What is the oldest city in Belarus. The most beautiful cities in Belarus. Brest or Berestye
Polotsk(belor. Polatsk listen)) - a city in the Vitebsk region, the administrative center of the Polotsk region, the most ancient city of Belarus and one of the oldest cities Kievan Rus. It is located at the mouth of the Polota River, which flows into the Western Dvina. Population 82.8 thousand people (2010).
Contents [remove] 1 History o 1.1 Principality of Polotsk o 1.2 In the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Commonwealth o 1.3 Within the Russian Empire o 1.4 Soviet period o 1.5 In the Republic of Belarus 2 Economy 3 Transport system o 3.1 Automobile transport o 3.2 Rail transport o 3.3 Pipelines o 3.4 River transport o 3.5 Bridges o 3.6 Streets 4 Education 5 Culture o 5.1 Libraries 6 Physical education and sports 7 Mass media o 7.1 Television o 7.2 Radio stations § 7.2.1 Local transmitters directly in city of Polotsk § 7.2.2 Just as confidently accepted from Ushachi § 7.2.3 And Novopolotsk o 7.3 Print 8 Sights o 8.1 Architecture o 8.2 Lost heritage o 8.3 Fortifications o 8.4 Monuments and memorial complexes o 8.5 Polotsk - geographic center of Europe o 8.6 Museums o 8.7 Theaters 9 Events and activities o 9.1 Holidays o 9.2 Festivals 10 Interesting Facts o 10.1 Polotsk - the cultural capital of Belarus 2010 o 10.2 Ship "Polotsk" 11 Population o 11.1 Number and dynamics o 11.2 Famous natives and residents 12 Gallery 13 Sister cities 14 Notes 15 Literature 16 Links |
[edit]History
Main article:History of Polotsk
[edit]Principality of Polotsk
Main article:Polotsk principality
Euphrosyne of Polotsk (icon), 19th century
The first chronicle mention of Polotsk dates back to 862. In the middle of the 10th century, the Principality of Polotsk arose. It occupied the territory in the basin of the Western Dvina, the upper reaches of the Berezina and the Neman. The first known prince of Polotsk, who is mentioned in chronicle sources, is Rogvolod (d. c. 978). In 988-1001, Izyaslav Vladimirovich, the son of Rogneda Rogvolodovna and Vladimir Svyatoslavich, reigned in Polotsk, the founder of the dynasty of Polotsk princes Izyaslavich. The foundation of the Polotsk diocese dates back to 992 (according to some sources, 1104).
In 1003-1044, Bryachislav Izyaslavich reigned in Polotsk. He significantly expanded the territory of the Principality of Polotsk, annexing the cities of Usvyat and Vitebsk, as well as the lands between the Western Dvina and Disna, where he founded the city of Bryachislavl (Braslav).
During the reign of Vseslav Bryachislavich (with some interruptions from 1044 to 1101), the Sophia Cathedral was built (between 1030-1060), one of the earliest temples of Ancient Russia. Vseslav Bryachislavich is the only representative of the Polotsk branch of the Rurikids on the throne of Kiev (1068-1069). Under Vseslav Bryachislavich, the Principality of Polotsk reached its highest power.
The name of the granddaughter of Vseslav Bryachislavich, the Monk Euphrosyne (1110-1173), abbess of Polotsk, is associated with the foundation of the Polotsk Spaso-Evfrosinievskiy monastery. By her order, in 1161, the master jeweler Lazar Bogsha created an altar cross - a masterpiece of the old Belarusian jewelry art.
In the XII century, a struggle for supremacy began between the Vitebsk, Minsk and Drutsk branches of the descendants of Vseslav Bryachislavich. This led to the seizure of part of the lands of the Polotsk principality by the Novgorod, Smolensk and Chernigov princes. The Principality of Polotsk also experienced pressure from the Lithuanians and the Crusaders. In 1201, at the mouth of the Western Dvina, the German crusader knights founded the military trading settlement of Riga [ source unspecified 61 days], which significantly undermined the economic position of Polotsk.
In the early 1240s, Lithuanians often found themselves on the princely throne of Polotsk, but the state retained its independence. Andrei of Polotsk (1342-1377, 1381-1387), who ruled in Polotsk in the second half of the 14th century, is one of the most remarkable political figures in the history of Polotsk. After the loss of the Principality of Polotsk by Prince Andrei, he was replaced by Skirgailo Olgerdovich (1387-1397), the last independent prince of Polotsk. Since 1392, the lands of the former Polotsk inheritance as part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were ruled by governors, and since 1504 - by governors.
