The historical paradox is that Belarusians are one of the most peace-loving nations in the world, toleration is their inalienable quality, however, alas, these did not help this country to become another Switzerland. Due to its geographical position Belarus was always the arena where stronger neighbours sorted their relations out: tiffs of feudal lords, forced introduction of Christianity, raids of German crusaders, Crimea Tartars, alternate inclusion of the Great Duchy of Lithuania (Belarus was a core of GDL) into Rzecz Pospolita and the Russian Empire. Belarusian land remembers thousands of bloody battles, fierce fights and wars. And now…
Formidable kings and invaders remained in history. Thanks God, wars remained there, too. And only ancient castles and palaces remind us about the stormy past of Belarus. Some of them are being actively restored — for instance, the castle of Mir — a real miracle made of red bricks looking into an ancient pond where, as the legends say, uncountable treasures wait for their master. But, perhaps, the strongest impression would be received from the castles and palaces, which have not been touched by restorers: Krevo, Golshany, Smolyany, Ruzhany… Formidable and stately ruins covered with the dust of centuries seem to be still living in their times. Touch those grey stones and feel the rhythmic, never interrupting pulse of history.

Castles And Fortresses Of Belarus

Situated in the central part of the European continent, the land of Belarus has always been on the military routes. All over this country there are numerous castles and fortresses which are silent witnesses of the wars and battles of old days as during this millennium the history of these structures has been melted with the history and the destiny of the people. In old days travellers used to call Belarus the country of castles as one could see those every 15 or 30 km.
Starting from the 13^th century numerous defence structures appeared on the territory of Belarus. Not far away from the Western border of Belarus, in the Region of Brest, one can still see the White Tower of Kamenets.
In the early 13^th century, in the period of continuous struggle with Crusaders from the West and a threat of Tartar-Mongol invasion from the East, there was formed the Great Principality of Lithuania which was one of the most powerful states in Europe and covered the territory of Belarus, Lithuania, and parts of the Ukrainian and Russian lands. Belarus became the nucleus of the Great Principality of Lithuania and its first capital was situated in the Belarusian city of Novogrudok. As the chronicles mention, since late 13^th century till the year 1410, Crusaders had intruded into the territory of Belarus 140 times. In 1410 the Crusaders army (which consisted of the knights from Germany, England, France, Switzerland and other countries) was defeated in the battle of Gruenwald (Poland) by the allied troops of King Jagaylo of Poland and of Prince Witowt of the Great Principality of Lithuania. This epoch in European history is full of myths and legends and is of a great tourist interest.
A number of itineraries developed recently include visits to the 14^th century castle in Lida, the castle in Novogrudok, the birth-place of Adam Mitskevich, a great poet who was writing about this epoch, the 14^th century castle of Krevo, Vitovt 14^th century castle in Grodno and many other places of interest.
The tradition to build castles and fortresses in Belarus continued in the following centuries.
The 14^th century Castle in Mir and the palace and park complex in Nesvizh (16^th — 18^th cent.) are of a special interest.
Numerous wars left their traces on the walls of fortresses in Belarus. Thus, the fortress of Bobruysk is connected with the events of Napoleon war of 1912, and the fortress of Brest has become a symbol of heroic deeds of Soviet soldiers who defended in 1941.

Monuments Of Old Belarusian Towns

Bobruysk (Áîáðóéñê)

The city of Bobruysk on the Beresina river is 150 km from Minsk. The population is about 228,000 people. Founded in 1387. At the end of the 19^th cent. Bobruysk was a centre of cultural and political life of Belarusian Jews (there were 42 synagogues in Bobruysk at that time).
Places of interest:
The Fortress Of Bobruysk — the monument of the architecture of the first half of the 19^th cent., built in 1807-1836.
Monuments of civil architecture:
Buildings Of Bank — monuments of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent.
Building Of Dwelling Houses — built in styles of Modern and Classicism.
There is also a Jewish block in Bobruysk. Here one can see buildings of 10 Synagogues, the building of Yeshiva, Jewish cemetery, the place where Jewish ghetto was situated during the World War II (3 km from Bobruysk).


