Belarus. Republic of Belarus
The republic of Belarus is located in the center of Europe on the watershed of the Baltic and Black Seas. The capital is Minsk. Belarus borders on Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine. The total length of the state border makes up 2,969 km. Geographic and climatic conditions favor the development of transport and economic relations. The shortest ways from Russia to Western Europe and from the Baltic Sea to the Black sea run through Belarus.
The territory of Belarus is 207.6 thousand sq km. It stretches from west to east for 650 km and from north to south for 560 km.
The country's relief is flat with hills. The climate of Belarus is moderate continental with mild and humid winters, warm summers and damp autumns.
Forests constitute 33% of the country's area. In Belarus there are over 20 thousand rivers and lakes. The largest lake is Naroch. The navigation is carried out on the rivers Pripiats, Dnieper, Neman, Berezina and Western Dvina.
Belarus consists of 6 regions: the Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk and Mogiliov regions. Minsk, the capital, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The industrial potential of Belarus includes 20 thermoelectric power stations, 17 metallurgical works, 70 petrochemical plants (the concern “Belneftekhim”), 29 machine-tool construction enterprises, 36 automakers and so on. According to recent researches the number of small enterprises has exceeded 30 thousand. 6 economic zones are established. Foreign enterprises are created with the participation of 80 countries.
The financial market is represented by the National bank of Belarus, 29 commercial banks and 10 foreign ones.
There are 27 state theaters, including opera and ballet theater, a musical comedy theater, etc. The Ministry of culture has 128 states. The sports facilities include almost 500 stadiums and swimming pools, more than 5000 outdoor sports grounds. In 2000 all regional centers had Ice palaces and skating rinks.
Minsk citizens and all inhabitants of Byelorussia are especially proud of the new National Library being unique as in Europe, and all over the world.
Belarus
The Republic of Belarus is located in the center of Europe on the watershed of the Baltic and Black Seas. The capital is the city of Minsk. Belarus borders Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine. The total length of the state border is 2,969 km. Geographic and climatic conditions contribute to the development of transport and economic relations. The shortest routes from Russia to Western Europe and from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea pass through Belarus.
The total territory of Belarus is 207.6 thousand square meters. km. It stretches from west to east for 650 km and from north to south for 560 km.
The relief of the country is flat with hills. The climate is temperate continental, winters are mild and humid, warm in summer and damp in autumn.
Forests make up 33% of the country's area. There are more than 20 thousand rivers and lakes in Belarus. The largest lake is Naroch. The rivers Pripyat, Dnieper, Neman, Berezina and Zapadnaya Dvina are navigable.
Belarus consists of 6 regions: Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk and Mogilev. Minsk, the capital, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
The industrial potential of Belarus includes 20 thermoelectric stations, 17 metallurgical plants, 70 petrochemical plants (Belneftekhim enterprise), 29 machine-building enterprises, 36 automobile-building enterprises, and so on. According to recent studies, the number of small businesses has exceeded 30,000. 6 economic zones have been established, foreign enterprises have been created with the participation of 80 countries.
The financial market is represented by the National Bank of Belarus, 29 commercial banks and 10 foreign ones.
There are 27 state theatres, including the Opera and Ballet Theatre, Musical Comedy Theatre, etc. The Ministry of Culture has 128 state museums. Sports facilities include about 500 stadiums and swimming pools, almost 5,000 outdoor sports grounds. In 2000, all regional centers had Ice Palaces and skating rinks.
A special pride of Minskers and all residents of Belarus is the new National Library, which is unique both in Europe and all over the world.
Bělorusko - Belarus - Belarus - Minsk - Minsk 2011
With the onset of warmth, the soul asks for new travels - get on a car, train or bicycle and go to explore Belarus. Together with the guide in Belarus VETLIVA, we have compiled a list of the main reasons to ride around the country with a breeze - from springs with medicinal water and eco-paths to powerful objects of military tourism, chamber museums and estates that have not lost their magnificence.
BREST REGION
1. Palace of the Puslovskys
Kosovo, Ivatsevichi district
2. Palace complex Sapieha in Ruzhany
Ruzhany, Pruzhany district
In the guidebooks, the ruins of the palace are proudly called the “Belarusian Versailles”, but coming here is not for the chic views and interiors (not so much has been preserved here), but rather for the powerful energy that is inherent in such places of power. Just imagine: at the beginning of the 17th century a castle was laid here - the chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Lev Sapega took part in this matter. To live in it was not only comfortable, but also safe, three powerful defensive towers were added to the complex. Important state issues were discussed in Ruzhany, receptions of top managers of the GDL came, the Sapieha archive and the state treasury were also located here. After the uprising was defeated, the Sapiehas left the residence, and a weaving factory was organized in the palace. During the First World War, the ensemble burned down, then they tried to restore it, but after the Second World War, this business was abandoned.
