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The sights of Belarus are a tasty morsel for those who collect vivid impressions. The identity of this country lies in the originality of national traditions, in a rich culture. Traveling to Belarus will give you many fascinating acquaintances with historical and cultural monuments.
What to see in Belarus first of all
In order for the trip to bring only positive emotions, it makes sense to plan the route in advance, and guides in Belarus will help you navigate the terrain. Please note that some monuments of nature and architecture are located in the same city or in neighboring settlements – this will allow you to see as much interesting things as possible in one visit.
1. Brest
If you are thinking what to see in Belarus, then the legendary city of Brest should be the first item. This is a quiet and calm city, which is lost in the southwestern part of the country. The cultural life of Brest is rich, and its economy is developing dynamically.
A geographical feature is the fact that Brest stands at the confluence of the Western Bug and Mukhavets. Historians have established that the first mention of this city dates back to 1019. It was then that a new type of elm spread in Russia – birch bark, which gave the name to the city.
Brest has a heroic history. Attacks of enemies and raids of nomads destroyed the architecture of the city many times. Currently, tourists are of great interest to the Brest Fortress, which witnessed the heroic battles during the Great Patriotic War. The feat of the people is imprinted here in stone.
Official site: http://www.brest-fortress.by/
2. Nesvizh Castle (Nesvizh)
Nesvizh Palace and Park Complex
The city of Nesvizh is comfortably nestled almost next to Minsk. This is a small provincial town, which was once a large Lithuanian principality. Nesvizh Castle is a reflection of the luxury of the Lithuanian nobility. He is big, ambitious and very strict. The architectural structure was built in the sixteenth century.
Initially, the project was built from wood. Later, the building was modernized many times. In the cladding of its facade, as well as in the construction of internal partitions, stone has already begun to be used. The palace complex is decorated in a restrained style. The yellow-brown facades contrast with the terracotta roof. Rounded lattice windows are a direct reference to the style of the past, when each window must be protected from unwanted penetrations.
The castle was planned as a fortification. Its architecture is subordinated to the idea of protection. For example, it is known that ancient architects strengthened earthworks with a brick wall 4 meters high. Deep ditches were dug around the castle, which were filled with water from the local river Osh. In the 16th century, it was possible to get into some kind of fortification only through a collapsible bridge. Several more secret passages were arranged in this castle.
As a defensive structure, the castle fully justified itself, since it was defended by 30 guns. Those tourists who decide for themselves the question of what to see in Belarus should definitely get acquainted with this castle and its main attraction – the Golden Hall.
Official website: http://niasvizh .by/en/
3. Mir Castle (Mir)
Mir Castle from Mir Lake
In the Grodno region there is an amazing architectural structure – the Mir Castle. From the outside, it looks like a birthday cake. Creamy-brown tones in the cladding of the facades and pointed turrets make it festive and elegant. But in fact, this is a powerful fortification. The castle towers are 25 meters high. Mir Castle has everything for those tourists who think what to see in Belarus.
Interestingly, the underground part of the castle is much superior to its ground component. The dungeon has an extensive system of passages, in which it is easy to get lost without a guide. Adventure filmmakers often use the castle as a backdrop for their films.
For tourists, the castle is also interesting because, according to legend, ghosts live in it. Who knows, maybe it's true. The tour group must be informed that clang of weapons and groans are heard in the dungeon at night. The courtyard of the castle is lined with large paving stones, which further enhances the impression of the ancient building.
As for the functions of the fortification, they were reinforced with water protection. Now the castle has access roads to make it easier for travelers to view it.
Official website: http://mirzamak.by/
4. Church Saints Simeon and Helena (Minsk)
The Red Church of Saints Simeon and Helena
The Minsk Church of Saints Simeon and Helena was built of red brick. It is visible from different parts of the city, since the building is quite high. The amazing feature of this monument is that it fills everyone who visits it with kindness and bright thoughts. The church was built at the beginning of the last century.
It has retained its original architecture, although Minsk was devastated many times during the war. The temple is dedicated to the dead children of the Minsk nobleman Voynilovich. In 1910 the temple was consecrated. It has a second name according to the color of the stone – the Red Church.
