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Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

There are a lot of exiting cities in the world which are famous for beautiful old buildings and monuments, museums and galleries, theatres and concert halls or big modern shopping centers. Minsk is neither as big as the world’s famous capitals nor can it boast of having as many tourist attractions. But in many respects it’s a remarkable city and there are a lot of things to see and do in Minsk. Minsk is a political, economic, cultural center of our country.

One of the most beautiful places in Minsk is Trinity suburb. The history of our capital begins precisely here. Minsk is an ancient city which is more than 900 years old. It was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1067. At first it was a small village with a small fortress located on a riverside of the Svisloch. The name of the city is believed to come from the name of the river Menka. According to other versions, the name derives the word “Mena” as in ancient times there used to be a barter market on the right bank of the river Svisloch.

Minsk was destroyed many times, but the inhabitants restored the city, which every time was becoming more and more beautiful.

Minsk is a hero-city. It was honored with the title in 1974 for people’s courage and heroism during the great patriotic war.

Minks has many faces and means many things to many people. The most profitable enterprises are concentrated here, the most important and significant events of cultural life take place here, the representations of large political organizations and associations are here too.

Minsk is the major industrial center of Belarus. There are enterprises predicting automobiles, tractors, refrigerators, bicycles, watches and other goods. Our tractors and other articles enjoy a high reputation in our country and abroad.

Minsk is also a large educational center. There are leading higher educational institutions of our republic in Minsk. The Academy of Sciences and many research institutes are located there too.

As in Belarus both Catholics and Orthodox believers live there are many Catholic and Orthodox churches, which are not only religious centers, but also architectural embellishment of our capital.

Now Minsk is a large and beautiful city with the population more than 2 million. There are all conditions for work and valuable rest. If you want to have a rest from urban noise, you should go to the Botanical Garden or to any park. In Minsk there are also 9 professional theaters, a circus and more than 20 cinemas. Some new theaters, for example the Satire and Humor Khristophore Theatre, the Movie Actor Theatre-Studio were recently inaugurated. It is possible to get acquainted with history of our capital in the Museum of regional ethnography. Numerous exhibitions dedicated to technical progress, art and etceteras are organized in Minsk.

The cultural life of Minsk is diverse and attracts tourists, who get surprised and charmed with the originality of our capital.