[edit] In the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Commonwealth
Polotsk, late 18th century
During 1432-1436, during the civil war in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Polotsk was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Russia.
In 1498 Magdeburg Law was introduced in the city. In 1504-1772 - the capital of the Polotsk Voivodeship of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (since 1569 - the Voivodeship of the Commonwealth).
After the capture of the city by the troops of Ivan IV in 1563 during Livonian War Polotsk in 1563-1579 was part of the Muscovite state. In 1563, a massacre of Jewish residents took place in the city, about 300 people were drowned in the Western Dvina because of their refusal to convert to Christianity. Throughout the following time, Kislev 25 in the Jewish calendar was celebrated as a day of remembrance for the innocently slain.
During the Russian-Polish war of 1654-1667, Polotsk was again under the rule of the Russian kingdom.
[edit] Part of the Russian Empire
As a result of the first partition of the Commonwealth, the right-bank part of Polotsk on July 25 (August 5), 1772 became part of the Russian Empire. The left-bank part of Polotsk became part of the Russian Empire under the second partition of the Commonwealth in 1792. In 1772-1776 the city was in the Pskov province. Since August 24 (September 4), 1776, Polotsk has been the administrative center of the Polotsk province. Since May 12 (May 23), 1778 - Polotsk governorship.
The twenty-year presence of Polotsk in the provincial capacity contributed to a significant economic growth and cultural development of the city. The principles of a regular planning of the city center were adopted, new administrative buildings were erected, the territory of the city grew, and the population increased. Polotsk regained its status as a center of local and transit trade.
Since December 12 (December 23), 1796, Polotsk has been a county town of the Belarusian province, and since 1802 - Vitebsk.
In 1812, two battles took place near Polotsk between the Russian and French armies (see the First Battle of Polotsk and the Second Battle of Polotsk).
In 1891, there were 23 synagogues and Jewish prayer houses, 8 Orthodox churches, a Catholic church, a Lutheran church, a schismatic prayer house, a male and female monasteries in the city.
On May 23, 1910, on the feast day of St. Euphrosyne, the relics of St. Euphrosyne were returned to Polotsk. They were placed in the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior. Until 1910, the relics of Euphrosyne were in the Kiev Caves Monastery.
Zaslavl(belor. Glory listen)) is a city in Belarus, in the Minsk region.
[edit] Geography
The city is located 12 km from Minsk, on the Svisloch River at its confluence with the Zaslavskoye Reservoir.
Railway station Belarus on the line Minsk - Molodechno.
[edit] Population
[edit]History
Zaslavl - chronicle Izyaslavl, Izheslavl, Zheslavl. According to chronicle legends, it was built at the end of the 10th century by the Kiev prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, who gave it to his wife Rogneda and son Izyaslav (named after him). It was first mentioned in chronicles in 1127-1128 in connection with the campaign of the Grand Duke of Kiev Mstislav Vladimirovich to Polotsk land, “to Krivichi”, during which he was ruined.
Prince Vladimir, apparently, looked after the place for the city when he went to war against the Yotvingians. M. Karamzin, who used chronicles later burned in the Moscow fire of 1812 for the History of the Russian State, attributed the incident with Rogneda and Vladimir and the foundation of Izyaslavl to 985.
In 1159, it was plundered during another civil strife - the struggle of two branches of Vseslav's descendants: the sons of Prince Gleb of Minsk and Prince Boris of Polotsk. At that time it was a fortified city, the center of the specific Izyaslav principality.
Archaeological excavations give an idea of the then building of the city. In the layers of the citadel and the settlement of the XII century, the remains of stoves-heaters were found. In the central part of the castle in 1980, the remains of three wooden buildings were found, cut into a log (preservation of 2-3 crowns). One of the buildings is surrounded by a frame of two crowns. Along its wall, on top of the outer frame, a flooring of planks and slabs was found, laid perpendicular to the wall of the house so that their ends were fixed between the logs of the inner frame. Such buildings are known in Novgorod and Staraya Ladoga.
After 1159, Izyaslavl disappeared from the chronicles for almost two centuries. According to the excavations, it can be seen that in the middle of the 13th century there was a big fire here.
