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When planning a trip to one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Belarus, decide in advance which sights of Vitebsk you would like to see. An experienced guide will offer you unique sightseeing routes and provide a lot of opportunities for an exciting pastime. Or you can independently develop a cultural program for yourself by learning from our article what to see in Vitebsk. We will tell you about the sights that allow you to feel the atmosphere of this amazing city.
What to see in Vitebsk in the first place
Even a short trip to these places will become a bright and unforgettable event if you treat it correctly organizing your leisure time. Tourists planning excursions to Vitebsk include the following attractions in the program:
1. “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”
International Festival of Arts “Slavianski Bazaar” in Vitebsk Ivan Rudnev/Ivan Rudnev
Even a sophisticated tourist will enjoy visiting the International Arts Festival called “Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk”, which is held every year in July. As part of the event, you will have the opportunity to watch a concert on the stage of the Summer Amphitheater or enjoy an enchanting circus show at the city Sports Palace. If you don’t know where to go in Vitebsk in the middle of summer, check out the Slavianski Bazaar.
Official website: https://fest-sbv.by/
2. Town Hall
At the entrance to the Town Hall there is a portico with two columns Marsonika
When listing the brightest sights of Vitebsk, it is necessary to mention its Town Hall. This building was erected in the 16th century as a sign that the city received the right to self-government. Since then, it has been repeatedly rebuilt and restored. Today, the town hall tops the rating of the city's attractions and is its hallmark. Also, tourists may be interested in the local history museum, located nearby.
Official website: http://ratusha-vit.by/
3. Assumption Cathedral
Orthodox church in the center of Vitebsk on Uspenskaya Hill
Travelers interested in what to see in Vitebsk can be advised to visit the Holy Assumption Cathedral. This is an amazingly beautiful temple, spread out on the banks of the Western Dvina. It is considered one of the most interesting architectural monuments of the Vilna Baroque and belongs to the 18th century. During the USSR, the cathedral was destroyed, but then it was restored.
Official website: https://vitprav.by/
4. Suvorov Street
Suvorov Street – a pedestrian area for vacationers in Vitebsk Adam Jones
Another historical landmark, about which guests of Vitebsk leave rave reviews, is Suvorov Street. It was built up in the 18th – 19th centuries, and has hardly changed since then. Here you will definitely feel the atmosphere of the old city.
The street began to take shape in the 15th century and was called Uzgorskaya for almost four hundred years. Then it was renamed the Officer's and, finally, named after Suvorov. The street still bears this name today, although during the Soviet Union it was Volodarskaya for several years. Here the past is intricately intertwined with the present, and every tourist can feel its breath.
5. Victory Square
The main monument on Victory Square at night
Describing the most interesting places in Vitebsk, it is impossible to ignore Victory Square, which is one of the largest in Europe. In its central part there is a memorial dedicated to the Soviet soldiers-liberators, where an eternal flame burns. Also on the square you can see the monumental monument “Three bayonets”, dedicated to all those who died during the Great Patriotic War. And next to it is an alley with military equipment, planes and helicopters.
Watch the wonderful views of Vitebsk in this exciting video!
6. Church of the Resurrection
Facade of the Holy Resurrection (Market) Church
If you are in for a trip to Vitebsk, do not miss the opportunity to take a look at the Church of the Resurrection. It is located on the Market Square and is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in the city. The Church of the Resurrection was built in the 16th century from wood. Then a stone temple was erected in its place, which was destroyed by the Bolsheviks after the revolution. The modern church was built according to his model, as a result of which the architectural style of the building can be attributed to the 18th century.
7. Church of the Annunciation
Reconstructed Church of the Annunciation on the left bank of the Western Dvina
Many sights of Vitebsk suffered from the October Revolution. This also applies to the Church of the Annunciation, which was blown up by the Soviet authorities and for several years existed in the form of ruins. It began to be restored at the end of the 20th century, and now a new temple stands on this site. But at its foot you can still see the remains of the old masonry (unplastered bricks). According to experts, these stones are about 8-10 centuries old. And you can touch them with your hand!
8. Church of St. Barbara
St. Barbara's Church – a small red brick Catholic cathedral
The majestic and grandiose Catholic Church The Church of St. Barbara impresses with its austere beauty, which can be appreciated even from the photo. Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque elements were used in its architecture, which made this building a unique work of art. The church was erected in the 18th century next to the Catholic cemetery and was located outside the city. But due to the large influx of parishioners, in the 19th century it was decided to rebuild and expand it. The temple survived the revolution and the Second World War, from which it was seriously damaged. But at the end of the last century it was restored, and today guides, listing the best sights of Vitebsk, always mention it.
Official website: http://svbarbara.by
9. Yakub Kolas Theatre
View of the National State Academic Drama Theater named after Yakub Kolas Jurasikt
Fans of culture and art will appreciate the Yakub Kolas Theatre, which was opened in 1926 and has not changed much to this day. The first performance staged on his stage was “In the old days” by I. Ben. The theater is still open today – if you are a fan of Melpomene, be sure to buy a ticket for the performance.