Borissov (Áîðèñîâ)

The town of Borissov is about 70 km from Minsk and is located on the Berezina River. It was founded in 1102 by Boris Vsevolodovitch, the Prince of Kiev. Today Borissov is a big industrial town. The population is about 155,000 people.
Places of interest:
The Resurrection Cathedral — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. built from red bricks in Pseudo-Russian style. Since 1945 the Cathedral is open for services; under State protection.
The Railway station Building — the monument of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in Modern style.
Merchant Stalls Of Borissov — the monument of civil architecture built in New-Classicism style in the beginning of the 20^th cent.

Not far from Borissov there is a village of Studenka — the place of defeat of the Napoleon’s Army by Russian forces in November 1812. In honour of the victory of the Russian Army in the battle and in memory of Russians and French soldiers killed during this battle two monuments were erected here.
Today Borissov is a centre of modern tapestry (gobelin) manufacture.


Braslav (Áðàñëàâ)

The town of Braslav is the administrative centre of “Braslav Lakes” National Park — one of the most ancient cities of Belarus , for the first time it is mentioned in the annals under 1065. Braslav is located on the narrow isthmus between Drivyaty and Novyato lakes in a very picturesque area.
Places of interest:
The Catholic Church Of Our Lady — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. (1824).
The Holy Assumption Orthodox Church (1897).
The Orthodox Church Of St. Nicolas — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. built in 1897 in Retrospective-Russian style. Now it’s under State protection. The church is open for services. Near the church there is a building of parish school, built at the same time as the church. (Now there is a Law-court in this building).
The high Hill Mountain Zamkovaya.









Glubokoe (Ãëóáîêîå)

The town of Glubokoe is about 170 km from Minsk. The first mention is dated by 1514.
Places of interest:
The Carmelite Catholic Church And Monastery — monuments of the architecture of the 17^th cent. built in Early Baroque style. In 1735 the church was rebuilt. In 1865 it was closed. In 1875 the church became Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Virgin. (open for services). Today it is under State protection.
Trinity Catholic Church — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th — the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in 1764-82 in Late Baroque style. (under State protection).












Kobrin (Êîáðèí)

The town of Kobrin is about 50 km from Brest. Founded in the 11^th-12^th cent. by descendants of Isyaslav , Prince of Kiev. The first mention is dated by 1287. The population is about 60,000.
Places of interest:
Suvorov’s House (Estate House) — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. built before 1794 in the style of Classicism. In 1707 A.V. Suvorov, a famous Russian commander, lived there. During the World War II it was destroyed, rebuilt in 1948. Near the main entrance of the house there are two guns of 1812.
The Park — the monument of landscape architecture. Laid in the second half of the 18^th cent. on the South part of the town, attached to the Suvorov’s estate. There are about 70 kinds of trees and bushes in the park and a man-made reservoir with a channel.
The Church Of St. Nicolas — the monument of wooden architecture of the middle of the 18^th cent. built in 1750 out of the bounds of the town. In the 1^st half of the 19^th cent. it was moved into the town and was rebuilt into Late Classicism style. The church was restored in 1989. Now it is open for services.
Victory Monument In Honour Of The War 1812 — founded in 1912 in Kobrin in the day of the centenary of the first victory of the Russian Army during the war (1812). The monument was restored in 1951.
The Church Of St. Peter And St. Paul — the monument of wooden architecture of the beginning of the 15^th cent. The first mention is dated by 1465. In 1800 Suvorov visited this church. In 1900 it was decided to built a new brick church. The old one was removed to the territory of the cemetery and was rebuilt. The church is open for services; under State protection.
The Monastery Of The Saviour — the monument of the architecture of the 15^th cent. built in Baroque style. Founded in 1497 and is attached to the Church of the Savior. In the 17^th — 18^th cent. it was rebuilt several times. In 1920 it was restored. Today it is under State protection.
The Cathedral Of A. Nevsky (a famous Russian Commander of the 13^th cent.) — the monument of the architecture of Late Classicism, built in 1864 on the place of common grave of several hundred Russian solders killed during the War (1812). In 1963 the Cathedral was closed.