From the 14th century, Izyaslavl was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In Lithuanian time it became known as Zaslav. Until the 16th century, it was considered a city (place). In 1345, Zaslavl was given by the Lithuanian prince Keistut to his younger brother Evnut Gediminovich, from whom the family of the Zaslavsky princes descended. In 1433 - captured by Svidrigail Olgerdovich and burned, the inhabitants were taken prisoner. Since 1539 Zaslavl has been the property of the Glebovichi feudal lords. The first of the Zaslavsky Gleboviches - Yan Yuryevich - was the chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. His son Yan Yanovich Glebovich founded a Protestant community in Zaslavl, built a Protestant church (later the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior), which was built in the 17th century. transferred to the Catholics and re-consecrated to the Church of Michael the Archangel. In addition to it, the city had a wooden church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (built by Nikolai Glebovich in 1625) and the Uniate Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In 1676, the last representative of the Zaslavsky branch of the Glebovichi, Christina Barbara, together with her husband Kazimir Jan Sapieha, founded a Dominican monastery, giving him the western part of the castle.
From 1678 - the city is the possession of Sapieha, from 1753 - Anthony Pshezdetsky. In the 16th century, there was a printing house in Zaslavl, which published the Bible of Symon Budny (1574).
In the XVII-XVIII centuries. the city was the center of the Zaslavsky county, which consisted of four voitowships: Vyazansky, Zaslavsky, Lomzhinsky and Seletsky, in total 28 vesoks (villages), 6 farms (separate landlord farms) and 13 dungeons (rural settlements on the land left after the delimitation)
At the end of the XVII century. the number of houses in Zaslavl ranged from 77 to 89, and the number of adult residents from 271 to 300. In 1698 there were 89 houses in the city.
In 1774, a brick one was built on the site of the old wooden church.
Since 1793 Zaslavl has been a part of Russia as a place in the Minsk district.
At the end of the XVIII century. there was a school at the church, at the monastery - for the children of the gentry, a Jewish school. The monastery had a library of 442 volumes.
In 1810, according to "Information on the number of inhabitants and the number of households in settlements Minsk province", there were 50 households in the city.
In November 1917, a Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Deputies was created in Zaslavl, which established Soviet power.
In 1924-1959 it was the center of the Zaslavsky district.
Since 1959 Zaslavl has been an urban settlement in the Minsk region.
[edit] Modern city
According to the architectural and planning decision, the city is divided into three parts or microdistricts. The first one is the historical center. Here is located a large part of the historical and archaeological reserve, as well as houses of individual, mainly old, buildings, the City Council, institutions for social, cultural and domestic purposes: the House of Culture, the library, the House of Family Celebrations, the general education secondary and music schools, the special boarding school , consumer services complex, atelier, shops, hospital, pharmacy.
The second microdistrict is a production, social and residential complex of the Belarusian Zonal Poultry Research Station.
The third microdistrict, located behind the railway line, is the industrial center of Zaslavl. Built in this area a large number of multi-storey residential buildings, shops, two comprehensive secondary schools, House children's creativity, three kindergartens.
Tours(belor. Turaў) - a city in the Zhitkovichi district of the Gomel region, one of the oldest cities in Belarus and the capital of the Turov principality in the XII-XIII centuries. It is located in Polissya on the Pripyat River, 25 km northwest of the city and Zhitkovichi railway station, 258 km from the city of Gomel. It is connected by roads with David-Gorodok, Zhitkovichi, Lelchitsy. Nearest cities: Zhitkovichi - 25 km, Mikashevichi - 69 km, Lelchitsy - 57 km, Stolin - 81 km.
[edit]History
Napoleon Orda - Turov, 1856
Turov's plan (A. Krukovsky, 1926)
Street of modern Turov
[edit] Founding
Turov is the political, economic and cultural center of the Dregovichi. The city was first mentioned in 980 in the "Tale of Bygone Years": "bebo Rogvolod moved from overseas to his volost Polotsk, and Tur Turov, nicknamed Turovitsi from him."
The city was founded at the confluence of the Yazda and Strumen rivers, tributaries of the Pripyat, which, in turn, flows into the Dnieper, leading to the Black Sea. This river route was known to the Vikings, who used it for active trade with Constantinople.
In 1005, the first Christian diocese was founded in Turov. In the 11th century, the so-called Turov Gospel was created - the oldest book in Belarus.
[edit]Turov principality
Upon the advent of the Rurikovich dynasty to the nearby Kyiv, Turov began to be controlled by a local branch of princes from this family (the Turov-Pinsk principality). During this period, Turov was an important shopping mall Kievan Rus (mainly due to the mentioned trade route). In 1158, Turov and Pinsk were besieged by princes led by Kiev, the siege lasted 10 weeks (the longest in Kievan Rus). In the 1180s, an independent Pinsk principality emerged from the principality of Turov.
