The Upper Town is the historic heart of Minsk: a compact, walkable district where layers of history, old architecture, and cozy city corners meet at every step. Here you’ll find not only postcard-famous landmarks, but also hidden gems — courtyards, Masonic houses, and former merchants’ mansions that will appeal to those who enjoy non-touristy details and slow exploration.
In this guide, you’ll see both the main symbols of the Upper Town, such as the Town Hall and the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, as well as less obvious highlights: the Przeździecki Estate or the Masonic House on Muzykalny Lane.
Liberty Square and the Town Hall
Liberty Square is the heart of the Upper Town and one of the most recognizable places in Minsk. Here you can truly feel the atmosphere of the old city: narrow streets, historic buildings, and a special rhythm of life.
At its center stands the Minsk Town Hall — a symbol of urban self-government, rebuilt in 2003. Today it houses the Museum of Minsk History, while the square itself often becomes a stage for concerts, festivals, and fairs. In summer, you’ll hear street musicians here, and in the evening, illuminated facades create an almost European mood.
Tip: visit the square at different times of day. In the morning, you can enjoy the city’s quiet awakening, while in the evening the lighting makes it especially atmospheric. Take a closer look at the architectural details of the Town Hall and the surrounding historic houses to really sense the spirit of old Minsk.
Gostiny Dvor
4 Svobody Sq.
Gostiny Dvor is a building that recalls the trading past of the Upper Town. Built at the end of the 18th century, it once served as a bustling marketplace, with merchants’ shops and warehouses inside.
Today it hosts exhibitions, cultural events, and city celebrations. Even if you don’t step inside, it’s worth walking around the building — its massive walls and austere architecture instantly transport you back to the days when Liberty Square was Minsk’s main marketplace. In the evening, the lighting adds a festive touch, and against the night sky the building looks truly majestic.
Tip: take a closer look at the façade details and columns — they have preserved the features of 19th-century classical architecture remarkably well.
Holy Spirit Cathedral
3 Kirilla i Mefodiya St.
The main Orthodox church of Minsk, the snow-white Holy Spirit Cathedral, towers over the Upper Town and immediately draws the eye with its baroque silhouettes. Built in the 17th century as a Bernardine monastery church, it later became the Orthodox center of the city. The cathedral houses the revered Icon of the Mother of God of Minsk — one of the most important relics of Belarus.
A special highlight of this spot is the observation platform next to the church: from here you get sweeping views of Pobediteley Av., the Svislach River, and Troitskoye Suburb. It’s a great place to snap a photo or simply pause for a moment to watch the historic center blend into the modern city.
Tip: come closer to sunset — the golden light makes the cathedral look especially majestic, and the views from the platform are pure postcard material.
Archcathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
9 Svobody Sq.
One of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Minsk, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the 18th century in baroque style as part of a Jesuit college complex. Its façade with elegant towers has become an inseparable feature of Svobody Square. Inside you’ll find a spacious, light-filled interior with frescoes and an old organ that lends special solemnity to both services and concerts.
The church is notable for its atmosphere of silence and grandeur: here you can step away from the bustle of the city for a few minutes and truly feel the breath of history. Even if you don’t plan to stay long, it’s worth taking a look inside.
Tip: check the schedule of organ concerts — it’s a rare chance to experience the church not only with your eyes, but with your ears as well.
Przeździecki Estate
15 Svobody Sq.
At first glance, this modest 18th-century building is easy to miss while strolling around Svobody Square — and that’s precisely its charm. The Przeździecki Estate doesn’t impress with size, but it preserves the atmosphere of old Minsk, when behind grand façades hid quiet courtyards and family stories.
It’s believed that members of noble families once visited here, and later officials and city figures lived within its walls. Today the house feels intimate and almost “homely” against the backdrop of the grand churches and the Town Hall, which makes it stand out all the more.
Tip: pause here for a moment to feel the contrast between the ornate architecture of the neighboring churches and this restrained yet elegant building.
Bernardine Monastery Complex and St. Joseph’s Church
4 Kirilla i Mefodiya St.
This is one of the most striking ensembles of the Upper Town. Once home to a wealthy Bernardine monastery with a grand church built in the 17th century, the site has now found a new life. After restoration, the former monastery buildings were transformed into the Monastyrski Hotel, which has managed to preserve the atmosphere of the historic complex.
Unfortunately, St. Joseph’s Church itself is closed to visitors — the building now houses archives, so tourists can only admire its austere façade. Still, even from the outside, the ensemble leaves an impression, reminding you just how many layers of history the Upper Town holds.
Tip: if you’re nearby, step into the inner courtyard of the Monastyrski Hotel — it has kept the unique spirit of old Minsk and is often a quiet hideaway in the lively Upper Town.
Church of the Holy Spirit of the Basilian Monastery
23A Svobody Sq.
At first glance, this modest 18th-century church is often overshadowed by the grander temples of the Upper Town. Yet it’s here that you can truly feel the atmosphere of old Minsk — in the narrow lanes nearby and in the quiet of the monastery walls. For a long time, the church was part of a women’s Basilian monastery, and today it serves as an Orthodox church, still preserving its intimacy and sense of warmth.
Tip: walk around the building and look closely at the architectural details — many elements of the façade have retained subtle features of Baroque that aren’t immediately noticeable.
Masonic House
5 Muzykalny Lane
This early 19th-century mansion is surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend. Built for nobleman Trajan Klyuchinsky, it entered history under its unusual name thanks to rumors of Masonic gatherings. Although no documents confirm these stories, many believe that the building’s unusual shape on old maps — resembling a Masonic cross — gave rise to its mystical reputation.
Today the house has opened its doors to everyone: it is home to the State Museum of the History of Theater and Musical Culture, where visitors can explore Belarus’s rich stage heritage.
Tip: if you come here, step inside the museum — the collection of antique musical instruments and theatrical costumes can surprise even those far removed from the arts.
Rappoport House
6 Gertsena St.
Among the monumental buildings of the Upper City, the modest yet remarkably expressive Rappoport House stands out — a rare example of wooden Art Nouveau in Minsk. Built in the 19th century and updated in the early 20th, it has preserved carved decorative elements that give the façade a unique charm. At one time, a bakery operated here, where locals bought fresh bread, and today the building is still in use, serving as a living reminder of the old city.
Tip: this house is a must-see for anyone interested in architecture. If Art Nouveau fascinates you, check out our separate guide — “Minsk in Art Nouveau Style: Lesser-Known Masterpieces of the Early 20th Century”.
A walk through Minsk’s Upper City allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the capital and see how different eras and architectural styles intertwine. Here, majestic cathedrals and churches sit alongside intimate courtyards and historic mansions. Strolling through Liberty Square, Gostiny Dvor, and quiet streets, you can feel the atmosphere of old Minsk and discover its architectural gems. The included tips will help make your visit to the Upper City more engaging and memorable.
Cover photo: Yandex Maps
