A Belarus you don't know: we're going on a trip to historic Minsk!

It cannot be denied that the east is not a popular destination. Only recently have we started to be interested in this part of Europe and this is where we are going now for shorter or longer trips. Historical Minsk, which is the capital of Belarus, attracts not only enthusiasts of this part of Europe. The developing city offers many attractions and delicious cuisine. In addition, affordable prices and extremely nice residents make Minsk simply worth seeing.

Following the traces of history ...

Let us not forget that Minsk bears many traces of Polish history - it was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the partitions. Although the architecture was dominated by the socialist realist style in the process of reconstruction, there are also fragments of the former city with 19th-century buildings that will delight architecture lovers and sacred art enthusiasts. Also, seekers of attractions will not be bored here, because Minsk offers entertainment in numerous clubs, cafes and recreation centers.

What cannot be missed while visiting Minsk?

Before going to Minsk, it is worth planning a visit - especially if we are going to the capital of Belarus only for the weekend. What should be included on our "must see" list is primarily:

• Church of Saints Simeon and Helena - also known as the Red Church. It is located at the Independence Square. It was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the neo-Romanesque style. Interestingly, the walls of the church were built of bricks brought from Częstochowa, and the roofs were covered with tiles from Wrocław.
• Zwycięstwa Square - the city's main square located at the intersection of Aleja Niepodległości and Zacharau. In its vicinity, there is the headquarters of the State Television and a park that stretches all the way to the Svisloch River.
• Independence Square - the largest square in Minsk, where the Government House is located, which was the seat of the Supreme Council of the Byelorussian SSR during the Soviet times. Currently, it houses the Belarusian parliament. In front of its entrance there is a monument to Lenin.
• Przydworcowy square - located on the other side of the station. There are two characteristic towers on it, forming the entrance gate to the city. One of them houses the largest clock in Belarus, which was brought from Germany right after the war.
• The Museum of the Great Patriotic War - located at the Victors' Avenue 8. It is devoted to the war that lasted in the years 1941-1945. The museum's collection includes graphics, posters, photographs and civilian and military items from that period.
• Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus - the largest botanical garden in Belarus, operating under the supervision of the Academy of Sciences of Belarus. One of the oldest such institutions in the former USSR. It was established in 1932 by a decision of the Council of People's Commissars.

Before you hit the road check out the traffic regulations in Belarus.

Travel the way you like

If you don't want to move your motorhome for a weekend trip, what's the best way to get to Minsk? Of course, by train. Not only because the journey will pass in comfortable and convenient conditions, but also because thanks to the train connection we will avoid traffic jams and waiting at the border. This is a particularly good solution for everyone who wants to go on a well-deserved vacation and rest - just get on the train, sit comfortably in the armchair and plan a tour of this picturesque Belarusian capital.

Currently, PKP Intercity offers us several convenient rail connections to Minsk. We can choose the route Minsk-Warsaw or the connection from Siedlce or Biała Podlaska. Choosing a daily route, the section of the route to Brest will be covered in a comfortable IC category wagon train, and the road from Brest to Minsk will be served by a modern and fast STADLER Flirt train. Those of us who prefer to travel at night can use the Polonez train, which has sleeping places, three times a week - just take your couchette, relax and… in the morning go sightseeing in Minsk.

Do you want to go on a trip Minsk-Warsaw? Go to the PKP Intercity website and book tickets for the train connection of your choice to Minsk?