Minsk. Osmolovka quarter.

Osmolovka's history dates back to a difficult time for Minsk, immediately after the end of World War II. In 1945, when the city was destroyed, Belarusian architects Mikhail Osmolovsky (whose name, after almost seven decades, was unofficially assigned to the quarter) and Mikhail Ruchko began designing a new residential area. Their goal was not just to erect buildings, but to create a favorable urban environment for people who had survived the hardships of the war.

Construction work was carried out for five years, from 1945 to 1949. Interestingly, German and Italian prisoners of war participated in the construction. In total, 40 two-storey houses were built, covering an area of about 7 hectares between Bogdanovich, Kommunisticheskaya, Kuibysheva and Kiselyova streets.

Osmolovka was originally conceived as a residential area for officers, scientists, artists and civil servants. The houses had spacious rooms with high ceilings and a comfortable layout that provided maximum comfort. The architects also paid attention to the infrastructure. Kindergartens were built in the center of both blocks. Each courtyard was surrounded by greenery of gardens and flower beds, which created an atmosphere of rural comfort in the center of the capital.

This area is an integral architectural ensemble. The buildings here are designed in the same style, but with four different design options. They are decorated with bay windows, porticos, balconies with elegant railings. In some houses along Kiselyov Street, attics were equipped, where art workshops were located.

Osmolovka's fate has not always been simple. A few years ago, she faced the threat of extinction. In 2017, Minskgrado specialists developed a project that could radically change the appearance of this quiet corner of old Minsk. According to this project, all buildings were to be demolished. In their place, it was planned to erect modern 5-6-storey buildings with underground parking and built-in facilities, which would lead to the complete disappearance of the unique atmosphere of Osmolovka. These plans have caused a wide public outcry. Minsk residents, architects, historians and concerned citizens opposed the demolition of the historic quarter. The struggle for the preservation of Osmolovka continued for several years.

There was a turning point in 2019. The Ministry of Culture has approved a project for the protection of immovable areas of tangible historical and cultural values in the Osmolovka residential area. This decision meant that the territory of 12 hectares received the status of historical and cultural value of Belarus and is under state protection. The construction of outbuildings and the placement of industrial enterprises is prohibited on this territory.

Today Osmolovka is going through a renaissance period. The area is becoming one of the most popular and attractive places in Minsk. Having preserved its historical appearance, the quarter is filled with new life. Cozy cafes and bars open here, turning Osmolovka into a place of attraction for lovers of atmospheric places.