Thanks to its strategic location, all kinds of crafts flourished in Turov. The city is also known as the birthplace of the ancient Russian theologian and philosopher Cyril of Turov (1130-1182), and Saints Martin and Lavrenty of Turov also lived in Turov. In the 12th century, there were 2 monasteries and 85 churches in the Principality of Turov.
Around 1230, an earthquake destroyed the settlement in Turov, which was discovered only in 1961.
At the end of 1246, a battle with the Mongol-Tatar army took place in the south of Belarus, including in Turov. In the second half of the 13th century, stone pillar towers were built in Kamenets, Brest, Turov, Grodno and Novogrudok.
[edit] As part of ON
In 1320-1330, the Turov-Pinsk lands became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1430 it became the city of Grand Duke Svidrigailo Olgerdovich. At the end of the 15th century, Turov was the private property of Mikhail Glinsky. In 1502 it was destroyed by the Tatars. After Glinsky was deposed and fled to the Moscow Principality in 1508, the city was confiscated by the family of Prince K. Ostrozhsky, who took up its restoration. However, the city was again destroyed by the Tatars in 1521. The Ostrozhskys ruled the city for more than a century, until it was given as a ransom for Princess Sapega. In 1648, Cossack detachments under the general leadership of Bogdan Khmelnitsky captured Turov, after its liberation by the troops of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the city was again captured in 1649 with the support of local residents.
During the period of constant wars with the Moscow principality, the city was destroyed several times. The city was never fully restored. In 1667, there were only 111 households in Turov, while in 1648 there were 401.
[edit]In the Russian Empire
After the Second Partition of the Commonwealth in 1793, Turov became part of the Minsk province of Russia and remained a provincial town for almost the entire 19th century. “Historically, Turov, now an insignificant, poor place on the right side of Pripyat, must be considered the oldest and most remarkable settlement ... At present, Turov, apart from memories of past greatness, of its significance in historical terms, is not remarkable in any way.” So wrote Adam Kirkor in the third volume of Picturesque Russia, published in 1882.
However, once there were wooden sidewalks in Turov, and a brass band played in the central park. It had its own airfield, “corn-growers” flew, there was a waterway, motor ships sailed along the Pripyat, it was possible to sail from Turov to Kyiv.
[edit] 20th century
In 1940, Turov was a district center within the Polessye region. In the summer of 1941, the city was captured, and already in October, the Turov anti-fascist organization began its activities. The city was liberated on July 5, 1944. In 1962, the Turov district, which existed before, was abolished, Turov was renamed from the city to the village and became part of the Zhitkovichi district.
[edit] Today
On August 10, 2004, by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, the urban settlement of Turov was given the status of a city. In the same 2004, the Days of Slavic Writing and Printing were held in Turov. The only industrial enterprise operating today in the city is a canning factory that produces canned vegetables and juices.
As of 2006, 3,100 people lived in Turov. In 2008, a new hotel was built, a tourist infrastructure is being created.
The administration of the Pripyat National Park is located in the city.
[edit] Population
[edit] Attractions
Stone cross "growing" from the ground
Ruins of a 12th century church
Church of All Saints (1810)
Monument to Kirill of Turov
In the old part of the cemetery last years In the 20th century, a stone cross appeared, with a chipped surface and non-sharp ends. Some believe that this cross "grows" right out of the ground.
· The foundation of a church built in the 1170s. The largest monumental structure in the western lands ancient Russia. It has a length of 29.3 m, a width of 17.9 m. The temple was destroyed by an earthquake on May 3, 1230. The ruins were discovered in 1961.
Kirill Turovsky. In 1994, a seven-meter monument was erected to him in Turov (authors - sculptor M. Inkov, architect - N. Lukyanchik).
· Church of All Saints, built in 1810. The attraction of this church are two two-meter stone crosses, which, according to legend, sailed (against the current) to Turov from Kyiv.
· Protestant church, built after 1990.
· In the vicinity of Turov there is a unique natural object - the Turov Meadow, which in spring is a system of islands surrounded by floods.
The Republic of Belarus has an ancient and glorious history, and its cities were founded in the days Old Russian state, and were important trade, cultural and craft centers. Despite its convenient location, almost in the very center of Europe, Belarus has not yet fully revealed its potential to tourists. Today we will try to fill this gap, and in a small tourist review we will see the most beautiful cities of this amazing and beautiful republic with such a beautiful name "Belaya Rus".
Our top of the most beautiful cities in Belarus opens with an ancient city founded in 1128. The city ranks first in the republic in terms of the number of historical monuments and architectural sights of antiquity.
