Discovering Belarus: Exploring Beyond Minsk's Borders

Belarus is home to a plethora of attractions outside of its capital, Minsk. One of the most notable is the Brest Fortress in the city of Brest, which was one of the first fortresses to be struck by German troops during World War II. The heroic defence of the fortress led to it being conferred the title of Hero Fortress.

Another must-visit site is the Stalin Line Museum Complex, which includes restored bunkers with authentic interiors, military vehicles, and a reenactment battlefield. Visitors can even try out some of the war machines, including tanks!

For those interested in architecture, the city of Grodno boasts the Old Castle and New Castle, as well as the Palace of the Puslovskys in Kossovo and the Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches.

Nature lovers will enjoy the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, the largest forest in Europe, where you can see noble bison, elegant deer, cautious lynx, and the famed long-eared eagle owl.

Lastly, the Khatyn Memorial Complex serves as a somber reminder of the repulsive crimes committed during World War II and is definitely worth a visit to honour the victims of the war.

Explore the National Library of Belarus

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive structure and the country's largest library, located in Minsk. The building is an architectural marvel, shaped like a rhombicuboctahedron—a complex polyhedron with 18 square and 8 triangular faces. It stands at 73.6 metres (241.5 feet) tall and weighs 115,000 tonnes, with 23 floors capable of seating about 2,000 readers. The library also features a 500-seat conference hall, an observation deck, a cafe, and a gallery.

The National Library is more than just a collection of books; it is a multipurpose centre that combines cutting-edge technology, ultramodern design, and unique architecture. The library's interior is decorated with works by modern Belarusian artists and sculptors, and its exterior facade transforms into a multicoloured LED screen at night, capable of producing over 20 light effect schemes using over 65,000 colours.

The library's history dates back to 1922 when it was founded under the name of the Belarusian State and University Library, containing 60,000 books. In 1926, it became an independent institution, and the decision was made to construct new premises. The current building, designed by architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov, was completed in 2006.

The library's collection has grown significantly over the years, now boasting about 9 to 10 million editions in various media, including printed editions, manuscripts, microcopies, and digital materials created in over 80 languages. The library offers access to a wealth of information resources, such as early printed books, newspapers, magazines, audiovisual documents, thesis papers, and digital resources.

The National Library of Belarus is not just a repository of knowledge but also a socio-cultural and socio-political centre. It hosts various events, including exhibitions, literary and art soirees, book presentations, and cultural days of individual nations. The library also offers educational tours, such as a tour of the library and the Book Museum, a Minsk city tour, and excursions specifically for children.

With its modern design, impressive collection, and versatile functionality, the National Library of Belarus is a must-see destination when visiting the country.

Stroll through Gorky Park

Minsk has many parks and open spaces, and Gorky Park is one of the oldest. It was founded in 1800 as the City Gardens and was renamed in 1936 to honour the Soviet-era writer, Maxim Gorky. The park is located near the Belarusian State Circus, along the bank of the Svisloch River. It's a great place to stroll through, with wide, tree-lined avenues that wind up to a series of park benches overlooking the parkland. There are plenty of play areas and follies, and on a bright day, it's a beautiful spot to wander.

During the warm season, the park offers a range of rides and attractions, including an amusement park with a 56-metre-high Ferris wheel, an educational observatory with a planetarium, and an indoor skating rink. The skating rink is frequented by President Lukashenko, who is known for his love of ice hockey. When the president is at the rink, access to that part of the park is closed to the general public.

Gorky Park is geared towards children, but people of all ages enjoy spending time there. It's a very big park with many paths and beautiful autumn colours. There is also a hockey sports complex on one side of the park.

Visit the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre

The Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre is a must-see for anyone visiting Minsk. This grand building, designed by Belarusian architect Iosif Langbard, is one of the biggest theatres in Europe and an architectural landmark of the city.

The theatre first opened in 1933, based on the Belarusian Opera and ballet school. However, the current building was inaugurated in 1939, with a premiere of Yevgeny Tikotsky's opera 'Mikhas Padgorny' and the ballet 'The Fountain of Bakhchisaray' staged by Kasyan Goleyzovsky. The theatre was granted the title 'Bolshoi' in 1940 and 'Academic' in 1964.

