Stary Mensk

Stary Mensk is a unique historical and cultural complex located in the vicinity of modern Minsk, just 150 meters from the 10th-century ancient settlement site. This open-air museum recreates the atmosphere of a medieval town as it might have looked in the 11th–13th centuries. Visiting this place allows you to dive into history, feel the spirit of an ancient city, and better understand how the Belarusian capital began. Many tours around Belarus include a visit to this unique place, and a tour from Minsk here becomes a real journey through time.

Stary Minsk Manor Museum

In the village of Haradzishcha, on the bank of the Menka River, there existed an ancient settlement as early as the 10th century, which became a predecessor of the future capital.

Archaeological excavations, started in the mid-20th century, confirmed that a fortified town with ramparts, a palisade, and developed crafts really existed here. Layers of cultural deposits revealed remains of buildings, household items, and artifacts dating back to the 10th–11th centuries.

These very findings formed the basis of the idea to create a museum that would not only preserve the memory of the past but allow visitors to see it with their own eyes. Thus, in 2020, on this historically significant site, the Stary Minsk Manor Museum was opened — a place where history comes to life in every exhibit.

What to See at the Stary Minsk Manor Museum

The exhibition of the Stary Minsk Manor Museum includes two halls, each dedicated to a specific stage in the history of the area — from early Minsk to village life in Haradzishcha in the 19th century. It features around 500 antique items discovered by archaeologists from the Academy of Sciences during excavations of ancient Minsk. Among them are kitchenware, jewelry, clothing elements, and a unique chess piece estimated to be nearly a thousand years old.

The “Stary Minsk” Hall is dedicated to the life of the town in the 10th–11th centuries. Here you can see a model of the 11th-century Minsk castle, a figure of Prince Vseslav the Sorcerer, and a replica of the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk. The exhibition recreates the image of an ancient town — small but developed, with crafts, trade, and culture.

The “Stary Haradzishcha” Hall focuses on a later period — life in the village of Haradzishcha from the 15th century to the early 20th century. The display includes antique furniture, icons, household items, and other elements of daily life that provide insight into the traditional way of life of the local people.

Both halls are designed in a style that closely reflects their respective historical eras, making a visit to the Stary Minsk Manor Museum especially immersive.

Excursions with a Visit to the Stary Minsk Manor-Museum

The museum Stary Mensk estate is part of the most popular excursion routes in the Minsk region. Thanks to its convenient location — just 7 kilometers from the capital — it is often included in one-day tours from Minsk, combined with visits to other attractions in the area.

The museum is especially popular among schoolchildren and students. It regularly hosts educational school excursions, where children learn about local history through live storytelling and interactive experiences. The atmosphere of the museum, filled with authentic artifacts, helps visitors better understand the era they’ve studied in books.

These excursions are suitable for both tourist groups and individual travelers. It’s a great opportunity to diversify your itinerary and discover new chapters of Belarusian history.

Stary Mensk is especially appreciated by history lovers, local historians, and anyone who enjoys unusual historical and local heritage museums. Planning a weekend route, an educational trip, or a cultural tour? The museum Stary Mensk estate will be a vivid and enriching part of your journey.