Mir (Ìèð)

The town of Mir is 110 km from Minsk. The first mention is dated by 1395. It was a property of Belarusian magnates. Today Mir has all features of typical Belarusian privately owned towns.
Places of interest:
The Castle And Park Complex — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th — the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in the beginning of the 16^th cent. The complex includes a castle, a palace, a chapel and a park.
The Castle — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th cent. built in Late Gothic style. In the last quarter of the 16^th cent. it was rebuilt into Renaissance style. Today there is a exposition of the branch of the National Museum of History and Culture in one of the towers of the castle. In 1994 this complex was included by UNESCO in the list of monuments of the highest category in the world. Since September 27, 2000 the castle of Mir is on the list of “The World Values” by the decision of UNESCO.
The Chapel — the monument of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in Modern style.
The Catholic Church Of St. Nicolas — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 16^th — the beginning of the 17^th cent., built on the place of wooden Catholic Church. In 1865 it was rebuilt into the Orthodox Church.
Trinity Church — the monument of the architecture of the first half of the 16^th cent.; was rebuilt into Retrospective-Russian style after the fire in the second half of the 19^th cent.


Nesvizh (Íåñâèæ)

The town of Nesvizh is 112 km from Minsk. The first mention is dated by 1446. Since the second quarter of the 16^th cent. it was a residence of the Radzivills — medieval influential Belarusian magnates.
Places of interest:
The Palace And The Castle Ensemble — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th — 18^th cent., founded in the 16^th cent. and built by Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni. There is also a park (the biggest of this kind in Belarus) on the territory of the Ensemble. The Complex is under State protection.
The Corpus Dei Roman Catholic Church — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 16^th — 17^th cent. built by G.M. Bernardoni.
The Benedictine Convent Complex — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th cent. built in Baroque style. The complex is under State protection.
The Castle Tower — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 16^th cent., has features of Belarusian defensive architecture, Gothic and Renaissance styles; under State protection.
The Town-Hall Building — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th cent. In 1752 it was rebuilt into Late Baroque style. Now there is a library and Palace of Youth in this building.
Slutsk Gates — the monument of the architecture of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style. In 1970 it was restored. Now it is under State protection.
The Craftsman’s House — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Baroque style.


Volozhin (Âîëîæèí)

The town of Volozhin is 80 km from Minsk. The first mention is dated by the 14^th cent.
Places of interest:
The Palace Of Volozhin — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. built in Classicism style by Count Tyshkevitch Y. Today it’s an administrative building.
The Catholic Church Of St. Joseph With Gates — built in the beginning of the 19^th cent. in Classicism style on the place of wooden Cathedral of Baroque style (the end of the 17^th cent.). The Catholic Church was rebuilt into Orthodox Church in the second half of the 19^th cent.
The Orthodox Church Of St. Constantine And St. Helena — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 19^th cent.
The Yeshiva — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. Today the building is preserved. In the 19^th cent. it was a world-known centre of Jewish Orthodox Doctrine.
There is a Jewish Cemetery in Volozhin. Here one can see the graves of Yeshiva founders.


Zaslavl (Çàñëàâëü)

The town of Zaslavl is 22 km from Minsk. It was founded in 989 by Vladimir, the Prince of Kiev. Now Zaslavl is a town-monument of Old Belarusian culture.
Places of interest:
Historical — Cultural Reserve Of Zaslavl which includes:
The Site Of Ancient Settlement (the 11^th cent.).
The Church Of Transfiguration Of The Saviour — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th-17^th cent., has features of Renaissance style. There is a Museum of Handicrafts in the church now.
The Farny Catholic Church (Of St. Mary) — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in 1774 in Baroque style. Since 1989 it is under restoration and is under State protection.
The Burial Grounds of the 10^th- 11^th cent.
The Ethnographical Complex “Mlyn” (“Mill”).
The Museum-Exhibition Complex displaying the exposition of musical instruments, carpets, tapestry (gobelins).
There are also The Memorable Cross in honour of the thousandth anniversary of Christianity in Belarus and The Memorable Stone in honour of the thousandth anniversary of Zaslavl.


