of the city of Minsk is a rectangular blue cloth. In the center of the front side of which is the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and on the right and on the left she is supported by two kneeling angels in white robes with white wings.

Culture and sports in Minsk

Belarus can be proud of its athletes on the world stage, and the authorities always support novice athletes. Every year the number of major international tournaments is growing, which is facilitated by the variety of sports sections in schools, as well as facilities of physical culture and sports significance. The largest sports grounds in Minsk include the Minsk-Arena multidisciplinary sports and entertainment complex, the Uruchye Sports Palace, the Raubichi Republican Center for Olympic Winter Sports, the home ground of the famous Belarusian football club BATE, etc.

The cultural life of the Belarusian people also does not lag behind the sports one. Objects of art can be enjoyed in the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus, and you can follow contemporary musical art at various festivals representing original trends and genres of music.

Transport links in Minsk

Minsk is the capital of Belarus, and is located right in the center of the highways that connect the city with the largest cities in the country.

Minsk is a large railway junction. The variety of railway directions allows passengers to get to almost any destination. If you can't find a suitable train ticket, you can use air transport.

Minsk presents a large selection of public transport - anywhere in the city can be reached by bus, trolleybus or tram. If you value your time, you can use such a convenient form of transport as the metro.

Photo: bigtranstour.ru, avatars.mds.yandex.net, img5.goodfon.com