The trip, in order
Follow the route day by day. Times and prices can change, so check official information before you travel.
National collections and civic centre
Minsk
- 1
National Library of Belarus
National Library of Belarus is worth including for its role as a monumental national library whose geometric high-rise form has become a defining feature of modern Minsk. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are the rhombicuboctahedron-shaped main volume; national collections; broad views from the upper levels when public access is available. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 90 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 2
Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War
Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War is worth including for its role as Belarus’s principal museum devoted to the Second World War on its territory, with large military and civilian collections. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are large object displays; occupation and resistance galleries; military equipment; the Hall of Victory. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its.
- Duration
- 90 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 3
National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus
National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus is worth including for its role as the country’s main fine-art collection, spanning Belarusian, Russian and wider European traditions. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are Belarusian religious art; nineteenth- and twentieth-century painting; sculpture; changing exhibitions. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 90 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 4
National History Museum of the Republic of Belarus
National History Museum of the Republic of Belarus is worth including for its role as a national collection covering archaeology, material culture, state formation and everyday life across Belarus. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are archaeological finds; coins and documents; traditional material culture; rotating historical exhibitions. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 90 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
Upper Town and riverside memory
Minsk
- 1
Holy Spirit Cathedral
Holy Spirit Cathedral is worth including for its role as the principal Orthodox cathedral in central Minsk, occupying a former monastic church above the historic upper town. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are Baroque exterior; cathedral interior; historic icons; views across the upper town. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 90 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 2
Trinity Suburb
Trinity Suburb is worth including for its role as a compact riverside quarter of reconstructed and restored low-rise buildings that evokes pre-war Minsk. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are colourful façades; Svislach riverfront; small museums and courtyards; pedestrian lanes. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 75 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 3
Island of Tears
Island of Tears is worth including for its role as a small memorial island commemorating Belarusians who died in the Soviet war in Afghanistan. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are memorial chapel; guardian angel figure; riverside setting; inscriptions and sculptural details. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 75 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 4
Freedom Square and Upper Town
Freedom Square and Upper Town is worth including for its role as the historic civic centre of Minsk, surrounded by reconstructed and surviving religious and municipal landmarks. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are city hall; cathedral façades; pedestrian streets; views towards the Svislach. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 75 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
Squares, church and parkland
Minsk
- 1
Victory Square
Victory Square is worth including for its role as a major ceremonial square focused on the Victory Monument and the memory of the Second World War. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are Victory Monument; eternal flame; monumental avenue architecture; underground memorial hall. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 75 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 2
Church of Saints Simon and Helena
Church of Saints Simon and Helena is worth including for its role as a distinctive red-brick Roman Catholic church beside Independence Square. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are red-brick Romanesque Revival exterior; twin-tower composition; interior artworks; central-city setting. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 90 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 3
Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences
Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences is worth including for its role as a large scientific garden with collections arranged across landscaped grounds in eastern Minsk. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are arboretum; seasonal flower displays; glasshouse collections when open; long shaded paths. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 75 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.
- 4
Loshitsa Manor and Park
Loshitsa Manor and Park is worth including for its role as a restored manor landscape on the southern side of Minsk, combining a historic house with mature parkland. The visit adds a concrete layer to an itinerary centred on Minsk, because the architecture, collections or landscape can be understood in its actual regional setting rather than as an isolated name on a map. Its strongest points are manor house; old trees; riverside paths; estate outbuildings. Together these elements help explain how Belarusian history, belief, art, warfare or landscape developed in this part of the country, while giving the stop enough substance to stand on its own within a broader journey.
- Duration
- 75 minutes suggested
- Price
- Check current admission arrangements
- Start time
- Choose a start time that suits your day.