Now you can visit the museum (ul. Urbanovicha, 15a) and learn the whole history of the place - for this there are 4 halls and an exciting tour.
How to get there? Your chance is a bus from Minsk or 244 km by car. In Ruzhany, look for the address of the museum - st. Urbanovich, 15a.
3. Brest Fortress
Brest
A powerful defensive structure and a large-scale open-air museum of Soviet heroic monumental art. The fortress itself was built in the 19th century, and its history is impressive. In 1596, a church union was declared here, and during the First World War, a decree on peace was signed. But the fortress became famous after the heroic events of World War II.
Follow the chronology: on the Volyn fortification, look at the Berestye Museum - archaeological excavations where you can see the remains of the settlement and wooden buildings of the 11th-13th centuries, street pavements, even a few household items. Then move to the museum of the defenders of the Brest Fortress. The territory of the museum is simply huge - it will take about three hours to get around everything and not lose your breath. Most of all it sneaks in Fort V - a semi-abandoned fortification with armored doors, narrow loopholes, underground corridors and complete silence. Most likely, you will be the only tourist here.
How to get there? The easiest way is to go by train - € 4-10, three to four hours - and you are there. The same 350 km can be overcome by bus (€ 7-9) or by car (M1 highway).
4. Olman swamps
Stolin district
These swamps occupy 75% of the area of the Stolin region - the only complex of upland, transitional and low-lying swamps that has survived in our natural state. Ecologists can't be happier: 687 species of plants, 151 species of birds (25 from the Red Book) and 26 species of mammals live here. It is interesting that in the 60s of the last century there was an aviation training ground in Olmany, so there are still unexploded shells and bombs in the swamps.
Of particular interest is the eco-trail almost one and a half kilometers long. It goes along Bolshoye Zasominoye Lake, on the other side of which Ukraine is already. The second route will take you to a 40-meter tower, from which it is very convenient to view the surroundings and biodiversity. Ask the locals where the “sea of Herodotus” is here - Big and Small Zasominoe and 23 more lakes.
Please note that if you are a foreigner, you will have to pay 10 base (€ 114) in advance to visit the swamps. More information about excursions -.
How to get there? Classics of the genre - bus or minibus from Minsk to Stolin.
Belarusian reason for pride - the largest and oldest forest in Europe, protected by UNESCO. Yes, there are bison in the wild here. Yes, you can even hunt them (if you have enough conscience). Yes, it was here that the agreement on the collapse of the USSR was signed. Yes, this is where the Belarusian Grandfather Frost lives (his residence is open even in summer - but his grandfather's suit is light). Breathe the relic air, ride a bicycle, feed the bison in the aviary with bread from your hand, take a look at the Kamenetskaya Vezha, which is more than 700 years old.
How to get there? We advise you to overcome the distance Minsk - Brest by train, and then go to Kamenets by bus. For the more impatient, there are direct minibuses.
6. Jesuit Collegium
Pinsk, st. Lenina, 1
Pinsk is the second in Belarus in terms of the number of preserved sights (Grodno is in the first place). Particularly noteworthy is the collegium building, built in the 17th century as a super-prestigious educational institution. They took talented students there, regardless of their wealth. If you go around the building, the view will be different: from the river it is an impregnable fortress, from the yard - an open book. Now in the collegium there is a nice museum of Belarusian Polissya, where you can look at non-smelly stuffed animals or sit on a wooden bicycle. Further along the Lenin - the Franciscan monastery with the "Pinsk Madonna" and cool magnets, the Butrimovich Palace (it now has a registry office), the house of the Horde and the campus of Polesye University. The embankment in Pinsk is 2.5 km long - you can walk for a long time with a beautiful view.
How to get there? In three hours you can get there by minibus - prepare € 3 for the fare. Once every two days you can take the evening train - you get off in Minsk at 17.37, at 22.55 you are in Pinsk. Very comfortably!
7. Polissya
Brest region
The largest of the European wetlands, which occupies approximately 30% of the map of Belarus. Terra Incognita is the size of a compact country, with isolated villages and indigenous people, the Poleshuks, who have their own distinct language. To feel all the charm of life in Polissya, you need to wait for the spring flood of Pripyat. The ideal option is to take a boat and sail through the Belarusian villages, which are flooded every spring. Choose to your taste - from Turov to Pinsk.