Voynilovich is a prominent political figure in Belarus at the beginning of the 20th century. The church received the name of the saints who were the patrons of his children.
Soviet power caused the destruction of many historical sights of Belarus. This church was no exception. However, the authorities take care of the culture of the country, so the church was restored in different periods. The remains of Edward Voinilovich were reburied there in 2006.
5. St. Sophia Cathedral (Polotsk)
Orthodox shrine St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk
Looking for something to see in Belarus? Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk should not be left without your attention. The Christian shrine, built in the eleventh century, originally served as a fortification. State power had its iconic symbols at all times. In the 11th century, St. Sophia Cathedral was such a symbol. It was on the territory of this cathedral that ambassadors from other states were received.
It kept religious shrines. The cathedral has been rebuilt or reconstructed many times since the 11th century. But its architectural appearance underwent a global change in the 18th century. The cathedral was blown up so that an even more luxurious building could be built in its place. However, elements of the 11th century architecture in the new building have been preserved to this day. For example, here you can see the remains of ancient frescoes.
The Cathedral is a masterpiece of architectural sights in Belarus. The decoration and geometry of the towers is such that visitors experience a real aesthetic shock. The optical perspective gives the impression of a lacy outline of the towers, reminiscent of a crown.
The architectural style in which the cathedral is made corresponds to the baroque criteria. Among the many relief compositions, the New Testament Trinity is best known. Her style is rococo. Seeing the sights of Belarus, tourists invariably admire St. Sophia Cathedral.
Official website: http://sophia.polotsk.museum
Watch the beautiful places of Belarus in this wonderful video!
6. Khatyn
Bronze sculpture “Unconquered” in Khatyn
The memorial complex Khatyn is an iconic symbol of the burning pain of the Belarusian people. Khatyn itself is not on any map of Belarus. The tragedy of a small village burned by the Nazis is immortalized in the memorial complex. The events of the war are captured here in harsh and expressive architectural solutions. The memorial complex is made in black and gray tones, which enhances the feeling of grief.
The village was completely destroyed in 1943 on March 22. Of all the inhabitants, only 3 people were saved. Many architects claimed the right to capture the tragedy of Khatyn in stone, so a professional competition was held among them in the sixties in Belarus. The architects Gradov, Levin and Zenkovich, as well as the sculptor Selikhanov, received the right to work on the project.
The most concise and realistic means of depiction are used. The monument is very emotional, which is provided by sound accompaniment and special architectural plasticity. The surviving blacksmith I. Kaminsky carries his dead son in his arms to the sound of a bell. There are no architectural frills here. But the sorrow of the suffering people is conveyed unusually deeply.
Official website: http://khatyn.by/ru/
7. Bobruisk Fortress (Bobruisk)
Ancient map of the Bobruisk fortress
The Bobruisk fortress was built at the behest of Emperor Alexander 1. The author of the project was K. Opperman, who has the title of count. By that time, the count's professional baggage already had several similar works, since he was a fortification engineer by profession. The beginning of work is considered June 4, 1810. The citadel in Bobruisk had the first class of fortifications.
In total, the fortress occupied an area of 120 hectares. Protection was provided by earthen ramparts 10 meters high, and the fortress was also surrounded by water. 300 guns with different calibers were placed to defend the fortress. The amount of ammunition was brought in for about a year. It was the Bobruisk fortress that in 1812 was the first to take the blow of the Napoleonic army.
The work was completed only in 1855, when the Bobruisk fortress became truly fortified. In addition, by this time the style of classicism was fully embodied in it. Among the sights of Belarus Bobruisk fortress occupies a special place. This is a whole city with its own cultural and social infrastructure. On the territory of the fortress there was even a paved Botanical Garden and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Since 2002, the fortress has been on the state list of cultural values of Belarus.
8. Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve (Vitebsk)
A quiet corner of the Berezinsky Reserve
If you have not yet decided what to visit in Belarus, be sure to pay attention to the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve. Excellent conditions for ecotourism and professional hunting have been created here. In addition, the fertile nature of the Berezinsky Reserve is the key to a good holiday with young children.
