October Square, also known as Kastrychnitskaya Square in the Belarusian language, is one of the most significant squares in the center of Minsk. It is located in the Central District of the city, bordered by Independence Avenue, Engels Street, and Internatsionalnaya Street. Along the square are important administrative and cultural buildings, such as the Palace of the Republic, the Palace of Culture of Trade Unions, the Minsk Regional Executive Committee building, and RUE "Beltelecom." Metro stations "Oktyabrskaya" and "Kupalauskaya" are also located here, making the square one of the key transportation hubs of the capital.
The square has a rich history, beginning to take shape in the post-war years. Initially, it was called Central Square, as it was the main venue for state holidays and ceremonial events. Construction began in 1949-1950 when several administrative buildings appeared here, and in 1952, a 10-meter-tall monument to Joseph Stalin was erected. However, the monument stood for only nine years and was dismantled in 1961.
In 1957, government stands were installed on the square, from which the leadership of the Belarusian SSR would view parades and greet demonstrations, making the square the central location for political events in the city. However, in 1980, construction began on the Oktyabrskaya metro station, leading to the gradual transfer of parades to Lenin Square (now Independence Square).
The official renaming of Central Square to October Square took place in 1984, after the opening of the first metro line. During this period, construction began on the Palace of the Republic — a large multifunctional cultural and concert complex. The construction took 17 years and was completed only in the early 2000s. The Palace of the Republic became the key architectural element of October Square, its massive 45-meter-high building with underground floors extending 20 meters down occupies a significant part of the square.
An important architectural landmark of the square is the Alexander Square, adjacent to Independence Avenue. In the park, there is an old fountain with the sculpture "Boy with a Swan," around which are memorial architectural objects of the Soviet era, including former government stands. The park is surrounded by the Central House of Officers, the residence of the President of the Republic of Belarus, and the National Academic Theater named after Yanka Kupala. This historical ensemble makes October Square not only a center of city life but also an important cultural space.
The square also has a "Zero Kilometer" marker, symbolizing the start of all the country's roads, adding to its symbolic significance. In the winter, the city's main New Year tree is traditionally installed here, and an open-air skating rink is set up. The square becomes the center of Christmas and New Year's celebrations, with fairs and mass festivities taking place.
Modern October Square continues to develop. Where the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War used to stand, the Capital Palace business center was built. The square remains a popular place not only for Minsk residents but also for visitors to the capital, attracting people with cultural events and the opportunity to enjoy walks in one of the most picturesque and historically significant areas of the city.
Thus, October Square, originally designed as the central place for state holidays, has now transformed into a cultural and business center of Minsk. It combines historical heritage, monuments of Soviet-era architecture, and modern cultural spaces, making it one of the most popular and recognizable places in the Belarusian capital.
