Minsk's Tropical Secret: How Palm Trees Once Graced the Belarusian Capital's Squares

MINSK, Belarus – A recent viral video has shed light on a surprising chapter in Minsk's urban history, revealing that palm trees once graced the city's central squares during the mid-20th century. The footage, a split-screen comparison featuring the Government House area, juxtaposes a vibrant 1954 scene from Iosif Shulman's documentary "New Minsk" with a contemporary view from 2025. The video's narrator, a local enthusiast, explains that the presence of palms was not a natural occurrence but rather an experimental initiative carried out during the 1950s and 60s. "What's interesting is that palms jump out at you in the frame," the narrator states, referring to the 1954 footage. "It turns out palms grew in Minsk." According to the commentary, these exotic trees were transported from the botanical garden in large tubs and planted in open ground in central city areas during the spring and summer months. This temporary arrangement was necessary due to Belarus's severe winter climate, which would not allow palms to survive year-round. The narrator noted that the scene looked "very colorful," resembling a view from a warmer, southern city like Sochi, despite being in the Belarusian capital. This historical detail offers a fascinating glimpse into past attempts to beautify and diversify Minsk's urban landscape.

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Краевед рассказал, когда в центре Минска росли пальмы

Где они были и куда делись?