Andrei Halias

Independence Square in Minsk is the largest and one of the central squares of the Belarusian capital, boasting a rich history and cultural significance. Its construction began in 1933 based on a project by the renowned Soviet architect Iosif Langbard. Initially, it was called Lenin Square, and for many decades it was an important public and political center of Minsk. Numerous events, parades, and demonstrations take place on the square, and its unique architectural ensemble is a hallmark of the city.

The dominant structure on the square is the Government House, built in the constructivist style in the 1930s. It is one of the largest public buildings in Minsk, where the Parliament and the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus are now located. Architect Iosif Langbard not only designed the Government House but also the overall plan of the square, which envisioned the creation of a civic center for the city. In 1933, a monument to V.I. Lenin, created by sculptor Matvey Manizer, was installed in front of the building. The monument depicts Lenin at the moment of addressing Red Army soldiers, who were heading to the Polish front in 1920.

During World War II, in July 1941, the Lenin monument was destroyed by Nazi German occupiers, but in 1945 it was restored based on surviving models. The monument was recast in Leningrad and reinstalled in its original place. The Government House and the Lenin monument are key elements of the square’s architectural ensemble, preserved from the pre-war period.

One of the architectural gems of the square is the Red Church (Church of Saints Simon and Helena), built in the early 20th century in the Neo-Gothic style. This Catholic church was erected with funds from Belarusian nobleman Edward Woyniłowicz in memory of his children. The church, made of red brick, contrasts with the white monumental buildings of the Soviet era, giving the square a distinctive character. Around the Red Church are other significant landmarks, such as the Minsk Hotel, the Main Post Office, and the Minsk City Executive Committee.

The modern appearance of the square was shaped after a reconstruction that took place from 2002 to 2006. During this period, the square's infrastructure was significantly changed: an underground shopping center "Stolitsa" and a four-level parking lot for 500 cars were built. The above-ground part of the square was transformed into a recreational area with walking paths, a musical fountain, and the "Three Storks" sculpture composition. These changes made the square more convenient for city residents and visitors.

Independence Square is an important tourist and cultural site in Minsk. It is visited by many tourists, and tour groups regularly explore its history and architectural features. Thanks to a thoughtfully designed architectural ensemble that includes buildings from different eras — from the early 20th century to the Soviet period — Independence Square represents a harmonious blend of old and modern architecture.

Also located here are buildings of the Belarusian State University and the Maxim Tank Pedagogical University, both constructed during the Soviet period. In this area, you can also see other monuments, such as the Archangel Michael sculpture, installed in 1996, and the "Nagasaki Bell" monument, dedicated to the tragic events of the atomic bombing in Japan.

The "Lenin Square" metro station, located near the square, retains its original name from the Soviet era, further emphasizing the square’s connection to the historical past of the city and the country.

Overall, Independence Square is not just an important architectural site but also a symbol of Belarus’s long history. It reflects the key events that have taken place in the country over the decades, from the Soviet era to the present day. The square continues to serve as the center of public life and an important cultural heritage of Minsk. Tourists visiting the capital of Belarus always include Independence Square in their itineraries to witness its grandeur and beauty.

独立广场 位于明斯克，是白俄罗斯首都最大的广场之一，具有丰富的历史和文化意义。它的建设始于1933年，由著名的苏联建筑师约瑟夫·朗巴德设计。最初，它被称为列宁广场，并且在数十年间一直是明斯克的重要公共和政治中心。广场上经常举办各种活动、游行和示威，其独特的建筑群是城市的标志之一。

广场上的主要建筑是建于1930年代的构成主义风格的政府大楼。它是明斯克最大的公共建筑之一，现在是白俄罗斯共和国议会和部长会议的所在地。建筑师约瑟夫·朗巴德不仅设计了政府大楼，还设计了整个广场的总体规划，计划将其打造成城市的公共中心。1933年，在大楼前竖立了由雕塑家马特维·马尼泽尔创作的列宁纪念碑。纪念碑描绘了列宁在1920年向即将奔赴波兰前线的红军战士发表演讲的情景。

二战期间，1941年7月，列宁纪念碑被纳粹德国占领军摧毁，但在1945年，根据保存下来的模型对其进行了重建。纪念碑在列宁格勒重新铸造并重新安置在原处。政府大楼和列宁纪念碑是广场建筑群的重要组成部分，它们保存至今，见证了战前的岁月。

广场的建筑瑰宝之一是红教堂（圣西蒙与圣海伦娜教堂），这座天主教教堂于20世纪初以新哥特式风格建造。该教堂由白俄罗斯贵族爱德华·沃伊尼洛维奇为纪念他的孩子们而资助建造。教堂由红砖砌成，与苏联时期的白色纪念性建筑形成鲜明对比，赋予广场独特的色彩。红教堂周围还有其他重要建筑，如明斯克酒店、主邮局和明斯克市执行委员会。

广场的现代面貌是在2002年至2006年进行的重建后形成的。此次重建大幅改造了广场的基础设施：地下建造了“首都”购物中心和一个可容纳500辆车的四层停车场。地上部分则被改造成一片休闲区，有步行小道、音乐喷泉和“白鹳三人组”雕塑。此项改造使广场对市民和游客而言更加方便舒适。

独立广场是明斯克重要的旅游和文化景点。许多游客前来参观，旅游团定期了解其历史和建筑特色。由于精心设计的建筑群包含了不同时期的建筑——从20世纪初到苏联时期，独立广场代表了古老与现代建筑的和谐结合。

这里还坐落着白俄罗斯国立大学和马克西姆·坦克教育大学的建筑，均建于苏联时期。在这个地区，还可以看到其他纪念碑，例如1996年竖立的天使长米迦勒雕像和“长崎钟”纪念碑，纪念日本原子弹轰炸的悲剧事件。

位于广场附近的“列宁广场”地铁站保留了苏联时代的原名，进一步强调了广场与城市和国家历史的联系。

总的来说，独立广场不仅是一个重要的建筑物，也是白俄罗斯悠久历史的象征。它反映了几十年来该国发生的重大事件，从苏联时期到现代。广场继续作为公共生活的中心和明斯克重要的文化遗产。前往白俄罗斯首都的游客总会将独立广场列入行程，以亲眼目睹其宏伟和美丽。