How to get there? How to get to Pinsk - see above.
THE GRODNO REGION
8. Mir Castle
World, st. Krasnoarmeyskaya, 2
9. Kolozha Church
Grodno, st. Kolozha, 6
The Borisoglebskaya or Kolozhskaya church appeared on a pagan site near the Castle Hill in Grodno as early as the 11th century - this is one of the few buildings of the period Ancient Rus' in Belarus, however, notably rebuilt. The church is not plastered from the outside, and therefore you can look at all the engineering solutions of the then builders. The church stands on the steep bank of the Neman
How to get there? Grodno can be reached from any point in the country by railway - the city is connected with 142 stations in Belarus. Trains leave Minsk several times a day, electrons even more often. There are also buses and minibuses at your disposal (€ 7).
10. Church of the Holy Trinity in Gervyaty
Gervyaty village, Ostrovets district
The highest church in Belarus - 61 meters (24-storey building!), And the only one built according to all the canons of neo-Gothic. It was erected on the site of a wooden church of the 16th century by the architect Alshalovsky. For the construction, a brick backwater was specially organized or eggs were collected from all the surroundings in parallel - they were added to strengthen the lime solution. Slate was specially brought from Germany. Here you can find out what a flying buttress looks like - an outdoor semi-arch that distributes the load from the main wall and stands separately (remember Notre Dame de Paris) - this is completely atypical for Belarus. Be sure to listen to the mass - it is in Belarusian, Polish and Lithuanian, and take a walk in the park - it may even be cooler than the church. By the way, in the vicinity too.
How to get there? The best option, of course, is to travel by car. If this is not possible, go to Astravets, and then hitchhike to Gervyat (via Vornany).
Nemnovo, Grodno region
A shipping canal built in the 19th century to create a route from the Black Sea to the Baltic. There are only two cool engineering structures, thought out so cunningly, for a long time, and preserved almost in their original form - in Great Britain and Sweden. The length of the canal is 101 km, 22 of them are on the territory of Belarus in the border zone. Hello, simplified visa regime! Locks, drawbridges, columns - it's amazing how well everything works. You can ride along the canal on the Neman motor ship, walk along it, go to the canal museum, go kayaking, look at the surviving estate in Svyatsk, created in the 18th century by the Italian architect Giuseppe de Sacco.
How to get there? Start from Minsk by car (direction Volozhin - Lida - Skidel, 327 km). From Grodno you can go by car or bus (Grodno - Goryachki, Grodno - Nemnovo, Grodno - Kaleta, stop "Augustovsky Canal" or "Sonichi").
12. Slonim synagogue
Slonim, st. Soviet, 1
Baroque synagogue from 1642, one of the oldest in the country. The pompous and rich interior decoration has been preserved in the dilapidated building. The synagogue was badly damaged during the war of 1812, but was quickly restored - the Jewish community in Slonim was then considered one of the most powerful in the country. IN late XIX century, 21 synagogues worked in the city, and more than 70% of the inhabitants were Jews. In 2000, the building was returned to believers, but no restoration work was carried out. Be sure to look at the stucco molding, aron ha-kadesh and murals - all this is perfectly preserved.
How to get there? Jump into the minibus - you will get home in two and a half hours.
13. Murovanka church-fortress
Murovanka village, Shchuchinsky district
The 600-year-old temple was conceived not only as a place for worship, but also as a defensive structure - in the 16th century it was no different. The church looks like a real castle - two-meter-thick walls, loophole windows, towers. The temple in Murovanka survived many wars and was badly damaged during the Russian-Polish war. In 1882, a powerful restoration was carried out, a bell tower was made on one of the towers. A successful mix of gothic and renaissance, stone, brick and a rose window. Brick, by the way, is special - the "royal lily" - a symbol of the purity of the Mother of God. Historical facts and legends say that many underground passages were dug out of the church - however, it is not clear now where they started and where they led.
How to get there? You can get from Minsk to Shchuchin by bus, the church itself is located 3 km from the village of Mozheikovo.
14. Novogrudok Castle
Novogrudok
Novogrudok is an ancient Belarusian city, which was the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The main point of attraction in the city is the ruins of the castle, which stood here in the 12th century. 6 centuries after the first mention, it was destroyed by the Swedes - almost to the present state. Of all the structures, two walls remained - Kostelnaya and Shield - opposite each other. There is a beautiful view from the Castle Hill - you won't find a better place for a picnic. Be sure to visit the house-museum of Adam Mickiewicz, who was born and lived in Novogrudok, go to the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, perfectly preserved in 1714, pay attention to the Boris and Gleb Church, which is already over 500 years old.