Grodno (Ãðîäíî)

300 km West of Minsk on the border with Poland. Founded in the 11^th cent. as a fortress on the banks of the Neman, today the city ranks number one among old Belarusian cities in its authentic planning and 12^th-16^th cent. churches, numerous 17^th-18^th cent. religious and public buildings.
The places worth to be visited are:
Historical And Archaeological Reserve (the 12^th — 20^th cent). The reserve includes:
The Old Castle — the complex of defensive religious and secular buildings of the 12^th — 19^th cent. In 1580 the palace was rebuilt for Stephan Batoriy, the king of the Commonwealth (Rzecz Pospolita).
The King Palace (The New Castle) — the monument of the architecture of the second quarter of the 18^th cent. built by August III, the king of the Commonwealth. In 1944 the palace was considerably destroyed.. Only entrance gates are preserved in original state.
The Bernadine Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th — 18^th cent, has features of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. The complex of the monastery includes: the Catholic Church (since 1680 there is an organ in the Church); the dwelling building and the bell-tower.
The Brigitte Convent — the monument of the architecture of the first half of the 17^th cent. built in Early Baroque style; it includes the Catholic Church, dwelling house.
The Jesuit Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style.
The Farny (Principal) Catholic Church — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in 1783.
The Franciscan Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the first half of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque Style including: the Catholic church , the bell-tower, monastery building, the gates.
The Basilian Convent (The Convent of the Nativity of the Virgin) — the monument of the architecture of the second quarter of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style; was opened for services till 1960, then nuns moved to Zhirovitchy. In 1978 — 1985 the convent was restored. Since 1992 the convent is open for services again. It includes the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin, monastery buildings (the end of the 19^th cent.), the chapel, Mother-Superior’s house.
The Orthodox Church Of The Protection Of The Virgin — the monument of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in Pseudo-Russian Style. The church is open for services.
The Orthodox Church Of St. Vladimir — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 19^th cent. built in Retrospective and Russian styles, has features of Moscow architecture of the 17^th cent. The church is open for services.
The Orthodox Church Of St. Boris And St. Gleb — the monument of the stone architecture of the second half of the 12^th cent. built in Old-Russian style, one of the most beautiful pieces of the architectural school of Grodno. Today there is a branch of Belarusian State Museum of the History of Religion in the church.
Today there are 650 objects in the list of “The World Values” defined by UNESCO. The Orthodox Church of St. Boris and St. Gleb is a candidate for entering UNESCO List.
In Grodno there are some interesting museums, such as: Belarusian State Museum of the History of Religion; the Literary Museum of M. Bogdanovich (a famous Belarusian poet), the Museum of Elise Ozheshko (a famous Polish writer).


Lida (Ëèäà)

180 km of Minsk: founded in the 14^th cent. as a small trade and handicraft village, the town is famous for its Fortress started in 1323 by Gedemin, the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to resist the attacks of Crusaders and of Tartars. During the 14^th-15^th cent. the fortress developed to a complex of defence architecture of this period.
The town is famous for:
The Fortress Of Lida — the monument of defensive architecture of the 14^th — 15^th cent., one of the first castles of new type in Belarus. Founded in 1323. Today only defensive walls and towers are preserved.
The Catholic Church Of The Exaltation — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 18^th cent. built in Late Baroque style. The church is open for services.


Novogrudok (Íîâîãðóäîê)

146 km of Minsk. The town of Novogrudok , 146 km from Minsk; founded in the beginning of the 11^th cent., was the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — the mighty state existing in the 13^th — 18^th cent. including the territory of modern Belarus. The founder of Novogrudok was Yaroslav, the son of Vladimir, the great Duke of Kiev. The birthplace of Adam Mitskevich, an outstanding Polish poet, offers his memorial museum and the picturesque environs once described by the poet.
Among places worth to be seen are:
The Ruins Of The Fortress Of Novogrudok — an ancient monument of Belarusian defensive architecture of the 14^th — 15^th cent; under State protection.
The Church Of St. Boris And St. Gleb — the monument of the architecture of the 12^th — 17^th cent. In the beginning of the 16^th cent. and especially in the first quarter of the 17^th cent. the church was rebuilt into Late Gothic style.
The Franciscan Catholic Church And Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in 1780 in the style of Late Baroque, in 1846 was rebuilt in Pseudo-Byzantine style into the Church of St. Nicolas. Today it’s a dwelling house.
The Dominican Catholic Church Of St. Michael — the monument of the architecture of the first quarter of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style. Today the church is under restoration.
The Farny Catholic Church — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 14^th cent. built in Baroque style.
The Literary And Memorial House-Museum Of Adam Mitskevich, a great Polish poet, having Belarusian roots.






