Independence Sq, also called pl Lenina, is dominated by the Belarusian Government Building on its northern side and the equally proletarian Belarusian State University on the south side. The redbrick Catholic Church of SS Simon & Elena , built in 1910, is also here. Its tall, gabled bell tower and attractive detailing are reminiscent of many brick churches in the former Teutonic north of Poland. Beneath the square lies Stolitsa Shopping Centre , a modern three-storey mall where you'll find much of Minsk's best shopping.