How to get there? The best way to get from Minsk is by minibus (€ 2) or by bus, but you should not count on the railway.
15. Church of St. Michael the Archangel
Synkovichi, Zelvensky district
The largest defense-type temple in Belarus. The powerful impregnable church was built in the 15th century - towers, loopholes at a serious height, thick walls - this is a real small castle. The entrance gate, by the way, also deserves attention - it has been preserved since 1880. In walking distance - the building of the estate of the XIX century, which was later turned into a distillery. By the way, the legend about why the place is called Synkovichi is interesting. The temple was built by a father and son. At some point, the son fell from the scaffolding and crashed to death. His father shouted to him in despair: “Son, son!” This is how the name of the village surrounding the church appeared. Above the entrance to the church, you can see a ledge that resembles a coffin lid.
How to get there? It is relatively easy to get to Zelva from Minsk - by regular bus. Further - only by car or a ride.
16. Chetvertinsky Palace
Zheludok village, Shchuchinsky district
One of the most cinematic places in the country - it’s not without reason that the first (and last) Belarusian horror film called Masakra was filmed here. There are cinematic scenery even now: plywood tiles, traces of fire painted on the facade. A movie club with a booth and star symbols remained in the palace from Soviet times.
17. Kreva Castle
Krevo
Perhaps the most picturesque ruins from our guide. The castle in Kreva dates back to the 14th century. These walls have seen a lot: in 1382, Prince Keistut, Vitovt's father, was killed here, in 1385 a union was signed, in the 16th century the castle repelled the attacks of the Tatars and Muscovites, and already in the 19th century it was no longer considered as a sensible fortification and was abandoned. The ruins were mothballed in 1929 - so they still stand.
Listen to the wind blowing between the walls, go to the beautiful church of Alexander Nevsky or a strict church, find the former temple of the pagans - even though Krevo is now considered a village, there are plenty of witnesses of its former greatness.
How to get there? Minsk - Smorgon - bus or train, and then - on a green MAZ regional bus with curtains.
MINSK REGION
18. Nesvizh Castle
Nesvizh
In the 16th century, Nesvizh became the family nest of the Radziwills, the main dynasty in the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. For example, the king of Poland often visited here, and representatives of the magnate family occupied the most important positions in the state. You understand the scale of the buildings - the palace and park complex occupies 90 hectares. In the Nesvizh Castle, you can look at the early Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism and Modernism. Ask them to tell you about the revenge of Bonna Sforza and show you the gilded apostles as tall as a man.
How to get there? You can get to Nesvizh by moving from Minsk along the Brest highway. If you decide to go by bus, you can find the timetable.
19. City of the Sun in Minsk
Minsk
Minsk is a witness and a victim of the imperial ambitions of the Soviet authorities. You can feel it while walking along Independence Avenue - a straight paved arrow that stretches for 15 km and cuts the city in half. The writer Artur Klinov coined the term "City of the Sun" to refer to the Stalinist Empire style in Minsk. Minsk as the main artery of the Big Communist Dream, built in the likeness of Rome. Station Square with a "gate", Lenin Square, Marx, Kirov, Sverdlov streets - a solid building of an ideal city for life, according to the Soviet authorities.
How to get there? We tell in.
20. Khatyn
Khatyn village / Mokrad village, Logoisk district
High-quality Soviet documentary. was created on the site of the village, which was burned by the Nazis during World War II. All the inhabitants were herded into a barn and set on fire - and the same was done with the inhabitants of 628 villages. To prepare for the trip, be sure to check out the 1985 film Come and See directed by Elem Klimov. Information on tickets and opening hours of the complex.
How to get there? If you go by car, you are on the M3 highway (59 km). Public transport does not run - if you hitchhike, you will have to walk 5 km from the highway.
21. Nalibokskaya Pushcha
Volozhinsky district
The largest forest in Belarus - three times the size of Malta! Here is the richest flora, a quarter of the plants are medicinal, many are listed in the Red Book. With animals, too, everything is in order - for example, 29 species of rare birds live here. Pushcha is surrounded by three large rivers - Neman, Berezina and Usoy, and therefore the places here are incredibly picturesque. And not particularly accessible - like Svaneti in Georgia. For example, during World War II, 20,000 people hid in Nalibokskaya Pushcha. Be brave or bold and make a march into the thick of the age-old forest. Be sure to look at Lake Kroman, the Lavryshevsky Monastery founded in the 13th century, the Tyszkiewicz estate in the village of Vyaloye and swim naked in the river - here you can afford it.
