Hello everybody! Ancient architecture often becomes the hallmark of large cities. Arriving in the capital of Belarus, the first thing that tourists see is the famous architectural complex "Gates of Minsk". Two 11-story buildings at the corners of 5-story buildings are located symmetrically opposite the main exit from the railway station. Two pompous multi-storey twin houses are stylized as the defensive towers of the ancient Minsk castle. After the end of the Second World War, these buildings became the front gates of the capital of Belarus restored from the ashes.
The gates of Minsk were designed by talented Soviet architects in the early 1950s. The style of buildings is popular in those days - Stalinist classicism or Stalinist Empire style. During construction, it was decided to install concrete sculptures of peasants, soldiers and workers. However, they did not stay long. The fact is that under the influence of weather conditions and over time, the sculptures began to collapse. In a busy place, this created a threat to people's lives, and therefore the statues were dismantled. Only in 2004 was the reconstruction carried out and new concrete statues were installed - a partisan, a warrior, an engineer and a peasant woman. The size of each of the sculptures is 3.5 meters.
The upper tiers of both buildings are crowned with sharp spiers and many ornaments. Many elements are made in the form of Belarusian flowers, bison or ornaments from the Slutsk belts. If the spiers on the ruins of two buildings are striking, then the ornament can be seen only upon close examination. It is noteworthy that even above the pharmacy and the balconies of this building there are concrete patterns. All components of the Gates of Minsk give the façade a beautiful view.
At the top of the right tower is the coat of arms of the former Belarusian socialist republic. The largest clock in the country is located on the left tower. The diameter of their dial is 3.5 meters, and the length of the minute hand is 1.7 meters. But these watches are remarkable not only for their location and size. The fact is that this is a war trophy that was captured from the Germans during the Second World War. Thus, it is a kind of symbol of the past victory.
For me, these towers are not only an architectural landmark, but also a kind of beacon or landmark. Being in the central part of the city, you can see the "Gate of Minsk" from afar and understand in which direction the station is located. I can imagine the pride felt by the people who live in these buildings. It is an honor to live in an architectural monument.
In my opinion, the greatness of the Gates of Minsk is given not only by their location and architecture, but also by historical continuity. In ancient times, in a similar place there were wooden towers of the ancient Minsk Castle, which also served as the entrance gate to the city. Perhaps this fact gives them great cultural significance. And at night, the "Gate of Minsk" envelops a soft yellow color that creates a unique atmosphere for both buildings.
Sometimes iconic places become "familiar to the eye" and rarely pay attention to them. However, architecture lovers will never pass by the historical building and its history. Isn't that right?
Photo information:
Author: 
Camera: Nikon D5200
Location: Minsk, Belarus
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