Minsk

Grade 7

   Have you ever been to Minsk? If you haven’t, you must visit the capital of Belarus. It’s an attractive, clean and green city that stands on the river Svisloch. Minsk is situated in the centre of the Republic. It is the largest city of Belarus with the population of about two million. And it is one of the oldest cities too. There is no historical record for the date when Minsk was founded but it was first mentioned as Mensk in 1067. There are many beautiful sights in Minsk – parks and gardens, churches and cathedrals, museums and exhibition centres, sports palaces and fitness centres, cinemas and theatres, hotels and night clubs, monuments and department stores, the famous building of the National Library and the picturesque river banks.

   What are the symbols of Minsk? Belarusian boys and girls would say that they are Cheluskintsi Park, Gorky Park and the Circus. Mums with babies will choose the Botanical Garden. Veterans will name the Pobeda (Victory) monument in Pobeda Square. Students will say that Minsk is famous for its cafes and discos, computer and night clubs and, of course, for its universities. Businessmen are sure that modern high-rise buildings of banks and offices are the symbols of the capital. Visitors from Germany or Poland think that Minsk can be proud of its Opera and Ballet theatre. For some hard-working Belarusians the true symbols of Minsk are the factories of the capital. People from other Belarusian towns and villages are sure that the Minsk underground is the best symbol of Minsk. It is so comfortable to travel in and so convenient – it can take you to many places of interest of the city.

   Come to Minsk to see with your own eyes the sights of its beautiful city. You will understand that the hospitable and kind people of Minsk are the true symbol of the capital. Minsk is worth visiting. Welcome to Minsk!

1. Where is your city / town / village situated? Is it a picturesque place? 
2. When was it founded or when was it first mentioned?
3. Did it suffer a lot in the World War II?
4. What places of interest are there in your city / town / village? 
5. How many of the old buildings survived?
6. Is it attractive? Is it worth visiting?