Happy Birthday, Minsk!
950 Years Of Belarusian Capital
Minsk - The city over The Svisloch
Minsk has rich history, and it still looks very young and romantic. What is hidden by avenues and small streets of our city? What was Minsk like centuries ago? And what sights can you see nowadays?
There is no exact date of foundation of the city. But this is considered the founding date of the city as under it Minsk first appeared in a historical chronicle in 1067. The city was mentioned in the Russian Povest vremennykh let (‘Tale of Bygone Years’), in connection with the Battle on the Niamiha River. The 11th century was a turning point in the development of the city.
The city was called Menesk, Mensk, Mensk. The next major date in the city’s history is 1499, when Minsk received the Magdeburg rights. The new status affected both economic and political functions of the future Belarusian capital, as well as changed the city’s appearance. The Town Hall was built at that time in the Upper Town. Attempts to remake city planning began in 18th century, when the Belarusian lands got divided between Russia and Prussia.
Talking about the history of our capital we have to admit that Minsk had always had to defend its right to be the capital and first got this status only in 1918.
