There was space in the beginning of the XVI century as the administrative, commercial and cultural center of the city. At the Cathedral Square have left their historical mark events of the first Russian revolution — January 27, 1906 near the cathedral revolutionary Ivan Pulihov was an attempt on the governor Kurlov. After 1917 year the buildings on the square and surrounding blocks were placed government authorities of the Republic of Belarus, the area became a place of Red Army parades and demonstrations of the workers.
During World War II architecture of the square was hit hard, the square has lost the value of the central area. New center formed to the south, along the line of Independence Avenue.
Today, the main attractions of Freedom Square are the remaining buildings Bernardine, Jesuit, Basilian monasteries, shopping arcade, the restored Town Hall.
