Traktarahorad is one of the two historical districts in Minsk dating back to the post-war period (1940s). Like Asmaloŭka, it was built using penal labour of German prisoners of war and it is also at risk of being torn down. Although the buildings are typical (but not identical!), both districts are precious to the locals.

The boulevard Traktarabudaŭnikoŭ (metro station Traktarny zavod, red line) is the right place to start exploring Traktarahorad. The name says it all – the residential buildings were initially meant for the workers of the Minsk Tractor Plant. The devil is in the details: peculiar ornaments, corner balconies, bay windows and other thoughtful architectural and decorative particularities make the buildings stand out.

Stroll down Kašavoha Street and get lost somewhere in between Klumava and Budzionaha streets. The district is not that big, and you’ll ultimately stumble upon the round square, mini-park, tower building, melusines, lion sculptures, mansion houses, Orthodox Chapel of St. John the Baptist and more spots to remember.

I will not give specific directions on how to find the hidden gems of the district, but one – the watch repair shop at Hrycaŭca Str. 1. There is no reason not to drop by this tiny room where time has stopped both literally and figuratively. As Traktarahorad is an old district, the watches locals bring are old, too, and you will surely see some rare specimens.