Cathedral of the Holy GhostCity/Region: Minsk
One of
Minsk's only remaining historic buildings, the Cathedral of the Holy Ghost dates back to 1642 when it was built as a convent for Bernadine nuns. Like the city itself, the Cathedral has a chequered history, damaged by fire in 1741, turned into a monastery, and ultimately closed down by the
Bolsheviks. Today it is once again open for services and visitors, and is one of the city's prime attractions with its remarkable collection of icons from the
Moscow Academic School. The collection includes the Icon of the Mother
of God, according to legend discovered in the river in Minsk in 1500, allegedly made by St Luke the Evangelist.
Address: 3 Cyril and Methodius Street
Phone Number: (17) 227 6609
Chelyuskinites ParkCity/Region: Minsk
For all the fun of the fair, old-fashioned style, visit the Chelyuskinites Amusement Park in the city center of Minsk. Established in 1932 and little changed since, it is a far cry from
Disneyland, but there is plenty of fun to be had on rides like a Ferris wheel and roller-coaster, and one can rent radio-controlled planes to play with (the park is named after a famous Belarussian pilot). Alongside the park is a very pleasant Botanical Garden to stroll through.
Address: Skoriny Street
Admission: Entry to the park is free, but admission to each ride is charged
National Museum of Culture and HistoryCity/Region: Minsk
Those interested in the long and turbulent history of
Belarus can do no better than to visit the
National Museum of Culture and History, which chronicles the past from 40,000 BC through to the present. Among the most interesting exhibits are archaeological finds from the area's primitive societies, ancient manuscripts, a collection of folk costumes, and an exposition on the heraldry of Belarus.
Address: 25a Francisk Skorina Avenue
Phone Number: (17) 227 1166
Hours: Daily 11am to 7pm
Museum of the Great Patriotic WarCity/Region: Minsk
Not for the faint-hearted, the
Great Patriotic War Museum showcases the horrors of World War II. Included among the exhibits are a model of a Nazi concentration camp, and an interesting section depicting the Belarussian resistance movement.
Address: 25 Skoriny Avenue
Phone Number: (17) 227 1166
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
