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MINSK
Located beside Svislach and Niamiha rivers, Minsk is the capital city of Belarus. There is a legend that relates to the name of this city with a giant called Mincz. But it is more likely that the name is derived from river Menka that flow 20 Kms. from present centre of the city.
Recorded history of Minsk dates back to the 11th century, when in 1067 a fearsome battle took place between Polotsk and Kiev beside River Niamiha. In 1326, Minsk became a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This was actually a common Belarusian-Lithuanian state that created the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth after the Union of Lublin in 1569. However, Minsk received its constitutional rights in 1499.
Winter in Minsk
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Tsar Alexei of Russia occupied Minsk in 1655, but soon the king of Poland Jan Kasimir revived it. However, Minsk was again occupied by Russia in 1793 as a result of the Second Partition of Poland. In the 19th century under Russian rule, Minsk developed rapidly. Many tourist attractions of today were built during this period. Nowadays, many travelers visit the city on business and other purpose and reside in newly developed hostels and hotel that are available at low prices. Minsk was considered as an important railway junction and provided accommodation to 91,494 citizens.
Most of the churches that were built during this time were demolished later on. This happened due to German attacks during World War II. In the following years the communist authorities also destroyed some historical monuments. Catholic Kalvaryja is one of the few churches that are still standing proudly, representing the architecture of this era. Minsk had a speedy growth after World War II and many houses were built to support the ever-increasing population. These days many houses are converted to bed and breakfasts and there are numerous apartments for rent in the mikrorayon district.
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