Minsk. A Walk in the Upper Town

     The Upper Town is the most interesting area in the historic center of Minsk. The Upper Town comprises Freedom Square, Muzykalny Lane, Herzen Street, Revolutionary Street, Kirill and Mefodiy Street, International and Zybitskaya streets, and also parts of Komsomol and Engels streets.    The Upper Town received its name in the 16th century; still the first settlers appeared much earlier – in the 12th century. In the middle of the 16th century Upper Town became the place of settlement for the richest and the most influential citizens who built their dwellings here.    Until World War II the Upper Town remained the center for creative and business life of the capital.  During the war many architectural monuments in this part of the city suffered to such an extent that lost the original appearance. However after the war this part of the historical area of Minsk was restored by its citizens.    Today the architectural ensemble of this part of the city, which took a number of centuries to form, is a unique example of town-planning art, when architectural masterpieces representing various epochs and styles, such as classicism and baroque, eclecticism and a modernist style rub shoulders with each other. Tourist portal of Belarus Holiday.by