Shopinista » Belarus

Minsk Photo Diary

olia fenise — Fri, 30 Oct 2015 23:53:45 +0000

Continuing my Minsk Photo Diary from my recent trip to Belarus. Today I am showing you Minsk’s central area where the oldest and the newest buildings create quite a variegated city vibe. More than 80 percent of Minsk was destroyed during WW2, so most of the buildings in the city are no older than 60 years. This is reflected in the monumental Stalinist architecture after Minsk, the “Hero City”, was rebuilt by the best Soviet architects.

Minsk Railway Station, one of the newest editions to the city.

Minsk City Gates, the symbol of the post-war Minsk.

Independence Square, the central and the largest square in Minsk.

KGB Headquarters

The Unions Palace

The Catholic Church of the Saint Simeon and Saint Helena is a temple-memorial of the beginning of the 20th century. The beautiful red brick neo-gothic church was built in memory of the dead children of land owner Edward Woynilowicz.

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Gold Cupolas

olia fenise — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 20:00:34 +0000

On my trip to Belarus this fall I got a chance to visit the Saint Elizabeth Convent (Свято-Елизаветинский Монастырь) for the first time. It is the most beautiful and powerful Monastery I’ve ever been to. Whether it is for religious, architectural, or other interests, I highly encourage everyone to see it. The gold cupolas are breathtaking! Inside it is just as beautiful, but no cameras are allowed. Just be mindful of the local traditions and monastery rules when you visit.

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Belarusian Village Photo Diary

olia fenise — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 01:00:19 +0000

I want to share with you some photos from the village where my grandmother has lived her whole life. I’ve spent a big part of my childhood running around these dirt roads, so every corner holds a special memory. It is not the same as it used to be or as I remember it being. Most of the original residents of this part of the village have passed away, and some old buildings have burned down or been demolished (by humans and by time). I am more fond of the pictures and senses saved in my memory than what is left of the village now, but it would be a shame not to share these with the world.

The beautiful Bezverhovichi Village!

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