Objects of historical heritage are the most important points in tourist routes. Among the unique monuments, we note the Old and New Castles, the Kolozha Church, built back in the pre-Mongolian period in the history of Russia.
It is noteworthy that in Grodno the historical center of the city, harmoniously blending into modern buildings, has remained almost unchanged. But among the modern cultural and entertainment facilities, you should definitely visit the large Grodno zoo.
The city is known all over the world for being the birthplace of the talented artist Marc Chagall, and in Vitebsk there are many memorable places associated with the life of the painter.
For example, future artists are educated at an art school, which was once founded by their famous fellow countryman. And thousands of tourists come to visit the Marc Chagall Museum, as well as enjoy the masterpieces of painting in the art center.
Among the historical buildings, profitable and merchant houses of the late 18th-19th centuries have been preserved. At night, the center of Vitebsk is illuminated by thousands of lights, and, like during the day, this is a great place for hiking.
A small Belarusian town, founded in 1223, today has only 15 thousand inhabitants, but can be proud of the monuments that have been preserved within its boundaries since ancient times.
First of all, this is the Nesvizh Castle, founded in the distant 1583 by Prince Radziwill Sirotka. Due to its uniqueness, the monument is included in the UNESCO heritage list. Here you can also visit the Farny Church, and not far from the city there is a medieval convent.
Nesvizh stands on the banks of the Usha River and its picturesque surroundings attract thousands of tourists and just nature lovers. There is almost no large-scale industrial production in the city, so the air here is clean and, according to the old-timers, has healing properties.
Pinsk is located in picturesque places where the river Pina merges with the waters of Pripyat, and at one time, in the XII century, it was even the center of an independent Pinsk principality. But the mention of him was preserved in the first ancient Russian chronicles.
This town is the second in terms of the number of preserved monuments of antiquity, and is second only to Grodno. The ancient traditions of Polissya architects have been preserved in urban development, and modern buildings have absorbed various architectural styles.
The layout of the streets and squares of Pinsk is also interesting, preserving the old radial-ring system, which was formed in the Middle Ages. But in the Soviet period, new quarters were located along the Pina River.
Conclusion
So our journey through the beautiful and amazing cities of the Republic of Belarus has come to an end, and it is difficult to determine which of them is the most beautiful city in Belarus.
One thing is clear that it is impossible to convey all the charm and beauty of Belarusian cities in one article. We simply advise you to visit Belarus, and, as they say, get in touch with the beauty of the magnificent Belarusian cities “live”. This will allow you to plunge into the historical splendor, as well as feel the spirit of antiquity, which lurks among the architectural and historical sights of Belarusian cities.
Ancient cities as one of the main types of archeological monuments. Planning structure of the ancient city. The concept of the cultural layer. Polotsk and Turov as centers of ancient Slavic statehood and culture. The first annalistic references. Location and history of origin. Etymology of the name. Planning and building of the ancient cities of Belarus. Conservation and reconstruction.
Polotsk and Turov.
cultural layer- a layer of earth at the site of a human settlement, preserving traces of human activities.
Cities on the territory of Belarus began to emerge in the Middle Ages. Most of them developed from former settlements, fortified settlements and castles. Trade routes played a particularly important role in their appearance. The most ancient cities of Belarus are Polotsk, Vitebsk and Turov.
The most ancient city in Belarus is Polotsk (the first mention in the annals dates back to 862), which is located at the mouth of the river. Cloths. This city has developed trade routes. It reached its greatest rise in the 10th-12th centuries, when it was the center of the Polotsk principality. For a thousand-year history, the status of Polotsk has changed about 30 times, and now it is one of the cities of the Vitebsk region.
The oldest cultural monuments of the city are St. Sophia Cathedral (XI century) and Spaso-Efrosinevsky Monastery (XII century). Ancient Polotsk consisted of three parts: Upper Castle, Lower Castle and Zapolotye. The ramparts of the Lower Castle are well preserved. The upper castle also had a shaft with a wooden wall. In addition, the fortress wall consisted of seven towers. The ground wooden frame (12-25 m²) served as the main type of city building.
The city of Turov, located on the river. Pripyat. It was first mentioned in a written source in 980. Subsequently, the city became the center of the Turov Principality. Now it is a small town in the Gomel region.
Ancient Turov consisted of a roundabout city and a citadel. Detinets from the southeast was surrounded by a defensive moat filled with water. From the 13th century there was a castle on the territory of the citadel. In modern Turov, the ruins of ancient residential buildings and the foundation of the church of the 11th-12th centuries remained. This church was the largest monumental building in western ancient Russia (length 29.3 m; width 17.9), but it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1230. According to the largest researcher of Russian antiquities, academician A. A. Shakhmatova, chronicle message about Prince Ture is nothing more than an etymological legend designed to explain the origin of the name of the city Turov.
