Minsk

Minsk, Belarus

The capital city of Belarus sits on the bank of Svislach River. Historically, it has been the trading center linking the Baltic coastal regions with Moscow and Kazan. Today, as Belarus' largest industrial center, Minsk is responsible for over 1/4 of the country's total industrial output. The automobile and precision machinery sectors take the pride of place.

See and Do

• Victory Square

  The 225-meter long, 175-meter wide square in downtown Minsk is looked over by a 40-meter high monument in its center in commemoration of the heroes of the Second World War. The sculptured high reliefs covering the monument's pedestal reflect the heroic struggles against the enemies.

• Belarusian State University

  Founded in 1921, the university is the top academic institution and an important scientific research center of the country.

• Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

  The 87,600-hectare park is the largest woodland in the lowlands of central Europe. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it boasts breathtaking sceneries and is home to a remarkable collection of plants and animals, including the rare species. European bison, the biggest animal in Europe, weighs a hefty 1,000 kilos. Best for holidaymakers in summer.

• Church of Saints Simon and Helena

  Construction of this Roman Catholic church was financed by Edward Woyniłłowicz (1847-1928), a prominent Belarusian-Polish landowner, businessman and civic activist, in memory of his two deceased children, Szymon and Helena. It's one of the must-see churches for visitors.

• National Library of Belarus

  Founded in 1922, the library houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and the third largest collection of books in Russian behind the Russian State Library (Moscow) and the Russian National Library (St Petersburg). This diamond-shaped landmark ranks 24th among the world's 50 most extraordinary architectural structures.

  
  
  
• Island of Tears

  Bereaved mothers christened the island in the center of Svisloch River “Island of Tears” when the monument and sculptures were erected here in commemoration of Belarus’ soldiers who lost their lives during the Afghanistan war.