Minsk. Freedom Square.

        Freedom Square is located in the historical center of Minsk. The square began to form in the 16th century during the time of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, as the administrative, cultural and commercial center of Minsk.

       The square was located on a hill above the Svisloch river and was called the Upper Market until the 19th century. From the middle of the 19th century, during the Russian Empire and until the 1917 Revolution, the square was called Cathedral Square. After the revolution, it was called Freedom Square. At that time, the square was considered the main one in the capital of Soviet Belarus.

       There are ancient buildings and modern buildings on the square. In the 16th century, the first city hall was built, which was rebuilt several times. In the 19th century, during the Russian Empire, the town hall was demolished. In 2003, the town Hall was rebuilt on old foundations.

      Across the street from the town hall is the Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary, which was built by the Jesuit Order in the early 18th century. To the left of the church is the building of the former Jesuit Collegium, which now houses the College of Music.

        In the very center of the square, a monument was erected in 1901 to Emperor Alexander II, who abolished serfdom in the Russian Empire.

          A monument to composer Stanislav Monyushko and writer Vincent Dunin–Martsinkevich was erected in the park a few years ago.

        Near the Town Hall is the building of the former Basilian monastery, where the trade unions are now located. A few years ago, the former Uniate Church of the Holy Spirit was restored nearby.

      The buildings of the Gostiny Dvor of the early 20th century have been preserved opposite the town Hall. The 'Europa' Hotel was built behind the town hall, which was destroyed by the Nazi invaders in 1941 and rebuilt several years ago. The Academy of Music is located to the left of the hotel.