When in Minsk
Minsk has seen its fair share of attacks since the eastern slavs arrived in the region in the sixth century. The Crimean Tarters destroyed it in 1505, as did the French in 1812. The Germans had a go in 1918 and the city was occupied by the Poles in 1919 and 1920 during the Polish-Soviet war. This led to the 1921 Treaty of Riga and the city becoming part of the USSR in 1922. For a time Soviets encouraged Belarussian values and culture but Stalin brought an end to this in the 1930s, which saw mass executions. Nazi occupation during World War II was even worse, with half the population left dead, including most of the city's 50,000 Jews. Following the Soviet recapture in 1944 the city was completely refashioned and today much of the communist architecture remains, including the KGB building. Independence came in 1991.
The Museum of the Great Patriotic War on pr Francyska Skaryny is a gruesome but superb exhibition detailing World War II. There are huge numbers of rooms to explore, with many of the images the most striking exhibits. These include Nazi atrocities against Jews and partisans being executed in Minsk. Explanations are not available in English and it is closed on Mondays.
The Palats Mastatsva, or art palace, on vul Kazlova is a great place to spend a few hours. The Belarussian art on show is of a good standard and the modern art exhibitions are particularly renowned. Add antique and second-hand book stalls to the mix and you have a great place to go and explore. Closed on Mondays.
Just 25 miles south of town is the Dudutki living museum. Working practices from the 19th century, such as carpentry, pottery and baking take centre stage here and the place is truly remarkable, with visitors free to wander around the extensive grounds and buildings, including the working farm, looking in on people and machinery. Horse riding is also an option here, after which you will want to visit the restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of traditional meals and plenty of the local liquor, samagon.
The majority of international flights arrive at Minsk-2 airport, 25 miles to the east of town, from where hourly buses will take you the rest of the way. Minsk-1 is on the outskirts of the city but only receives short flights from neighbouring countries, although links with Moscow and St Petersburg are good.
Minsk has good bus links with other countries. Central station is the handiest station for visitors and offers services to Paris, Prague, Moscow, St Petersburg and Warsaw.
The new train station is an unexpected treat for visitors and offers many long-distance options, including to the usual eastern European suspects.
Minsk has two metro lines for those wishing to go subterranean, while the trolleybuses offer a good alternative. Tickets on all forms of transport bar the metro can be bought from the person in the brightly-coloured outfit on board.
Expect a snowy time if you're arriving between November and March when things can get bitterly cold. Summers are very pleasant and not overly hot, although rain can be expected in June and August.
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Introduction
