Overview:

Lenin Square in the capital city of Minsk, Belarus, was renamed from Lenin Square to Independence Square in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The square is located in the centre of the city and was a major focal point for many public events before and during the Soviet period. The square is around 100,00 square meters and is dominated by a large statue of Lenin that was erected in 1954. There is also a memorial dedicated to those who died fighting for the Soviet Union in World War II. The surrounding area around the square is home to a number of other monuments, memorials, and important buildings. The Government House, BelExpo exhibition centre, Centre of Contemporary Art, and Minsk Opera and Ballet House are all located in the area near the square. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belarus
Prominent Features:

1. Monument of Lenin: This grand monument is situated in the heart of Lenin Square in Minsk, and it is the only monument dedicated to the leader of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution. It stands at 33 feet, and at its pedestal stands a statue of Vladimir Lenin. 2. Grand National Assembly of Belarus: Located just north of the Lenin monument, the Grand National Assembly of Belarus is the main state building in Minsk. It is the highest legislative body in the country and contains the chamber of the National Assembly of Belarus. 3. Alexander Gate and Monument: This monument is a war memorial that honors those who served in the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. It stands at the eastern side of Lenin Square and is made up of two granite stelae in the shape of a star with a sculpture of wings at the top. 4. Minks Cathedral: This majestic Orthodox Church, one of the oldest in the city, stands on the southern side of Lenin Square. It was built in a Neo-Byzantine style and features colorful external windows and a tall bell tower. 5. National Library of Belarus: Standing across the street from the Cathedral, the National Library of Belarus is the main library and one of the largest in the country. It was founded in 1922 and contains over eight million items, including books, magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, and photographs. 6. Planetarium: Located south of the square, the Minsk Planetarium offers a unique entertainment experience. It features an interactive display of the solar system and hosts astronomy lectures, special shows for children, and even laser shows. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belarus.

History:

Lenin Square in Minsk was first established in the early 1960s and became an iconic landmark of the city of Minsk. It covers 3.3 hectares and is located in central Minsk. The square is named after Vladimir Lenin, leader of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Beginning in 1962, the square was the site of Lenin's mausoleum, a large burial site in which the embalmed body of Lenin was displayed. The mausoleum was considered a major attraction for many tourists visiting the city, and it remained at the square until 1991 when it was moved to a new location. The square also played a part in the Soviet Union's space program, when in 1966 the Sputnik 10 capsule containing the first dog in space, Laika, was displayed in the square. In 1980, the ‘Victory Monument’ was built in the western part of the square, featuring a 24-meter tall granite obelisk topped with a star representing the Soviet Union. This monument pays tribute to the victory of the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War, and it still stands today. In recent years, the square has undergone major redevelopment, with numerous new buildings and monuments being added. Parts of the original architecture still remain, such as the House of Trade Unions at the eastern part of the square and the Oktyabrskaya Hotel at the southern part. Lenin Square is now a major hub for public transport in Minsk, with bus and tram services operating throughout the square. It is also a popular gathering spot for the city’s citizens, often hosting demonstrations and rallies. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belarus with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Lenin Square is the largest public plaza in Minsk and the former capital of Belarus, surrounded by historical and cultural monuments, parks, and one of the oldest clock towers in the city. 2. Lenin Square was originally built in the mid-19th century as the tramway square and was the first stop of a tram line that connected Minsk to Vilnius. 3. In 1918 the square was renamed Lenin Square to honor Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the 1917 October Revolution in Russia. 4. In the 1930s, a monument to Lenin was erected in the center of the square. 5. During the Second World War, the square was heavily damaged and the monument was destroyed by the Nazi occupation forces. 6. The current monument to Lenin was unveiled in 1957 and is one of the largest monuments in Minsk, measuring 14 meters in height and 8 meters in Width. 7. In 2012, the square was renovated and a number of historical buildings and monuments were restored. 8. Every August, the square is the site of the national Belarusian Harvest Festival. It is also the site of many concerts and other events throughout the year. One of the historical monuments of Belarus, it tells the story of a bygone era