Minsk Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Minsk

The central and the largest square in Minsk is the Independence Square. The impressive Government House, monument of V.I. Lenin, Belarusian State University, and the Red Castle are all located on Independence Square. Every tourist should visit this amazing square.

Church of Saints Simon and Helen, or Red Church, is a Roman Catholic church on Independence Square. This neo-Gothic church was designed by polish architects Tomasz Pajzderski and Władysław Marconi, and built during 1905-1910. The bricks for its walls were sourced from Częstochowa, whilst the roof tiles came from Włocławek. Its construction was financed by Edward Woyniłłowicz, a prominent Polish civic activist. The church was named and consecrated in memory of Woyniłłowicz's deceased children, Szymon and Helena.

In 1903, about 2,000 Minsk's Catholics wrote a petition to local authorities asking for a site to start building new catholic church. This request was satisfied, and construction started in 1905. The church was consecrated on September 20, 1910. On December 21, 1910, the church was opened. In 1923, the church was robbed by the Red Army and in 1932 it was closed down by the Soviet authorities and transferred to the State Polish Theatre of the BSSR. Before the Second World War, the church was rebuilt into a cinema.

In 1941, the German occupation administration returned to building to its original use as a church, but after the war it was again used as a cinema, called the "Soviet Belarus." In 1990, the building was returned to the Catholic Church. Since then it was renovated, and became an important centre of religious, cultural and social life. It also became a centre for the revived Belarusian Greek Catholic Church. In 2006, Edward Woyniłowicz, the church's donator who died in 1928 in Bydgoszcz, Poland, was reburied here.

One of the most beautiful architectural spots in Minsk is The Post Office Building. Since 1946, when it was established, the post office is considered an important city landmark. It's big and extremely impressive. Check it out while in Minsk.

The history of the City Hall dates back to the 16th century when it was first established. After being demolished in 1857, the famous hall was restored and opened once again to the public in February of 2004. City Hall is the pride of the citizens, thanks to its architecture, political, and cultural importance.

Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary is a Roman Catholic baroque cathedral in Minsk. The cathedral was built in 1710 as a church of the Jesuit monastery. In 1793, after Russia's taking over Belarus, the Jesuit order was banned and the church got a local status. Soon, after creation of the Minsk diocese, the church became the local cathedral.

The Cathedral was heavily damaged in a fire in 1797, but was later fully renewed. In 1869, the Minsk diocese was liquidated and the church got a parafial status. In November 1917, the diocese was restored; Zygmunt Lazinski was appointed as a bishop. In 1920, Lazinski was arrested by Soviet authorities, the cathedral was closed down in 1934. During the Second World War, the Germans allowed the cathedral to function again, but after the war it was again closed down by the Soviets. In 1951, the cathedral's bell towers were intentionally destroyed by Soviet artillery and the building itself was given to the Spartak sports society.

In the beginning of the 1990s, religious services started again. In 1993, the building was given back to the Roman Catholics; by 1997 it was renewed. In 2005, the church was gifted a new organ manufactured in Austria. During 2000s, the frescoes created in 18th century were also restored.

The Cathedral of Holy Spirit, formerly the Bernardine church, was established in 1642 and completed in the 18th century. The church is both an interesting and important monument of old Minsk. The exterior presents a distinct Baroque style, while the interior offers six columns divided into three naves.

The Bernardin's Cathedral is part of the once prevailing Minsk Bernardine complex which also included the monastery Bernardine. The cathedral is located in the center of the city, near Town Hall. The monastery was founded in 1624 and has since witnessed some drastic changes.

The Palace of the Republic is a modern and lively place, well known to every citizen and to many guests of the city. Most important social and political events take place at the Palace of the Republic, as well as numerous presentations, exhibitions, and concerts open to the general public.

Victory Square is located at the crossing of Independence avenue and Zakharau street. A green park stretches from the Victory Square to the river of Svislach and to the entrance to the M. Gorky Park. Victory square is the key landmark of Minsk. A 3-meter replica of the Order of Victory crowns a granit column of 38 metre erected in the centre of the square. The Sacred Sword of Victory is at the base of the monument. The monument was built in 1954 in honor of the soldiers of the Soviet Army and partisans of Belarus.

The four fascets of pedestal hold bronze relief thematic images: "May 9 1945", "Soviet Army during the Great Patriotic War", "Belarusian Partisans", "Honour to Heroes who gave their lives for liberation". In 1984 architects B. Larchenko, B. Shkolnikov, K.Vyazgin re-designed the square from round into oval to fit the exits from metro station. On 1 July 1984 granit blocks were mounted with capsules containing soil from Soviet Hero Cities. 8 May 1985 in commemoration of 40th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War a Memorial Hall opened in the pedestrian underpass under the Victory square. The Hall honors the Heroes of Soviet Union who gave their lives to liberate Belarus from Nazi occupation.