Guests are offered a variety of recreation options here: from an introductory excursion to complex ecological tours. Several guest houses are equipped with civilized amenities.
In 1983, an international seminar on biosphere reserves was held here, which was attended by representatives of 50 states. As for the historical significance of the reserve, it will be interesting for tourists to know that the medieval route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through its territory.
Official website: http://www.berezinsky .by/en/
9. Cathedral Church of St. Francis Xavier (Grodno)
Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier from the side of the square.
The sights of Belarus leave an indelible impression on everyone who gets to know them closely. The Church of St. Francis Xavier has become a notable monument of architectural architecture of the 17th century. Once it was considered the most luxurious in Poland. In the seventeenth century, the church occupied an entire residential area. The interior of the church was pretentiously expensive, as Catholics had a penchant for expensive decorations in architecture.
The interiors of the church are decorated with expensive decorations, mosaics and paintings. As for the fresco painting, the church is full of a wide variety of compositions from them. Fresco painting smoothly passes from wall to wall inside the church. At the same time, the authors of the project tried to adhere to some specific plot compositions in the murals.
The church looks elegant and festive. The facades are finished with white soft plaster. The highlight of the church was the pointed turrets of emerald green color. Below them are the most ancient European tower clocks. They still go, despite the fact that they were designed back in the 15th century.
10. Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Summer day in Belovezhskaya Pushcha
When deciding what to visit in Belarus, one should not forget about Belovezhskaya Pushcha. This is a nature protection object, which in 1992 was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural complex is located on the territory of the Brest and Grodno regions. There are extremely many species of animals here, and many of them are in the Red Book of Belarus. It is believed that the Belarusian bison is the owner of Belovezhskaya Pushcha.
Tourists from all over the world come to see the bison. Unique flora and fauna are maintained here in pristine freshness and vigor. The ecological situation in the reserve is impeccable. The national park is maintained by specialists whose main task is to maintain at the proper level both rich vegetation and wildlife.
The iconic objects of Belovezhskaya Pushcha include the Museum of Nature, where you can learn about literally every blade of grass that grows here. In addition, in the halls of the Museum there are realistic stuffed animals of all animals inhabiting the territory of the reserve.
In the immediate vicinity of the Museum there are enclosures with animals. Some of them originally lived here, and some species were introduced and acclimatized over time. In addition, it is in Belovezhskaya Pushcha that the estate of the Belarusian Grandfather Frost is located. All the children of Belarus dream of visiting here, and this can be done all year round.
Official website: https://npbp.by/
Sights of Belarus: what else visit while in Belarus
In fact, there are many more places that can interest travelers, so if popular excursions in Belarus do not suit you, there is always an opportunity to find an alternative. The main thing is not to forget that the time spent in the country is not unlimited, so you should choose those sights whose descriptions impressed you the most.
11. Lake Svityaz (Valevka, Grodno region)
< img title="Sights of Belarus: Top 15" src="/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/dostoprimechatelnosti-belorussii-top-15-4f5df39.jpg" alt="Sights of Belarus: Top 15" />< /p> Panoramic view of Lake Svityaz
Lake Svityaz is rightfully considered one of the sights of Belarus. It is located on the Novogrudok Upland and is distinguished by amazingly beautiful panoramic views. The crystal clear water of the lake is surrounded by green velvet of sloping shores. For those who love outdoor activities, a trip along the lake will be truly exciting.
Only here you can see giant hundred-year-old oaks. And only here you can see the sandy bottom through the many meters deep, the water is so clear. The lake is unique: it has a lot of alkaline compounds, so the water is endowed with special softness.
Of course, such a beautiful place should be surrounded by many legends. One of them tells about the mass death of the townspeople in protest against enslavement. The townspeople decided to die all together, so as not to get the conquerors. The city, according to legend, fell into the abyss.
However, soon the souls of the dead townspeople were reborn in flowers that grew rapidly along the shores of the lake. Locals believe that in clear weather, in the middle of the lake, you can see the paved pavement of the city that once was on this place.
12. Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace (Gomel)
Entrance part of the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace
The Palace of Field Marshal Rumyantsev was built in the 19th century. The best Russian architects of that time worked on the project: Blank, Moscepanov, Alekseev. The main advantage of the palace is the magnificent panoramic views that open from its luxurious terraces. The fact is that the palace is located on a beautiful hill on the banks of the local river Sozh.
Being the property of a field marshal general, the palace was an ordinary living space, which was distinguished by pretentiousness in decoration and special luxury. In addition, the palace was surrounded by a park ensemble, where rare plants were collected in amazing compositions.
Unfortunately, the palace was looted during the war. However, individual units stored here later returned. Currently, the palace complex is a modern museum. It contains many early printed books belonging to the Paskevich family.
In addition, the museum's archives contain many rare archaeological finds and coin collections. Answering the question of what sights in Belarus can be visited, locals immediately call the Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace.
Official website: http://www.palacegomel.by/
13. Lida Castle (Lida)
Lida Castle on the Lake
Lida Castle complements the sights of Belarus with an interesting history and special parameters. The castle was built in 1323 by order of Prince Gediminas. This is a common fortification of that time. Its functional purpose was originally to provide owners with protection from enemies.
Rubble stone and brick were used in the process of construction work. The castle has the shape of a quadrangle, disproportionately elongated in one direction. Two corner towers made it possible to survey the surroundings. The two-meter ditch served as another way to protect against the Crusaders.
In the 18th century, the fortification was strengthened; an artificial lake was laid out right in front of it. On the territory of the castle there is an Orthodox church and many social facilities. There are living quarters in the castle, they are located on the upper levels of two corner towers. The history of the castle has many attacks. It was besieged at different times by the Crimean Tatars, Crusaders, Swedes.
The castle was damaged in 1891, when Lida was almost completely destroyed by fire. The city authorities began to sell the castle buildings in order to somehow support the residents. However, later the castle was partially restored.
14. Naroch National Park (Naroch)
Golden autumn in Naroch Park
The sights of Belarus associated with ecological tourism include the resort village of Naroch. All conditions are provided here for lovers of horse riding, fishing and hunting. Lake Naroch attracts with beautiful landscapes with impeccable ecology. Rest here promises real pleasure for those who appreciate the natural beauty.
There are many historical monuments near the lake. For example, tourists are interested in the sites of ancient people. Nearby there is also the equally beautiful lake Myastro, famous for the fact that in its center there is a fortification of the 11th century. On the shore of Lake Miastro stands the Church of the Most Holy Virgin Mary.
The fertile Belarusian nature is interesting for those who love outdoor activities and appreciate the primeval freshness of dense forests and clean lakes. Tourist routes passing through the Belarusian Lakeland are attractive for tourists because they are accompanied by organized excursions. Professional guides will tell you about the features of the Naroch National Park and the variety of historical monuments in this area.
15. Historical complex “Stalin's Line” (Loshany, Minsk region)
The exposition of the “Stalin Line” complex
What to visit in Belarus? First of all, the “Stalin Line” is an open-air museum. The complex was built on the basis of restored fortifications. Its grand opening took place in 2005, it was timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the Victory. The initiative to create a historical and cultural complex was approved by Alexander Lukashenko.
With maximum realism, the authors of the idea managed to recreate trenches, machine-gun pillboxes, and a command and observation post. Engineering equipment was recreated according to real pre-war drawings. In the exposition you can see trenches, trenches, anti-tank ditches. There are also dugouts for soldiers, gouges made of wire, metal or wood.
In addition, the open-air museum presents military equipment from the period of the Patriotic War, as well as one of the monuments to Joseph Stalin. History shows that not a single fortification has played its role to the end. Nevertheless, they performed some kind of strengthening function. “Stalin's Line” is the unfading memory of the Belarusians about the victims of the war. This is one of the most visited complexes in the republic. Near Belarus is a small but very beautiful country – Lithuania. When traveling around Belarus, think about visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Lithuania and get inspired for your further journey through Eastern Europe!
Official website: https://stalin-line.by/
