History of Minsk

There are a lot of legends about Minsk. One of them says that a long time ago, near the Vilna`s post road, settled the mighty witch-doctor Menesk. On the Svisloch river (river, on which the city is standing now), he built a stone mill on seven wheels. Flour there wasn`t milled from corn, but from stones. Every night Menesk went on his mill and chose the strongest and bravest young men, who are ready to defend their native land from the enemies. The volunteers were settled near Menesk, and so appeared a city: Menesk - Mensk - Minsk.

Well, scientists believe, that the city got its name from the river Menka, on which was founded. Or from the Slavic word "mena", as the city was and still is at the crossing of trade roads, where goods were exchanged. The history of Minsk is about 10 centuries long. First time Minsk was mentioned in the legendary Tale of Bygone Years in 1067. For a long time Minsk was the center of the Minsk principality, and then - the administrative center in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Since 1918 it is the capital of Belarus.

Minsk today

Today Minsk is a major industrial, cultural, scientific center of the country. Besides, this is the geographical center of Europe. The city is located at the intersection of major roads and railway roads joining East and West. Despite the fact that the population is about 2 million people, it is quite compact and convenient for traveling. Minsk has a regular round shape, so the distance from the center of the city - here are all the major cultural, commercial and historical objects - up to the outskirts of almost the same in any direction. Inhabitants of Minsk are very friendly, good-natured and hospitable.

Did you know that:

• More than 130 nationalities live in Minsk.
• Minsk - one of the sportiest cities in Europe. Recently a new complex, the Minsk Arena was built. That’s the place the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be held this year!
• Minsk is still is one of the greenest cities of the continent. Surprisingly, more than two thousand hectares of natural forest are located in the city. Also there are 20 parks and 163 squares!
• Minsk has unusual architecture. On one street, you can see both modern buildings and buildings, which were built centuries ago. And the main street of the city - Independence Avenue - is included in the top 1000 world's best architectural works.
• There are 11 theaters and dozens of theatre studios in Minsk. A special pride of the capital is the National Opera and Ballet Theater, recently opened after extensive renovation. Belarusian School of Opera and Ballet is one of the best in the world!