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Latest Minsk hotel reviews
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n contrast to the gray municipal buildings facing Nezalezhnastsi Square (Independence Square), the early 20th century Roman Catholic church is of picturesque and impressive appearance. It is known as "Red Church" because of its red brick walls. Official name of the church is quite rare and, probably, cannot be found elsewhere in the world: St. Simon and St. Helen Church. The choice of the name had been pre-determined as the church was built to commemorate the premature death of two young children of Belarusan aristocratic Wojnilowicz family. To their patron saints Simon and Helena the church was dedicated.
The Wojnilowicz family were of noble Belarusan descent, bearing their own arms. The family originated from legendary Wojnila who got his arms as early as in 14th century. His descendants used the arms, presenting stylized W on red background with an arrow directed downwards, for the next 6 centuries. In times of Rzeczpospolita the Wojnilowiczs occupied important government posts or achieved eminence as ecclesiastics. Edward Wojnilowicz being the last offspring of the famous family inherited its entire fame and wealth.
He was an eminent politician, a member of the State Council of Russian Empire, one of the leading figures in Belarusan national resurgence.
In September 1996 a statue of the archangel Michael killing the Dragon was erected in front of Red Church. The bronze statue 4,5 meters high, represents the archangel Michael as a symbol of victory and glory of the Heaven.
In Fall 2000 a memorial composition of Nagasaki bell was installed close to the church. The bell represents a copy of the original bell named Angel from Urakami Cathedral that was destroyed during nuclear bombing in August 9, 1945. The composition has been given as a gift to Red Church and Belarusian people by diocese of the Roman Catholic Church of the city of Nagasaki (Japan).
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Nezavisimosti Ave, 2
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The museum is 40km from Minsk (~25 miles) on 'Slyzkoe' highway.
You can get there on your own by the minibus 'Minsk-Dudutki' from Minsk 'Central' Bus Terminal. It`s a cheap 1 hour ride, your stop is the last one right next to the museum gates (first picture).
Last year the entrance fee was ~$16 per person.
It included:
1) moonshine degustation (3 times); 2) ride in a horse cart to the mill; 3) home-made cheese, milk, honey, bread, butter, tea`s degustation. After that you will have to just buy food and drinks.
But let me start from the beginning:
When we arrived, we were given a guide and rode to the mill. There we tried our first 100 gramm of moonshine and ate some bread with onion in the wooden shed next to the mill. After that we went back to the museum yard where looked at different craftsmen performing for us: at the smithy we were given a horseshoe present (by two blacksmiths), bought a small pot made by a 75 years old potter in another.. Looked at the automobiles` collection in the next room and then went for our second monshine`s shot with honey and pickles on bread (suprisingly it was quite delicious). After that everything was a blur (sorry, moonshine got me) but I do remember drinking some milk and eating fresh cheese with butter in another room and then hot tea next to the fireplace in the last house.
They also have horses there ($5 for a ride on its back) and.. a group of curious ostriches (no idea why).
Over all, it was quite interesting place, I enjoyed it.
P`S` If you have athma, be careful with the horse (we learned the hard way).
I do NOT know if you are required to book in advance (especially if you are a NON-Russian speaker). Better find out. But they do have interpreters/guides there ($25).
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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This Museum was opened in 1944 when the country was still fighting Germany and its allies and is one of the largest of its kind.
It has 30 rooms and 80 000 unique exhibits (like guns, photos and documents, etc).
The interier of this place is AMAZING: all black and red. Very cool!
The words on top of the building say: 'People`s feat will live for centures'.
P`S` Just went to a similar Museum in Budapest, dedicated to 2 regymes (communists` and fascists` one), gotta tell you - our Museum is more interesting.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Nezavisimosti avenue, 25a.
Phone: +375-17-227-56-11
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That's how it looked like in December 2000. New Year is one of the most exciting times. Picture credits E.Kardash, check out his fabulous site about Belarus at Belarus pictures by E. Kardash
Updated Apr 4, 2011
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Lenin still stands at Independence Square, near Government palace. It is kind of exotic to me to find such sculpture, as in Lithuania these kinds of sculptures are moved to artificial area - Grutas soviet sculptures park.
Lenin here is in classical position, holding the cap and giving speech to people around.
Updated Feb 27, 2011
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Government palace was built by soviet architect Losif Langbard in 1934. It is one of those buildings, which survived after Second World War. It is beautiful in its own style, especially lightened and with Lenin sculpture in front.
When we went here, policeman was standing not so far from palace. We were thinking he will forbid taking photos here (maybe quite stereotypical thinking :), but he hasn’t said any word.
Updated Feb 27, 2011
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The so called "Red Church" differs so much among other architecture of Minsk and the Independence Square. The church was built by a noble family in 1908 - 1910 after the death of two their children.
At soviet times there was cinema. Later opposition against Soviet Union started to gather here.
Updated Feb 27, 2011
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The place is known from the end of 19th century. Some years ago (till 1991) it was called Lenin's Square. The oldest building in the square is Cathedral of St. Simeon and St. Helen. There is also Belarusian State University (1928 - 1931), Belarusian Teachers Training University (1931) located.
It is interesting, that square occupies 7 hectares and is the biggest in Europe. By the way, it is one of the most beautiful squares I ever seen in my trips.
Updated Feb 27, 2011
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Nezalesnosti Avenue is the main representational street of Minsk, connecting such famous squares as Independence or Victory square. Walking this avenue you will see the most of monumental soviet architecture. Avenue was formed mostly at 20th century. Some buildings survived the Second World War, some were built later.
Before this avenue was called Skorini avenue, in Soviet times - traditionally, Lenin Avenue.
Updated Feb 27, 2011
Address: Nezalesnosti (Independence) Avenue.
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This nice structure was built in 1954. It has new classicism style. Despite the bombastic name of it, now it houses just two night clubs. For me it is one of the most beautiful building in Minsk, despite that it is not very important in history.
It stands at the Oktyabskaja Square, this place is quite popular among Minsk locals, and here you can see lots of people hanging around.
Updated Feb 27, 2011
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Reviews and photos of Minsk attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Minsk sightseeing.
This nice structure was built in 1954. It has new classicism style. Despite the bombastic name of it, now it houses just two night clubs. For me it is one of...
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