MINSK, 21 January (BelTA) – The country’s main political venue, the Palace of Independence, has once again opened its doors to those wishing to see the place where the nation’s history is made every day. This time, the palace welcomed leaders and employees of regional trade union associations, as well as chairs of primary trade union organizations from leading enterprises of the regions and the city of Minsk. The new excursion year at the Independence Palace was opened by 120 people from all corners of the country, BelTA has learned.
During the recent holidays, there was much talk about traditions: both long-standing and those that have been recently established. Tours of the Palace of Independence are a tradition that has been going on for over 10 years and only gains relevance with each passing year. Since 2013, by personal order of the president, the palace has been open to everyone, making tour groups as frequent guests here as ministers, heads of major organizations and enterprises, and foreign delegations. To see with one’s own eyes the halls where decisions historic for the country were made, and even to take a photo at the workplace of the head of state is something one can only dream of. And, of course, the guests do not miss their chance, especially since everything is accessible and open.
The tour begins in the Hall of Ceremonial Events, where, for example, the most important political event, the presidential inauguration, takes place. Tall windows, ample light, and light shades in the interior ensure excellent photographs. It is in this hall, by the way, that the protocol photo session is held during visits of high-ranking foreign guests. Tourists turn on their mobile phone cameras immediately and do not turn them off until the very end of the tour: there is simply so much one wants to preserve in memory. Traditionally, guests also take many photos in the Green Hall, whose interiors in 2015 spread across all global mass media covering the Normandy Format negotiations. It is precisely the feeling of being part of high-level politics and history that primarily impresses guests of the Palace of Independence.
“The impressions are amazing. I am very glad we have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Independence, where our president and his entire team work. We see these interiors in the news every day, but in person you notice how meticulously every detail is considered. Such an environment sets the mood for productive work. And since we actively work with our citizens, it was important to experience the atmosphere in which the president works. We work as he motivates us, for the benefit of our people and our country,” Ilona Parafenyuk, chief legal labor inspector of the Minsk City Association of Trade Unions, noted.
The Palace of Independence, however, can surprise not only those interested in politics but also art enthusiasts, as it is not only a political but also a cultural center. Hundreds of paintings by Belarusian artists are collected here, works by foreign creators are presented, and there is much to see for lovers of sculpture and applied art.
The Palace of Independence is a treasury of Belarusian talent. It is well known that Belarusian architects, designers, and decorators, hundreds of talented people, worked on its creation. Moreover, they used domestic materials. Everything in the Palace is made in Belarus. This fact surprises many visitors no less than the behind-the-scenes stories.
“From the very entrance to the Palace of Independence, one feels the scale and grandeur. Beauty lies in the details. This is not my first time here; I already know the general information, so today I am studying every detail, and each one amazes me. The ornaments, national symbols, the love with which each hall is decorated: all this adds to the picture of fascinating facts and stories connected with the Palace of Independence. At such moments, one is overwhelmed with pride for our people who created such beauty, pride for our country,” said Tatiana Kozhanova, Chairwoman of the Brest Oblast organization of the trade union of workers in culture, information, sports, and tourism.
Guests are also impressed by the fact that the Palace was built in 30 months instead of the planned 57. Aleksandr Sobol, Chairman of the primary trade union organization of Stroytrest No. 25 in Baranovichi, called it a feat of his fellow builders.
"Even by global standards, constructing such a facility in three years is impressive. Especially given the complex materials used, such as marble. The building itself is massive, and the urban conditions were constrained. As a builder, I understand how difficult it was. But they succeeded. And I am very proud of our people, who with their own hands and their own materials managed to build such a palace," he admitted.
A tour of the Palace of Independence is an unforgettable event. Valentin Shchigelsky, Director of the Mogilevtourist hotel and tourism complex, said that he had a great desire to visit the Palace, and thanks to the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, it came true. "A majestic building of historical significance. Many people come here, famous both in our country and worldwide. For us, it was extremely important and interesting to see everything with our own eyes. We also have a professional interest: as hospitality specialists, we look at important details: how the curtains are hung, what flowers are growing, how the furniture is arranged,” he noted. Valentin Shchigelsky called the idea of organizing tours of the Palace of Independence very correct. In his words, the opportunity to see this place is important for every Belarusian.
Visiting the Palace of Independence is a motivation to work better and, most importantly, with higher quality. State awards for those who have distinguished themselves in their work are also presented by the president in the Palace of Independence. There is even a popular belief: if you stand at the podium in the Hall of State Awards and make a wish, you may soon return to that hall to receive an award from the president’s hands. Does it come true? The participants of the tour assured that they will make every effort to ensure it does.
Photos by Jan Gorbanyk/ BelTA
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