Francysk Scaryna avenue in Minsk

I am not going to make a habit out of reviewing former TWHS, but I sincerely thought that the 20th century Minsk architecture still was on the Tentative List of Belarus. However, it was removed from it in 2015. And that while Soviet (or Stalinist) Architecture is not yet represented on the List. Worthwhile other additions in this category could be The Soviet Architecture of Moscow and The Motherland Calls Statue (Volgograd), both featuring in our Top 50 Missing. Anyway, it would not surprise me if Belarus would renominate Minsk in the future. More on that later.

The Architectural ensemble of Francysk Scaryna avenue in Minsk (1940's -1950's) - the full name of the former TWHS - includes the buildings along the city’s 2.9 km long main avenue. It was a harmoniously planned cityscape, constructed in 15 years time after the end of World War II. Minsk had been severely damaged during the war, turning 80% of the houses into rubble. Its architectural design was made by M. Parusnikov, who was selected after a competition.

Today the street has been renamed into ‘Independence Avenue’, dropping the name of Francysk Scaryna (a 16th century Belarussian humanist and language reformer). Ian has reviewed this site a few years ago, and I do agree with him that Minsk is a surprisingly enjoyable city. It has a combination of an almost Parisian elegance with a youthful vibe. I first walked this avenue on my way from the train station to my hotel in the …

For some reason I really liked Minsk. It isn't rammed full of must see sites and isn't really the prettiest place in the world, however I enjoyed the three days I was based here.

This proposal for World Heritage listing was what is now called Nezavisimosty Avenue (but in all likelihood this will be renamed at some stage in the future when the Political whim has changed to something else) this is the central street in the city and one that was mostly built in grand Soviet Architecture, following the cities almost total obliteration during the Great Patriotic War (WWII to those of us from the west). It is actually a quite a long ensemble, about 3km, taking in many fine edifices and large sweeping squares. There are still remnants of the Soviet Union; Statues of Lenin, KGB headquarters and GUM Centralised Shop (best place for souvenirs and a taste of shopping soviet style) but these now sit alongside modern capitalist facades, including a huge McDonald's (on the intersection with Lenin Street of all places).

We spent a great day walking from Nazalezhnasti Square, decorated for the upcoming 65th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, all the way through to Victory square. We then ducked of into Gorky park to 'enjoy' a cool glass of Kvass and watch the May Day festivities with the friendly population of the city. This gave us a look at the roofs on the pedestrian subways that supposedly led to it being rejected …