How to get there? Your only chance is a car, you can get from Minsk in an hour.
22. Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Strochitsy
Ozertso village, Minsk region
Peasant Belarus in miniature. An open-air museum, which presents the ancient buildings of three regions of Belarus: the Central part, the Poozerye and the Dnieper region. Ethnological research will have to be carried out on the material of the church, parish school, mill, bathhouse and peasant huts. All this is scattered in picturesque fields - do not forget to charge your phone for a photo. For the mood, we advise you to wave the horseradish in the tavern at the entrance!
How to get there? All details are on the website.
GOMEL REGION
23. Gomel park
Gomel
IN palace and park ensemble in Gomel you need to go in the spring, when the huge park turns green and blooms sharply, the Sozh becomes full-flowing, and the evenings are already warm enough to wander thoughtfully near the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace and look at the dark water. The palace ensemble is the largest piece of historical buildings in size, preserved without violating its solidity. The Russian Empress Catherine II presented Gomel to her favorite Count Rumyantsev for fun, and he lined up on the banks of the Sozh. Then the palace passed to the commander Paskevich, who, by a strong-willed decision, built a whole complex of outbuildings: a hunter's house, a winter garden, several churches. The best-preserved landscape park is 24 hectares - you can walk here for half a day if you first refresh yourself with Gomel chocolate "Spartak" with 90% cocoa.
24. Gerard's Manor
Demyanki, Dobrush region
Nice homestead in pseudo-Russian style - in the resettlement zone. The red brick building was built at the expense of a Russian official, the Governor-General of Finland, Nikolai Gerard, in the second half of the 19th century. The estate stands on a hillock crossed by a moat - a bridge plays a decorative role, a park with rare species of trees has been perfectly preserved and amazing silence. If you are looking for a place where there will definitely not be tourists - you are here. By the way, you can get here completely legally.
How to get there? You can get to Radunitsa - then they let you in without a pass. The rest of the time, the pass must be issued in Dobrush. To get to Dobrush, buy train tickets Minsk - Gomel, and then go by train or suburban bus.
25. Museum of the Old Believers
Vetka, Red Square, 5
In the 17th century, the city of Vetka was chosen by the persecuted Old Believers. Pathologically tolerant Belarusians did not touch them, and therefore Old Believer icons, manuscripts and printed books of the 16th-19th centuries, collections of fabrics and household items are still preserved here in excellent condition. The museum is interactive - here, for example, you can learn traditional weaving.
How to get there? How to get to Gomel, and then take a suburban bus - you need to overcome only 22 km.
MOGILEV REGION
26. Bobruisk fortress
Bobruisk
This powerful fortification is a planned construction in preparation for the war with Napoleon. For its construction, they actually destroyed the city that existed here before. The fortress nevertheless withstood a long siege by the French, and after the war served as a prison. Rumor has it that in one of the forts of the Bobruisk fortress there is an egg-shaped cell in which the prisoners went crazy after a couple of weeks of confinement. It was not for nothing that Herzen, recalling Bobruisk, wrote: "Let Siberia, let it be anything, but not this terrible prison on the Berezina River." Now it’s just fun to climb the fortress that has grown into the ground, for example, to visit an abandoned guardhouse, rebuilt from a Jesuit church. Now the fortress is 7 bastions stretched over an area of several kilometers. Some are concreted, others can be climbed up and down. Grab a flashlight! The fortress burned several times, and therefore do not wear dress pants - you can get dirty in soot. A couple of steps from the fortress, it seems, aliens have landed. In fact, this is the Bobruisk Ice Arena for 7,000 spectators.
How to get there? An hour and a half by train from Minsk on the trendy Stadler train (or 2 on a regular train) - and you are already walking around the colorful Bobruisk and trying to count all the mentions of beavers. The second option is to go by bus or private minibus.
27. Manor of the count family of Tolstoy
Grudinovka village, Bykhovsky district
One of the most beautiful and mysterious places in the country is the Tolstoy count's house. And although Lev Nikolaevich never made it home, it’s worth a look at the estate. A two-story manor with domes, columns, a grand staircase and an open terrace overlooking the park awaits you. Wander around the 10-hectare park, find here the Siberian cedar, which has been growing here for more than 100 years, take a walk around the palace - quite recently a school and a sanatorium for sick children were located here, and therefore the walls painted green and the Soviet wardrobe with numbers were preserved here - strange contrast with
Since I am now on a short visit to Belarus, I decided to throw my top list of architectural sights of this country, and I was only in a few of these places, the rest I have long in mind. The distribution of seats is random.