Official website: http://kolastheatre.by/ru
10. Lyalka Belarusian Theater
The facade of the building of the Belarusian theater “Lyalka” in Vitebsk Vyacheslav Shainurov
Speaking about what to visit in Vitebsk to get the most out of your stay in this city, it is worth mentioning the puppet theater “Lyalka”. It was founded in 1985 and wonderful performances for audiences of all ages are still staged on its stage. The theater is located on a hill with a beautiful view of the river in the heart of the city.
11. Marc Chagall House Museum
A monument to the artist and an old wagon in the backyard of the Marc Chagall Paju house-museum
This is a small building located on Pokrovskaya Street, where the famous artist spent his youth. Having been here, you can find out how the master's family lived and visit an exhibition of his works. Many guides in Vitebsk organize trips to Chagall's house-museum. And if you come here on your own, book a tour – otherwise the acquaintance with the attraction will turn out to be inferior.
Official website: http://chagal-vitebsk.
12 Museum of the History of the Vitebsk Tram
X-series tram car in the Tram Museum in Vitebsk Serge Serebro
This museum should be mentioned when listing the most original sights of Vitebsk. It is considered one of the highlights of the city. It was in Vitebsk that the first tram in Belarus appeared. And it happened at the end of the 19th century. You can learn about how the first trams were built, how they worked after the revolution and during the Second World War, how they develop and function today, by visiting the museum.
Official website: http: //www.vttu.by/
13. Art Museum
Replenishment of the collection of the Art Museum with the works of V. Akulov Yaўgeniy Ksyanevich
Continuing the review of the best museums of the city, it is necessary to stop at the Art Museum. It was founded in 1992 as one of the departments of the local history museum (located near the Town Hall). Paintings by many Russian and Belarusian artists, sculptures and other objects of art are stored here, various exhibitions are regularly held, interesting expositions are organized.
14. Museum-Estate of I. E. Repin “Zdravnevo”
The main building in the museum-estate of I. E. Repin “Zdravnevo”
Tourists who are interested in what to visit in Vitebsk can also be recommended to the museum-estate of Ilya Repin. It was opened in 1988 on the territory where the artist once lived. The museum complex includes the main manor house, the house of the estate manager with an exhibition hall, a cellar and a garden. Inside the buildings, you can see furniture from the 19th century, household items used by the artist's family, and his paintings. Plants planted by Repin's hand still grow in the garden.
15. Governor's Palace
The Governor's Palace among the greenery on the left bank of the Western Dvina HighAley
A true work of architectural art, the Governor's Palace dates back to the 18th century. This elegant building, consisting of two buildings, was built for the gentry Kudinovichi, but then acquired the status of a governor's residence. If you are interested, first of all, in the historical sights of Vitebsk, pay attention to it. Many representatives of the nobility have seen these walls (according to rumors, even Napoleon Bonaparte has been here).
Sights of Vitebsk: what else to visit in Vitebsk
We have already told about the main sights so that you know what to see in Vitebsk in 1 day. But, if the time spent in the city is not limited, the excursion program can be expanded. Professional guides usually give tourists recommendations on the following places:
16. Dukhovskoy Krugly
Dukhovskoy kruglik – an exhibition hall and a branch of the Vitebsk Cultural Center Youdjin
This is a small round tower built in 1984 at the site of the excavations of the Upper and Lower Castles of Prince Olgerd. It exactly repeats the Spiritual circle, built here by order of the ruler and is directly related to the Spiritual Church. The modern tower consists of five tiers: at the very top there is an observation deck, and below it is a museum.
Official website: http://www.gck.by
17. Botanical Garden
A picturesque corner of the Botanical Garden
Listing the main sights of Vitebsk, we should also mention the botanical garden. It was founded in the 18th century, thanks to which it is of cultural and historical value. This is a picturesque park located on the right bank of the Vitba. Here you can see plants from Belarus and other countries of the world.
Official website: http://lions-guides.
18. Pushkin Bridge
Panorama of the Pushkin Bridge over the Vitba River Alexandrov
When walking around the city, be sure to look at the Pushkin Bridge over the Vitba River. It was built in 1961 and stretches for 28 m. Lovers and newlyweds often walk along it … as well as tourists choosing hotels in Vitebsk on Pushkin and Tolstoy streets, which this bridge connects. It is beautiful, picturesque, and offers stunning views.
19. Frunze Park
The Vitba River in the Frunze Park Vladimir Zhurov
Continuing the story about what to see in Vitebsk, it is worth mentioning the Frunze Park. Once it was called Bishop's, but after the revolution it was renamed. Frunze Park is famous for its beauty. The Vitba River flows through its territory, and the Vitebsk Concert Hall is located in the very center.
20. Zapadnaya Dvina River
Summer landscape of the Western Dvina River in Vitebsk
Many historians mention this picturesque river, listing the sights of Belarus. But it has a special meaning for the residents of Vitebsk. Once upon a time, the Vikings and Greeks sailed on the river, later they mined pearls here. The Western Dvina is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, the length of which reaches 1,000 km. While relaxing in Vitebsk, visit its shores at least once – you will get a lot of vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions.
This is the end of the description of the sights of Vitebsk. We are sure that from the many options offered above, you will be able to choose the one that suits you. Read also about the sights of Grodno and get inspired for your further journey through Belarus.
