Independence Avenue and Victory Square, Minsk

Minsk was almost completely destroyed in WWII and rebuilt in grand Stalinist style, with Independence Avenue as its showpiece, a long boulevard of monumental buildings. Victory Square has an obelisk and eternal flame. The Great Patriotic War Museum is one of the largest war museums.

The Island of Tears memorial and the old Trinity Suburb are by the river. Many governments currently advise against travel to Belarus; check your government's travel advice first.