1. Brest Fortress- one of the symbols not only of Brest, but of the whole of Belarus, largely due to the tragic and at the same time heroic times of the Second World War. The proposal to build defensive fortifications at the confluence of the Bug and Mukhavets rivers appeared in late XVIII V. The course of the Patriotic War in 1812 confirmed its expediency and in 1833 the project of the fortress was approved, developed by military engineers Opperman, Maletsky and Feldman. The fortress was solemnly founded on June 1, 1836, and six years later it became operational.
2. Mir Castle- an outstanding work of Belarusian architecture of the 16th century. The era of feudalism found a visible reflection in its architecture: behind powerful walls and towers that could protect the owner from the enemy, there was a rich palace - the residence of the magnate. Made of stone and brick, surrounded by earthen ramparts with bastions and moats, the castle, with its monumentality and impregnability, personified the strength and unlimited power of the feudal lord.
3. Palace and Park Ensemble of the Radziwills in Nesvizh- on the site of a wooden fortification of the middle of the XVI century. a stone castle was laid. Its construction at the first stage was led by the Italian architect Jan Maria Bernardoni, the author of a number of buildings in the city.
4.Kamenets tower- a mute witness to many pages of history and bloody battles of past centuries. In the XIV century. it was repeatedly besieged by the crusader knights, stormed by the troops of the Polish prince of Mazovia, the Lithuanian princes Vitovt and Jagiello. In the 17th century in Kamenets near the walls of the fortress there were fierce battles between the armies of the Commonwealth and the Muscovite state.
5. Gediminas Castle in Lida- the fortress was built in 1323-1325. Prince Gediminas and for several centuries remained a powerful citadel in the western lands of Belarus. Numerous sieges that the fortress withstood led to damage to the walls, the destruction of the towers and the complete destruction of its buildings inside.
6. Palace complex Sapieha in Ruzhany- an architectural monument of the 17th century, the ruins of the former residence of the magnate family Sapieha in the village of Ruzhany. During the First World War (1914), due to an oversight of factory laundresses, a severe fire broke out in the palace, part of the walls collapsed. During the interwar period, attempts were made to restore, but due to the destruction of the Great Patriotic War, the palace finally turned into ruins. In the summer of 2008, excavations and restoration began on the territory of the palace complex.
7. I decided to unite Polotsk with its two ancient cathedrals - Spaso-Preobrazhensky and Sofia. The Cathedral of the Spaso-Evfrosinevsky Monastery, built between 1128 and 1156 by the architect John, is a six-pillar one-domed building. It reflected the features of the general direction of ancient Russian architecture of the XII century. - small size, simplicity of plan, monumentality appearance, achieved with meager means, and fresco painting of the interior.
Built on the foundation of the 11th-century Sophia Cathedral (laid between 1044 and 1066), the foundation stones are available for inspection in the lower (basement) part of the cathedral. From the cathedral of the XI century, an apse consisting of three parts, about 9 m high (on the right side of the cathedral, if you stand facing the entrance to the temple), the remains of walls, a crypt, have been preserved. This apse is the oldest stone building on the territory of Belarus.
8. Boris and Gleb Church in Grodno- a remarkable example of ancient Russian architecture of the second half of the XII century. The composition of the building, its design and decoration are related to the Lower Church in Grodno (mid-12th century). Both monuments confirm the existence of an independent architectural and art school in the Grodno region, where local building materials, ceramics and elements of folk applied art were widely used.
9. Palace of the Puslovskys in Kossovo- was founded in 1838 on the western outskirts of the settlement as a suburban estate ensemble with a large park. The architects F. Yaschold and V. Marconi took part in the construction of the palace and the layout of the park. The palace, having a well-developed composition, characteristic of classicism, endowed with fortress towers and turrets in the spirit of Gothic antiquity, represents a romantic trend in the architecture of the middle of the 19th century.
10. Jesuit monastery in Grodno- a church and a monastery - an outstanding architectural monument of Belarus of the 17th-18th centuries. In the past, the church and monastery were the richest in the Commonwealth. They occupied a whole block in the central part of the city. The development complex included a collegium, a pharmacy, a library and a number of utility rooms.
I will add to these beauties my impressions of the Belarusian cities that I visited.
B 
Belarus borders Russia, Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania and Latvia. Its population is almost 10 million. It is not a tiny country, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands and Switzerland could altogether fit on the territory of Belarus. For more information, check 50 interesting . One of the main places to visit in Belarus is Minsk, while there is much more to see in the country. So, I will tell you about the best attractions and places to visit in Belarus.