Unfortunately, only a small part of the country's historical sights has survived to our time. There were too many wars and battles on the territory of Belarus, no less iconic objects were lost in peacetime. In the Soviet years, buildings that “spoiled the face of a socialist city” were destroyed (the 1930s were especially “fruitful”), the oldest churches were also liquidated, and even in later years (for example, the Church of the Annunciation of the 1120-30s. in Vitebsk, blown up in 1961).
But, in spite of everything, many architectural monuments have been preserved in Belarus. True, in the end, they are scattered throughout the country, cities and towns, which is logistically not very convenient for tours, for the sake of a single one or another attraction. Below is a subjective list of the most interesting cities for tourists.
1. - one of the oldest cities in the country. Many outstanding architectural monuments of Belarus have been preserved in the city, including the one with almost a thousand years of history - the Borisoglebskaya Church (built before 1183).
Walking around the city, be sure to visit churches, churches, monasteries and look at the beautiful interiors. The decoration of the Church of St. Francis Xavier (1678-1703).
2. Vitebsk- the cultural capital of Belarus. Founded in 974. The names of many famous artists are associated with Vitebsk: Kazimir Malevich, Mark Fradkin, Vasil Bykov, Ilya Repin and many others. But, first of all, Vitebsk is the birthplace of Marc Chagall. The city certainly has its own atmosphere. Churches and churches against the backdrop of a hilly landscape, narrow central streets.
You can go to Vitebsk during the Slavianski Bazaar and, walking along the streets, meet the stars of the music industry walking nearby.
3. Minsk- the capital of country. Despite the fact that Minsk is a very ancient city, the first mention of it dates back to 1067 (this year a battle took place on the Nemiga River between the Kiev princes Yaroslavich and the Polotsk prince Vseslav), there are few historical sights left. Several times the city was plundered, destroyed and burned by foreign invaders. But each time the enemy was expelled, and Minsk was rebuilt and expanded again. And today it is one of the ten largest cities in Europe. The most interesting preserved historical sights include: Cathedral Descent of the Holy Spirit (1642), it contains the Minsk Icon of the Mother of God (1st century), which has been inseparably in the city since 1500, and the incorruptible relics of St. Sophia of Slutsk, granddaughter of Anastasia Slutsk; Church of the Virgin Mary (1700-10), Church of St. Simeon and Helena, "Red Church" (1906-10), Trinity Suburb of the 19th century, Upper Town of the 17th-20th centuries.
It will be useful for tourists to know that Minsk hotels are primarily aimed at business tourism, so the share of luxury hotels is high. But the roads of hotels of any category and a sufficient number of rooms for the city, and its constant significant increase in the price of rooms do not particularly affect.
The city has a large number of various restaurants and cafes, the main thing here is not to stagnate on one Independence Avenue. You can pre-select a place for a meal on specialized resources.
GUM and TSUM, so beloved by Russians, have a completely different status in Belarus. If in Russia these are privatized stores, then in Belarus these are places for state-owned enterprises to sell their products, which do not have high consumer demand. Therefore, the visitors of these department stores are mainly visitors and pensioners, for whom the price segment is important.
4. Nesvizh- a city in which one of the most famous monuments of history and culture of Belarus is located - the Nesvizh Palace and Park Ensemble. This is the former residence of one of the most influential princely families in Europe - the Radziwill family.
Near the palace there is a large romantic park with canals and beautiful green areas.
In the city you can see the Church of the Body of God (Farny) - a masterpiece of pan-European significance, the second baroque church in the world (1587-93), the family tomb of the Radziwills. Town Hall of the end of the 16th century and much more.
5. Brest is a city with a rich history. The first chronicle mention of it dates back to 1019, in the city you can look at the ancient settlement (Berestye), the found remains of residential and utility wooden buildings of the 11th century. Catch in the evening on a pedestrian street a lamplighter with a ladder who lights kerosene lanterns.
See the famous Brest Fortress (1836-42). And 39 km north of Brest in the town of Kamenets stands a donjon tower built in 1276, the so-called "White Tower".