Slonim (Ñëîíèì)

The town of Slonim, 190 km from Minsk, is founded in the 11^th cent. The first mention is dated by 1252.
Among places worth to be seen are:
The Catholic Church Of St. Andrew — the monument of the architecture of the 15^th cent. built in Late Baroque style. Today it is under State protection, planning to be restored.
The Catholic Bernadine Church And Monastery — the monuments of the architecture of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style. Today they are under State protection.
The Catholic Bernadine Church And Cloister — the monument of the architecture of the middle of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque and Rococo styles. The church is open for services. The complex is under State protection.
The Old Town Hall Building — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Baroque style. Today it is under State protection.
Slonim is known as a typical old Belarusian town where Jewish population prevailed before WW II (75%), there is a 17^th cent.
Synagogue — the only Synagogue in Belarus where the entire interior is preserved, a 19^th cent. Synagogue, the 18^th-19^th cent. Jewish housing areas, a Jewish cemetery.



Slutsk (Ñëóòñê)

The town of Slutsk is 102 km from Minsk. The first mention is dated by 1116.
The places worth to be visited are:
The Building Of The Nobility Assembly — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. built from bricks in the centre of the city in Classicism style. Now it is under State protection.
The Building Of Boys’ Gymnasia — the monument of the architecture built in 1829-38 from bricks in the style of Classicism.
The Church Of St. Michael — the monument of wooden architecture of the 18^th-19^th cent., has features of Baroque and Classicism styles. (The church is open for services).
The Post-Station Of Slutsk — the monument of the architecture built in the middle of the 19^th cent. in the style of Late Classicism. (Now it is under State protection).
The Cathedral Church And Bernadine Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Late Baroque Style.
Fragments of famous Slutsk Belts of the 18^th — 19^th cent. are kept in the Museum of Local Lore. Slutsk Belts (brocade girdles) are very precious, hand-made, made of silk and gold belts of the 18^th-19^th cent.


Krevo (Êðåâî)

The village of Krevo is 116 km from Minsk. This place is famous for:
The Castle — the monument of the architecture built in the first half of the 14^th cent., a former patrimony of Olgerd and Jagaylo, great Princes of the Grand Duchy Of Lithuania (the 13^th — 18^th cent.). There in 1385 Jagaylo agreed to become the King of Poland.
Today it is under State protection.







Golshany (Ãîëüøàíû)

130 of Minsk: a village in the Region of Grodno founded in the 13^th cent..
Golshany is known for:
The Palace And The Castle Complex — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th — 18^th cent. built in Baroque style by Lev Sapega (one of the notable political persons in Belarus, jurist and military leader, a head of the Great Duchy of Lithuania during its golden age). The Palace was rebuilt in the 18^th — 20^th cent.
The Franciscan Catholic Church And Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th — 18^th cent. It includes The Catholic Church and the dwelling house. The first building of the Church was built in the beginning of the 16^th cent., in the middle of the 16^th cent. it was rebuilt into The Calvinist Style Church. In 1618 it was rebuilt again and in 1770 the building was took into the pieces and a new one was built. In 1832 the monastery was closed.
Today there is a branch of Belarusian State Museum of Art here. The Catholic Church is under restoration.




















Zhirovitchy (Æèðîâè÷è)

The village of Zhirovitsy, 150 km from Minsk, has been known since the 15^th cent. Its monastery of that age is famous for its architecture and is today the center of Orthodox education. Zhirovitchy is one of the main religious centres in Belarus. The architectural monument of the 17^th — 18^th cent., was founded on the place of the appearance of Mother of God.
The main sacred object of Zhirovitchy is a sacred image of Mother of God (the 15^th cent.). At the end of the 15^th cent. the monastery was the richest one in Belarus and Lithuania.
From 1945 till now there is a Theological seminary here. The architectural complex includes:
The Dormition Cathedral — the monument of the architecture of the 17^th cent. — the first half of the 19^th cent.; founded in the beginning of the 17^th cent. as the main Cathedral of Basilian Monastery. The main temple has Baroque and Classicism styles features.
The Holy Crossday Church — the architectural monument of the 18^th cent. built in Baroque style.
The Theological Seminary Of Zhirovitchy — the monument of the architecture of the 17^th — 18^th cent. built in Baroque style.


