Education
The capital of Belarus is an important center for science and education. 164 scientific research institutions operate here, here is the headquarters of the Belarusian Academy of Sciences. In addition, scientific research is carried out in educational centers, the largest of which are: Belarusian Public University, Belarusian National Technical University, Minsk Linguistic University. There are 34 higher education centers in Minsk. In addition, in the city there are 28 technical training institutions, 258 secondary schools, more than 500 pre-school education centers.
Culture
According to Allcitycodes, Minsk is today the most important cultural center in Belarus. In the capital of Belarus there is a wide network of cultural centers: 18 museums (including the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of History and Culture of Belarus, the Belarusian Public Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War), 12 theaters (including the M.Gorki National Dramatic Theater, the Y. Kupala National Dramatic Theater, the Grand National Academic Opera Theater, the Grand National Academic Ballet Theater), 26 club-type centers, 27 arts schools, more of 10 concert organizations and autonomous creative collectives. In addition, there are 29 cinemas and 139 libraries in the city. About 300 magazines are published and more than 700 newspapers. which gives an idea of the importance of this capital in Belarus cultural life. Minsk, a Soviet-style city with first-class opera and ballet.
Among the monuments we can mention the Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, one of the few Baroque style that survived the war, the Cathedral of Saint Joseph and the Fortified Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in which its two twin towers stand out..
Traditions
One of the most celebrated festivals by its residents and the most interesting for tourists is Iván Kupala Day, which is considered a libertine party especially enjoyed by young people. During this day songs are sung and skipping through bonfires. However, the most striking thing is the fact that the girls weave flower crowns that they then throw into the water with the intention that they look for their loved one. In Minsk the most prominent dish is that of mushrooms that are combined with different sauces, which is why in most restaurants this type of food is served. They are part of many recipes such as the gribnoy sup which is a barley and mushroom soup or the kotleta po krestiansky is a meatball from pork in mushroom sauce.
River fish is also very important, since there are many that roam the lands of the city, making it one of the most popular foods. As for drinks, it is recommended to try especially kvass, which is a drink resulting from the fermentation of malt, sugar, peppermint and fruits.
Heritage
The urban complex of a part of the main avenue of the capital, Avenida de la Independencia, was recognized by UNESCO as historical-cultural heritage and among a thousand of the best architectural works it was included in the encyclopedia “World Architecture 1900 – 2002 ” of 10 volumes. The possibility of including this architectural ensemble in the List of UNESCO Cultural Monuments is currently being analyzed. The unique building of the National Library of the Republic of Belarus is located on Independence Avenue.
Attractions in Minsk
- Cathedral of the Holy Spirit: it was for a long time an old church of the monastery of the nuns of the Order of Saint Bernard and is today one of the few constructions of the Baroque of Belarus that can withstand the bombings of the Naziarmies in the Second World war. It is therefore one of the oldest monuments in this city, since it was built in 1642.
- Central Avenue of the Victors: it was the old Francysk Skaryna Avenue, although after the rise to power of the Soviets it was remodeled so that today it is one of the best examples of the Stalinist Empire style that ruled the USSR between 1932 and 1955. At present it is pending to become part of the UNESCO list of monuments.
- Zaslaŭje: it is a fairly old town that was founded in the 10th century. From the remains of the wall that have remained, a lot of information has been extracted from the fortifications of the time as well as some information about this Belarusian castle.
- Church of the Transfiguration: it was built in the 16th century on the site of the Zaslaŭje castle, specifically next to the walls. At first it was a Calvinist temple, but in the 19th century, it was converted into an Orthodox church as a consequence of the general policy of Russification.
- Catholic Church of Our Lady: this temple was built in 1744 by the Italian architect Fontana, being one of the few monuments from the Baroque period that have been able to reach the 21st century and that attract the attention of tourists.
The most popular recreation place in the city is the Minsk artificial sea, which is surrounded by beaches and parks. The city is also home to the main Belarusian zoo and some spa facilities.
Sports
The ice skating becomes an especially popular sport in Minsk, where you can skate in front of the National Palace.