6. Pinsk- a city named after its location on the Pina River. The capital of the Belarusian Polissya. The city has the most comprehensive representation of the baroque in Belarus, the old layout and architectural monuments are well preserved. The main interest of them is the complex of the Jesuit Collegium and the Franciscan Monastery with the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
7. Polotsk- the spiritual center of Belarus. The most ancient city and the capital of the first state on the Belarusian territory (the Principality of Polotsk). The first chronicle mention of Polotsk dates back to 862, while the settlement arose on the site of the city much earlier.
There are temples in the city, which today are the stronghold of Christianity in the Slavic lands, a place where pilgrims come. Sophia Cathedral - founded between 1044-66, blown up in 1710 by the Russian Tsar Peter I, rebuilt in 1738-50. already in a different form, but on the foundation of the St. Sophia Cathedral of the 11th century. Remains of walls, a crypt and an apse about 10 m high have been preserved from the original cathedral.
Spaso-Evfrosinievskiy Monastery - it houses the relics of Euphrosyne of Polotsk. She is considered the heavenly intercessor of the "Land under White Wings", this is the first saint in the Belarusian lands, equally revered by Orthodox and Catholics. On the territory of the monastery is the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior of 1128-1156.
8. Novogrudok- the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. A city with a very bright centuries-old history.
Here you can see the ruins of Mindovga Castle. Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord (1395) - founded by Vytautas, in which the wedding of Jagiello and Sophia Golshanskaya took place, Adam Mickiewicz was baptized. The city is located on high and steep hills, from which a picturesque panorama opens.
9. Peace- a settlement in which one of the outstanding works of Belarusian architecture is located - the castle of Ilyinich and Radziwill (1st half of the 16th century).
10. Mogilev- a large city where you can see the St. Nicholas Monastery (1636), the church of St. Stanislav (1738-52), a beautiful pre-revolutionary theater (1886-88), the town hall and many interesting residential and civil buildings of the late 18th - 19th centuries, a zoo and an ethnographic village.
Gomel- the second largest city in Belarus. It is interesting for its beautiful palace and park ensemble, which houses the Rumyantsev and Paskevich Palace (1785-93) and the Peter and Paul Cathedral (1809-24).
Kossovo- the city in which the Puslovsky Palace is located (1838)
Lida- Gediminas' castle (1323-25) stands in the city. Not far from Lida is the village of Gervyaty, where the Church of the Holy Trinity (1899-1903) is located - the most striking example of the neo-Gothic style of architecture in Belarus. The high (61 meters) church is surrounded by a marvelous landscape park with statues of the apostles.
Budslav- the village where the Bernardine Church (1633-1783) is located. The church houses an icon painted in 1598, donated by Pope Clement XVIII. One of the three churches in Belarus, which bear the title of "small basilica".
Ruzhany- the village is famous for the Sapieha palace complex (castle - 1598-1605, restructuring into a palace ensemble - 1748-86). To this day, unfortunately, only the ruins of the complex have survived, but this is the case when even the ruins make a strong impression.
The first cities appeared on the territory of Belarus in the 9th-13th centuries. Initially, these were fenced fortifications "grads", which developed from tribal populations or on the sites of settlements left after the Iron Age. These cities were a kind of strongholds, which were gradually settled by the Drevlyans, Krivichi and Dregovichi.
Already in the XI-XII centuries. began active settlement of the cities of Belarus. It is related to the development Agriculture, crafts and the spread of trade relations. From small settlements large cities grow, which have survived to this day. It is difficult to name the most Old city Belarus, as many have a thousand-year history.
In the "Tale of Bygone Years" you can find a mention of Nesvizh, due to which the date of its foundation is considered to be 1223. But archaeological excavations were carried out on the territory of the city, which showed that people lived on this land much earlier.
Nesvizh is a small town located 120 km. from the capital of Belarus. Despite the small size of the town, tourists often come here to look at the Nesvizh Castle. This castle belonged to the Radziwill family. The estate has been perfectly preserved - there is a moat around the castle, as well as a large park, which is pleasant to walk around.
The date of foundation of Gomel is 1142. This is the second largest city in the country, which attracts millions of tourists every year. During the long history of the city, it has changed a large number of owners.
All the sights of the city are located in its center. Gomel should be visited at least for the sake of a walk through the luxurious garden and park ensemble. The palace and the hunting lodge are perfectly preserved, the picturesque bank of the Sozh River surprises with its beauty. Now the palace houses a museum, which is recognized as the largest museum in the country.
The history of Grodno begins in 1128. It is not the oldest city in Belarus, but one of the most attractive in terms of tourist value.
