Minsk

Minsk is the capital and biggest city of Belarus.
The city of Minsk combines ancient history with modern Soviet style architecture in an interesting unequal mix. The city itself is almost 1000 years old, but there is almost no heritage from its past, except from several 17th century buildings. This is due to its devastation during World War II, when it was on the front-line of heavy fighting between Germany and the Soviet Union. After the war the city was rebuild with symmetrical design and wide streets.
The city itself contains several museums, opera and ballet houses and lively nightlife. The city is generally safe thanks to heavy police presence. Due to political circumstances it is not advisable to make photos of government buildings or policemen, and politics is not a good theme of conversation.