Bialowieza Forest National Park
Did you know that the largest and oldest forest in Europe is located in Belarus, on the border with Poland? It is called Bialowieza Forest National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is a great place to visit in Belarus with kids.
If you visit Brest (which I strongly recommend you do), you can easily get to the Bialowieza Forest situated less than 100 km away from it. There, you can rent and ride a bicycle through one of the numerous bike paths in the national park, go to one of the nature and local lore museums, visit the Father Frost (Belarusian Santa Claus), or simply walk along the forest alleys enjoying the calmness and fresh air. You can even stay in a house in the center of Bialowieza Forest.
To find out more about activities and things to do in the Bialowieza Forest check this article .
Braslav Lake Group
Braslav lakes is one of the favorite places to visit in Belarus among locals. These lakes are also one of the Belarusian national parks.
The lake group includes dozens of small and big lakes, some have a very well-developed infrastructure around them, but some are just hidden in the forest.
Medieval Mir Castle
Another popular place to visit in Belarus in the Mir Castle Complex. It is situated in Minsk region and is easily reachable by car or bus.
The castle used to belong the famous rich family of Radzivills and is surrounded by numerous legends that you can find out during your visit. The architecture of it is a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. This blend makes the Mir castle special.
In summer, numerous knight and music festivals are held on the territory of the castle gathering thousands of people.
Brest Hero Fortress
Brest fortress, which is situated close to the city of Brest, on the south-west of Belarus, is famous for its heroic defense against German invaders during the World War II. As you might know, the whole of Poland was conquered in just 2 weeks, while the Brest fortress alone could restrain constant attacks of Germans for 1 month.
The fortress is now part of a big complex of monuments and museums. You can visit the Museum of War, the 5th Fort Museum, as well as Defense Museum. Being in this place lets you feel the atmosphere of those difficult times. Entering the fortress gates, you will hear the original announcement about the Fascist invasion. On the walls of the fortress, you can still find the famous inscriptions of the soldiers. The most famous of them is “I'm dying, but I'm not giving up. Goodbye, Motherland!”
Minsk, capital of Belarus
Minsk, the capital of Belarus, is the most visited place in the country. It is a big city with almost 2 million people, but you don't feel the business, dirt and noise of a big city. Minsk is a great place to visit with kids. The city is very convenient for tourists, as most of the main attractions of Minsk are located close to each other, in the city center. They include the Grand Theater of Opera and Ballet, cozy houses and cafes of the Trinity suburb, Upper town with the town hall, the Independence avenue with its chic boutiques and many other places. Just walk around the city center and you will easily find them all.
One attraction worth visiting that is situated not in the center of Minsk, is the Belarusian National Library having a form of a diamond, one of the largest libraries in the world, the roof of which is also a great panoramic point.
Visit Zabrodie Village that Still Remembers the First World War
Other places to visit in Belarus
Belarus has lots of great places to visit. This list could include other beautiful castles, like Nesvizh and Kossovo castles, Pripyat and Berezinsky National Parks, other old cities like Slonim, Novogrudok, Gomel and Vitebsk, numerous museums and places to discover the Belarusian culture. Just come here and find the best places to visit in Belarus on your own!
Author bio:
Roman from Visit-Belarus.com writes about interesting facts, useful information, attractions and places to visit in Belarus. He is also the creator of the RomanRoams.com travel blog which talks about adventurous travel and traveling on a budget.
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Belarus cannot be called the most popular country among tourists. However, this attitude can be considered unjustified. Of course, there is no sea here, but there are a lot of beautiful corners, historical places and comfortable sanatoriums, hotels and boarding houses for travelers.
The nature of Belarus is beautiful. The cleanest lakes and rivers, dense forests, green fields - the country is simply created for green tourism and is actively developing this particular direction. Very affordable prices can be attributed to the poles of a trip to Belarus. Compared to Russia, there are very inexpensive products here. You can rent a cottage on the shore of a quiet lake at very modest prices. In addition, the Belarusians themselves are hospitable people who are always glad to see guests.
What you should definitely do in Belarus is to go hunting or fishing, see one of the ancient castles, visit the famous Brest and wander along the modern streets of the center of Minsk. We must not forget about the local cuisine - it is worth trying traditional potato pancakes and the local Zubrovka.
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What to see in Belarus?
The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.
This is the largest relic, truly primeval forest in Europe. Agree, it is very interesting to see what Europe was like before it was thoroughly settled and remade by people. Majestic, dense, with centuries-old trees - Belovezhskaya Pushcha invariably arouses interest among tourists. Only here you can see bison, oaks that are over 600 years old. Now it is a biosphere reserve, it is better to go here as part of an organized excursion.
Borisoglebskaya Church, located in the city of Grodno, is an old building and surprises precisely with its antiquity. Built back in the 12th century, during the time of Ancient Rus', they retained the power of the walls, majesty and a special unique flavor. Scientists call the Church of Borisoglebsk a separate phenomenon in architecture that has no analogues on the planet.
The main square of the Belarusian capital, its architectural ensemble began to take shape back in the 1930s. The main place in the center of the square is occupied by the Victory Monument in the form of an obelisk; there is also a cozy square and residential buildings. In addition, capsules with earth from various hero cities were laid on Victory Square. There is also a hall in memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, so the square fully justifies its name.
Naroch National Park is called the most convenient platform for tourists who want to get acquainted with the beauties of Belarus. It offers travelers 16 tourist routes, comfortable rooms, comfortable cottages, and budget tourists can stay at the campsite. Blue lakes, the Forest Museum, an apothecary garden, rare herbs and animals - there is something to see and do in the Naroch National Park. And the nature here is just amazing!
This is a technical museum, which is entirely dedicated to the history of the development of railway transport. Here are still pre-war specimens of steam locomotives, perfectly preserved and carefully restored. In addition, in the railway museum of the city of Brest you can see unique steam taps and a whole collection of passenger cars of various classes.
This is a whole complex of six museum objects. The Gomel palace and park ensemble is recognized as the oldest and most authoritative in Belarus, so tourists cannot miss it. The ensemble includes the palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskevichs, the Winter Garden, an old park, which is recognized as a monument of landscape art, the Khaletskys' estate and a number of other interesting objects.
This museum is the largest collection of works of art and works of Belarusian artists and craftsmen from other countries in the country. The collection of the museum is impressive - in order to expose all the wealth of the collection, its area had to be expanded several times and branches opened. The museum has restoration workshops, and the collections are constantly replenished.
This is, of course, the saddest attraction in Belarus. It is dedicated to 149 residents of the village of Khatyn, who, in 1943, were burned and shot by the Nazis. Khatyn has become a symbol of the victims of the Great Patriotic War among the civilian population. The memorial impresses with its poignant sculpture “The Unbowed Man”, evidence of Nazi crimes and the general atmosphere.
The complex is dedicated to traditional crafts and folk technologies. It has been operating for more than 17 years and is a real open-air museum. People go to Dudutki to see with their own eyes a real village from the times of Ancient Rus', with a functioning windmill and houses in which things created by ancient masters are perfectly preserved. In addition, in Dudutki you can see how real homemade cheese is made and visit the zoo.
A real pearl of Belarus, a castle complex founded in 1520. Included in the UNESCO list, today it is a castle museum. Mir Castle has 39 expositions, a pond and picturesque parks. But the most interesting thing is that you can rent a room or hold a festive event in the Mir Castle - there is a hotel and a restaurant serving dishes of ancient cuisine. The castle has a conference room and a souvenir shop with products of local craftsmen.
This is the most famous Catholic church in Belarus, located in Minsk. The church surprises tourists with its grandeur, red brick walls and rich interior decoration. The Church of St. Simeon and St. Helena is relatively young - its construction began in 1905. Travelers can admire the stained-glass windows and bas-reliefs, as well as attend worship services that are held here regularly.
This amazing building is included in the list of the most original buildings on our planet. The National Library of Belarus, the main library of the country, was built in the form of a rhombicuboctahedron. The height of this cube reaches 23 meters, and the weight, excluding the collection of books, is 115 thousand tons. This building, somewhat similar to a diamond, looks especially original in the evening, when the backlight turns on, finally turning it into a gem.
A really large castle, a whole complex, in the courtyard of which there is a real square. The construction of this castle began in the 15th century, then it was rebuilt and perfectly preserved to this day. Today, this residence of the Radziwills has become a museum-reserve where you can get acquainted with the life of an old aristocratic family. In 2012, the Nesvizh Castle was reconstructed and today it receives thousands of tourists - there are queues here on weekends.
The Great Patriotic War began for the USSR in Brest. Today, the fortress has turned into a memorial that immortalized the feat of the Soviet soldiers who managed to delay the advance of the fascist invaders. The Brest memorial has become the largest monument of the Second World War in the CIS, a whole complex that includes battlefields, sculptural compositions and the ruins of an old fortress.