The city impresses with a huge number of preserved architectural monuments. Therefore, any traveler will find something to see while walking along the streets of this city. In the central part, buildings of past years have been preserved. The city authorities are very attentive to the heritage of their ancestors and monitor the condition of buildings, so city guests enjoy walking along the clean and well-groomed streets of Grodno. Street design, exquisite architecture creates a positive impression.
The city was born in 1097. Despite the fact that it is difficult to call Pinsk the oldest, its uniqueness lies in the fact that many sights of past centuries have been preserved here. And in terms of the number of historical monuments, Pinsk occupies the second position among the cities of Belarus.
The town is European-style cozy. Multi-colored houses are elegantly lined up along the streets, and delight the eye at any time of the year. The sights are striking and numerous churches, which also have a special architecture.
The history of the city of Brest dates back to 1019, which was of great importance in the history of the Soviet Union and played an important role during the War.
In the modern city, the Brest Fortress is called the most interesting place from the point of view of guests. It served as a fortification for Soviet soldiers who defended their homeland from the enemy. The soldiers of the USSR army were able to hold the fortress for two whole months. For comparison, the entire territory of Poland was captured in just one week.
In addition to the fortress, you do not need to give up the opportunity to walk through the streets of the city. And be sure to visit Sovetskaya Street. A very beautiful central street with many cozy cafes has one interesting feature - kerosene lanterns are installed on it. Until now, they are turned on thanks to the lamplighter. Lanterns throughout the city are turned on only after this ritual.
The list of the oldest cities in Belarus includes the capital of the country. It is here that almost a fifth of the population of the republic is concentrated. The city really deserves attention. And not only because it is the capital of Belarus. It's actually very beautiful here.
Minsk was founded in the times of Kievan Rus. On the territory of the modern city, many historical buildings have been preserved, which date back to different eras. Surprisingly, all the buildings are harmoniously combined with each other, creating a unique and inimitable image of the city. Cathedrals and churches of antiquity coexist with buildings of the USSR period, gradually the urban ensemble is supplemented by modern buildings. The city has a well-developed infrastructure.
The first mention of the city of Volkovysk dates back to 1005. Initially, it was a fortress city, which was located on the border of the Slavic and Baltic populations. Thanks to its excellent location, the city developed rapidly, because it was just on the way "from the Varangians to the Greeks." Not surprisingly, in the Middle Ages, many artisans and merchants lived here.
Today Volkovysk is not included in the list of the largest cities in the country, but it occupies an honorable place in the list of the oldest cities in Belarus. This is proved by architectural sights that have survived to this day.
The urban village of Turov is little known to tourists. But this city is more than a thousand years old. The first mention of Turov can be found in the Tale of Bygone Years, it dates back to 980.
Previously, a castle with a tower was located on the territory of the city. Not so long ago, excavations were carried out in this area, thanks to which it was possible to discover the ruins of a temple, burials in sarcophagi and the remains of residential buildings. The city cannot boast of a large number of attractions. Nowadays, Turov is most often visited by pilgrims who come to bow to the stone cross “growing from the ground”. But Turov has the potential to become a tourist city. Moreover, a small motor ship runs from Mozyr to Turov, a trip on which is already an interesting journey.
One of the oldest cities in Belarus is Vitebsk. Historians consider the date of its appearance to be 974. During this time, Vitebsk has changed markedly, but you can still see interesting architectural monuments of past centuries.
There are many beautiful buildings in the city, admire the beauty Orthodox churches, and lovers of walks in nature are advised to walk along the picturesque banks of the rivers - Vitba and Zapadnaya Dvina. Museums operate in the city. One of the most interesting is the tram museum.
Every year many tourists come to Vitebsk from different countries. And they are attracted not only by the beauty of the city, its rich history. People go to the festival "Slavianski Bazaar", which is held in the city every year.
Traveling in Belarus, one cannot fail to visit the city of Polotsk. In the past, the city had the status of a capital. Despite the fact that it has long lost its administrative significance, it is still considered the cultural capital of the country.
The first mention is attributed to the year 862. It can be found in the Nikon Chronicle. But archaeologists and historians believe that in 780 this place was already inhabited. The main attraction of Polotsk is St. Sophia Cathedral. This building dates back to 1030-1060. There are other churches in the city, the Spaso-Evfrosinevsky convent attracts with its architecture. Of the sights, one cannot fail to note the sign that marks the geographical center of Europe. Tourists can even purchase a special certificate to visit this place. The monument to the letter “Ў” is also interesting for many travelers, because this is a letter that occurs exclusively in the Belarusian alphabet.
Many cities in Belarus trace their history back to ancient times. And almost every major city in the country has its own unique attractions that date back to past centuries.
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