The Bolshoi Theatre has played host to a range of famous operas and ballets, including 'Swan Lake', 'Carmen', 'The Nutcracker', and 'Boris Godunov'. The theatre has also staged works by Belarusian composers, such as 'The Grey Legend' by Dmitry Smolsky and 'Your Spring' by Yevgeny Glebov.

In addition to its performances, the theatre itself is a work of art. The interior features natural stones, marble, and granite, with floors made from nine types of granite and adorned with ornaments. The facade of the theatre is adorned with a sculpture of Apollo and two flying nymphs. The building was renovated and reopened in 2009, with the addition of many sculptures, an expanded audience space, and modern lighting and motion equipment.

The Bolshoi Theatre is easily accessible, located in Minsk's downtown area at 1 Parizhskoi Kommuny Square. It can be reached by ground transport or by taking the metro to the Nemiga station.

For a truly magical experience in Minsk, be sure to catch a show at the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Take a day trip to the Stalin Line Museum Complex and Khatyn Memorial Complex

The Stalin Line Museum Complex and Khatyn Memorial Complex are must-visits for history buffs looking to learn about Soviet war history and honour those who lost their lives in World War II. Here is a guide on what to expect and how to make the most of your day trip to these sites outside of Minsk.

The Stalin Line is an informal name for a defensive line built by the Soviets along their western border in the 1930s. The site is now a museum divided into several sections, including restored bunkers with authentic interiors, exhibition areas with military vehicles and equipment, and a reenactment battlefield. Visitors can even try out some of the war machines, including tanks! The Khatyn Memorial Complex, on the other hand, was constructed to remind the world of the horrific crimes committed by the Nazis during World War II and to educate future generations. Here, you will see the eternal flame of Khatyn and hear the memorial bells, honouring the victims of the war.

The two sites are located within an hour's drive from Minsk and can be easily visited in a half-day or full-day trip. Private tours are available and are a great way to ensure a personalised experience. These tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation by private vehicle. English-speaking drivers are usually provided, and entry tickets to the Stalin Line (approximately €6.50 for adults) may be included in the tour price. It is important to note that admission costs to the Khatyn Memorial are often not included in the tour price, so be sure to clarify this when booking.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that the duration of transfers may vary depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, some tours may have specific requirements or restrictions, such as social distancing or face mask mandates, so be sure to check for any COVID-19 precautions that may be in place.

Overall, a day trip to the Stalin Line Museum Complex and Khatyn Memorial Complex offers a unique opportunity to explore Soviet war history and pay tribute to the victims of World War II. With convenient transportation options and knowledgeable guides, it is a memorable and educational experience for those looking to delve into the past outside of Minsk.

Wander the Upper Town

The Upper Town is the historical centre of Minsk and the central part of the city. Since the middle of the 16th century, the rich and famous inhabitants of Minsk had their houses here. There is so much to see in this neighbourhood, including:

• Minsk City Hall: Initially a wooden structure, the City Hall was rebuilt in stone after a fire in the middle of the 17th century. It was the symbol of independence until the middle of the 19th century, when the tsar of Russia, Nikolay I, ordered its destruction. After the independent Belarusian state was established, the City Hall was rebuilt from scratch and opened its doors to visitors in 2004.
• Cathedral of the Holy Spirit: One of the most visible churches in Minsk, the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is located in the centre of the Upper Town and overlooks the Svisloch River. It is the most important Russian Orthodox church in the city. Back in the 17th century, the building served as a Catholic Bernardine monastery. It was closed in 1922, then converted to Orthodoxy, expanded and renovated. Its holiest icon is said to be the image of the Mother of God, found by Minsk residents in 1500.
• Cathedral of the Holy Name of Mary: This Jesuit church was built in the early 18th century and was visited by Russian tsars Peter the Great and Nikolay II, and Swedish King Karl XII, among others. After the Second World War, the cathedral served as the office of a sports union. In 1993, it was returned to the Church, and restoration artists from Belarus and Poland brought the former splendour back to the brilliant Baroque-style building.
• National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus: There is a good collection of Russian and Belarusian art from over the years, with the work from the 19th century being particularly noteworthy.

The Upper City also has many churches and the town hall, along with small local draft shop traders. It is well worth visiting.

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