Situated on the Niamiha and Svislach Rivers, is Minsk, the capital and largest city of Belarus, a former USSR constituent and republic. Its borders are shared with the countries of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and the Ukraine. Although English is rarely spoken in Minsk and tourism is not much of a priority, it does have its merits considering 80% of the city was destroyed during World War II. The following is the top places to visit and things to see in Minsk.
photo by BBM Explorer
Belarus National Museum of History and Culture – open 5 days weekly every Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am until 7 pm. Although there are plenty of exhibits to wander through, you might want to brush up on your Belarusian because all of the display and explanation panels on the exhibits are in the home language.
Former Residence of Lee Harvey Oswald – willing to denounce his US citizenship, Lee Harvey Oswald came to the USSR in December of 1959 and took up residency in Minsk. Changing his name to Alek, he soon married Marina Prusakova with whom he had a child. They returned to the US on the 1st of June in 1962. The apartment that he and Marina lived in has been restored to the way it looked over 50 years ago.
KGB Headquarters – situated on one of the main shopping streets in the city, this impressive structure has a façade that is indicative of what can be found inside. It is ironic that the KGB would have been located within a building that is now a historical landmark in the heart of the capital city.
Museum of History of the Great Patriotic War – the building contains several hallways filled with display exhibits from World War II. As with the Belarus National Museum of History and Culture, all of the display and explanation panels are in Belarusian. The museum is open from 10 am until 6 pm Tuesdays through Sundays from.
Palats Mastatsva (Art Palace) – the Palace opens from 10 am until 7 pm Tuesdays through Sundays and offers FREE admission. The different exhibition stalls of the Art Palace feature collections antiques, art, and secondhand books.
St. Peter and Saint Paul Church – originally constructed in 1613, the structure was restored in 1871. Not only is the building the oldest church in the city, it is worth venturing inside and locals will tell you that no trip to Minsk without seeing the church.
Hotels in Minsk
Hostel Jazz Minsk
Average Price: €10
Average Rating: 8
Hotel Crowne Plaza Minsk
Average Price: €251
Average Rating: 7
Aparton Serviced Apartments at Oktyabrskaya Metro
Average Price: €251
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