General Post Office Building, Minsk
The General Post Office Building, or Main Post Office, stands proudly on Independence Avenue as one of Minsk鈥檚 most iconic landmarks. Established in 1946, it remains the city鈥檚 central postal enterprise, continuing to organize mail and telegraph services while offering modern amenities such as Internet access. More than a functioning postal hub, it represents an enduring link between the city鈥檚 past and present鈥攁 living monument to communication in all its evolving forms.
Constructed between 1949 and 1953, the building was designed by architect V. Karol as part of the extensive postwar reconstruction of Independence Avenue. Its completion marked a milestone in Minsk鈥檚 recovery, reflecting both optimism and ambition after the devastation of World War II. In 1962, the Post Office gained a distinctive feature鈥攁 set of clocks showing the time in fifty cities across the world. Their chimes once echoed every fifteen minutes, and each hour they played the patriotic melody 鈥淢y Dear Homeland.鈥�
The chimes fell silent in the 1970s when restrictions on city noise were introduced, but they returned just in time for the 1980 Olympic Games. The number of cities was reduced to thirty-five, and the inscriptions were rewritten in Belarusian, adding a renewed sense of national pride. This detail remains one of the building鈥檚 most charming historical footnotes.
Architecturally, the Main Post Office is a quintessential example of Stalinist classicism, with a monumental fa莽ade, massive columns, and richly ornamented interiors featuring marble floors, stucco ceilings, and grand chandeliers. Still operational today, it continues to attract tourists and locals alike鈥攂oth for its practical services and its elegant tribute to Minsk鈥檚 postwar rebirth.
Constructed between 1949 and 1953, the building was designed by architect V. Karol as part of the extensive postwar reconstruction of Independence Avenue. Its completion marked a milestone in Minsk鈥檚 recovery, reflecting both optimism and ambition after the devastation of World War II. In 1962, the Post Office gained a distinctive feature鈥攁 set of clocks showing the time in fifty cities across the world. Their chimes once echoed every fifteen minutes, and each hour they played the patriotic melody 鈥淢y Dear Homeland.鈥�
The chimes fell silent in the 1970s when restrictions on city noise were introduced, but they returned just in time for the 1980 Olympic Games. The number of cities was reduced to thirty-five, and the inscriptions were rewritten in Belarusian, adding a renewed sense of national pride. This detail remains one of the building鈥檚 most charming historical footnotes.
Architecturally, the Main Post Office is a quintessential example of Stalinist classicism, with a monumental fa莽ade, massive columns, and richly ornamented interiors featuring marble floors, stucco ceilings, and grand chandeliers. Still operational today, it continues to attract tourists and locals alike鈥攂oth for its practical services and its elegant tribute to Minsk鈥檚 postwar rebirth.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Minsk. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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General Post Office Building on Map
Sight Name: General Post Office Building
Sight Location: Minsk, Belarus (See walking tours in Minsk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Minsk, Belarus (See walking tours in Minsk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Minsk, Belarus
Create Your Own Walk in Minsk
Creating your own self-guided walk in Minsk is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Minsk's Historical Churches Tour
The religious life of Belarus has been strongly influenced by both the Orthodox and Catholic religions. Consequently, Minsk features several beautiful churches that are well worth your time and energy while in this fine city. Take a walk down Minsk religious sights today!
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.7 Km or 4.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.7 Km or 4.2 Miles
Minsk Introduction Walking Tour
When in Minsk, visitors are sure to discover a fantastic range of exotic places, valuable architectural spots, and cultural venues which combine to create Minsk's unforgettable landmarks. Do not hesitate to experience the deep culture of Minsk.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles