Kalinin Square

Kalinin Square in Minsk is a picturesque and well-maintained recreational area that perfectly combines nature and culture. Located opposite the Botanical Garden, the square attracts residents and visitors with its numerous flowerbeds and well-kept pathways. At the center of the square stands a monument to the Soviet figure Mikhail Kalinin, installed in 1978, which has become the subject of contemporary discussions regarding its historical appropriateness. There have been proposals to replace it with a monument to Belarusian national writer Vasyl Bykau and to rename the square. Kalinin Square is also known for its historical buildings. In 1961, an eight-story building was constructed at 1 Kalinin Street, becoming the first in Minsk to issue "guarantee passports" to residents. This building is famous for its murals created as part of the Vulica Brasil festival. The murals depict an endangered bird species – the barn owl – and a composition called "Daytime Moon" spanning the entire height of the building. Kalinin Square is an ideal place for walking and relaxation, combining natural beauty with important cultural and historical elements of the city.