Independence Square, Minsk
| Плошча Незалежнасці | |
| Plošča Niezaliežnasci | |
The square in 2005
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| Former name(s) | Lenin Square |
|---|---|
| Type | Square |
| Maintained by | Minsk Mayor’s Office |
| Area | 7 hectares (70,000 m2) |
| Location | Independence Avenue, Minsk |
| Nearest metro station | Minsk Metro |
| Construction | |
| Construction start | 1964 |
| Completion | 2002 |
| Other | |
| Designer | Iosif Langbard |
| Known for | The Central Square in Minsk |
Independence Square (Belarusian: Плошча Незалежнасці, Russian: Площадь независимости) is a square in Minsk, Belarus. It is one of the landmarks on Independence Avenue. The Supreme Soviet of Belarus and Minsk City Hall are on this square. During the period of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic it was called Lenin Square. It is currently one of the biggest squares in Europe.
The square was designed by Iosif Langbard and was created for conducting rallies and to serve as Minsk's main ceremonial venue during the Soviet times. During World War II most building that were on the square were destroyed by the Nazis. From 1946 to 1984 October square replaced Lenin Square as the city's main venue. A project for the reconstruction of Independence Square was launched after the fall of the USSR. The first stage of was completed in the year of 2002. The transportation scheme of the area was then changed. Two more pedestrian underpasses were constructed and in the future they are to make part of the Underground Trade Centre.
Several parking lots are to be built adjacent to the square. An underground shopping mall is also being constructed near the square.
Parades
Demonstrations
Supreme Soviet
Others
Lenin Statue
The Lenin statue is right in front of the Supreme Soviet building.
Coordinates: 53°53′44″N 27°32′52″E / 53.8956°N 27.5478°E
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Wikipedia