The Upper City is one of the most frequently visited metropolitan attractions. Here you can find architectural monuments of different historical eras and styles: Baroque buildings, classicism, eclecticism and modern – all this is presented literally a step away from each other.

The Upper City consists of Svabody Square, Muzyčny Lane, Hiercena, Revaliucyjnaja, Kiryla i Miafodzija, Internacyjanaĺnaja and Handliovaja streets. Here are the former church of St. Joseph and the Basilian monastery, the manor house of the Vańkovičs', as well as the Jesuit collegium and the guest house.

The upper city got its name in the 16th century, but people had lived here already in the 12th century. Since the 16th century, wealthy and influential citizens had settled in the Upper City and built their residences here. Until the outbreak of the Second World War, the Upper City had been the center of business life in Minsk. Unfortunately, the post-war policy of the Soviet government led to the destruction of many historical buildings.

The central element of the entire Upper City is Svabody Square, built in the 16th century. At different times it was called "Rynak", "Vierchni rynak", "Vysokaja plošča", and in the 1860s – "Sabornaja plošča". From 1917 to 1933 it was called "Pliac Voli".

In recent years, the Upper City has been increasingly restoring its historical appearance. The historical building of the streets is being restored, restoration work has returned the atmosphere and unusual mood to the local nooks and houses. The restored Town Hall became one of the main symbols of the capital again.

Publication date: 17.02.2020.

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