MinskDating back to the 10th century,
Minsk, capital of
Belarus, is one of
Europe's oldest cities, but it presents a surprisingly modern aspect today, most of its historic buildings having been flattened during World War II. After the war, during the 1950s, Minsk was rebuilt as a showpiece Soviet city, and little has changed since then. Scrupulously neat wide boulevards and squares lined with grandiose block-style buildings, interspersed with looming statues of
Lenin, war memorials and Soviet symbols, set the backdrop for this city which is home to almost two-million people, on the banks
of the Svisloch River.
Visitors to Minsk will find it hard not to be struck by the simple pride and joy the local citizens take in their city, where the interiors and style are a somewhat 'over-the-top' and often kitsch attempt at modern sophistication. There are nightclubs and casinos full of mirrors and lights; restaurants with steel and glass levels; theaters oozing baroque both on and off-stage; and a variety of incredibly themed health spas (called 'saunas') where waterfalls cascade into indoor pools. It all adds up to a fascinating experience, which visitors either love or hate, but cannot fail to appreciate.
The present in Minsk is interesting, but so is the past. Because of its central eastern location between
Poland and
Ukraine, this city has been a European battleground over the centuries, suffering at the hands off the Russian Tsar's troops in the 1600s,
Peter the Great and
Sweden in the 1700s, Napoleon and then
Hitler. Perhaps it is not surprising that the city is seemingly content under communism-inspired rule after all it endured with imperialism.
Getting Around: The best way to get around Minsk is on the fast, efficient and extremely clean Metro system. It does tend to be very crowded however. To access places not served by the Metro there is a good system of trams, buses and trolley buses, which run from 5.30am to after midnight every day. It is wise to avoid peak hours. Taxis tend to be expensive, and should be booked by telephone from reliable, official operators. Taxis flagged in the street tend to be private and may rip off unsuspecting visitors. State taxis are yellow, and are metered. Ensure meters are turned on when departing. Drivers prefer to negotiate fares before you board.
Climate: This humid, damp city has precipitation on most days of the year, with wet summers and snowy winters. The climate in Minsk is, however, moderate with an average January temperature of 21°F (-6°C) and an average July temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters are mild, with snow, while summers are warm and usually damp; two thirds of the annual precipitation falls during the summer months. May to September is the warmest time of year. Fog is common during the autumn and spring.