Vitebsk (Âèòåáñê)

280 km North-East of Minsk, is known today as the cultural capital of Belarus. Founded in 974 on the high banks of the Western Dvina, the city was badly damaged during World War II. Nevertheless, the city has a number of historic places of interest.
Among places worth to be seen are:
The Palace Of The Governor — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Classicism style. The building was a residence of Governors, generals, a headquarter of Napoleon, the French Emperor, during 1812 War.
The Church Of The Annunciation — the monument of the architecture built in the middle of the 12^th cent. in Old Russian style. Later it was rebuilt into Baroque style; after 1862 — the temple got the features of Retrospective style. Today the building is under restoration.
The Old Town Hall Building — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Late Baroque and Classicism styles. There is a Museum of Local Lore in this building now.
The Catholic Cathedral Of St. Barbara — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 18^th — 19^th cent. built in New-Roman style.
The Building Of The Circuit Court — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 19^th cent. built in Late Classicism style.
The Building Of Theological School — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 19^th cent. built in New-Classicism style.
The Building Of Land-Peasant Bank — the monument of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in New-Russian style (has features of Pseudo-Russian style).
Vitebsk is the birthplace of Marc Chagall, an outstanding artist of the early 20^th cent., Vitebsk is the site of Chagall Planar Festival of Arts. The annual “Slavyansky Bazar” (“Slavic Bazaar”) Music and Arts Festival held in July is the most popular cultural events in this country.


Polotsk (Ïîëîöê)

228 km of Minsk is the oldest of Belarusian cities and the center of Old Slavic history and culture. Founded in 862, Polotsk is famous for its 11^th cent. St. Sophia Cathedral. The walls of a 12^th cent. fortress and a convent of the same age are still there. The Convent is named after St. Ephrosinia of Polotsk, a benefactress and matron saint of Belarus. It is there where one can see her symbol Cross which has ever been considered the national heritage of the Belarusian people. Made by a famous medieval jeweller Lazar Bogsha the original Cross was lost during 1941-1945. In 1997 a duplicate was made.
Polotsk is famous for:
The 11^th cent. St. Sophia Cathedral — the monument of the architecture of the 11^th — 17^th cent. built in the time of Vseslav Charodey, the Prince of Polotsk. Today there is a Museum in St. Sophia Cathedral, since 1985 — the concert hall with an organ. The Cathedral is under State protection.
Near the Cathedral there is a “Stone Of Boris” — the unique monument of written language of the 12^th cent. (its weight is 25 tons).
The Epiphany Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th cent. built in Baroque style with Classicism features. In the 17^th cent. Simeon of Polotsk, a famous Belarusian enlightener, poet, thinker and pedagogue of Peter I, the Russian Emperor , lived and worked in this monastery. The monastery complex includes: The Church of Epiphany, dwelling buildings. In one of the buildings of the monastery there are two museums: The Museum of Belarusian Book-Printing and The Museum and Library of Simeon of Polotsk.
The St. Saviour And Ephrosinia Convent — the monument of the architecture of the 12^th — the beginning of the 20^th cent. The convent is open for services. It was founded in the 12^th cent. by St. Ephrosinia of Polotsk, a benefactress and matron saint of Belarus. The Convent complex includes: The Church of Transfiguration of the Saviour — the monument of the architecture of the 12^th cent., the beautiful piece of architectural school of Polotsk. It is there where one can see her symbol the Cross that has ever been considered to be the national heritage of the Belarusian people. The original Cross was made by Lazar Bogsha, a famous jeweller. During the war 1941 — 45 the relic was lost and in 1997 a duplicate of the original Cross was reproduced by modern Belarusian artist Nickolai Kuzmitch.
The Dwelling House Of Polotsk (The House Of Peter I) – the monument of the architecture of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style. Peter I, the Russian Tsar, lived there during the Northern War of 1700 — 1721 (12.06 — 15.07.1700).
Polotsk is a birthplace of Francisk Skorina, a great thinker of the 16^th cent., a founder of the first Belarusian printing — house in Prague; he published 23 books in Belarusian language including the Bible ( it was the first edition of the Bible in Slavonic and the second in Europe).


Budslav (Áóäñëàâ)

The village of Budslav is 130 km from Minsk. It’s known since 1504 as a property of Bernadine monks. In 1589 they built here a wooden catholic church and later, in 1783, the stone Catholic church was built.
Since 16^th cent. the Bernadine Monastery became a place for pilgrims. Now it’s a monument of the architecture of Late Baroque.
There is one of the most famous sacred icons in Belarus — Sacred Image Of Mother Of God. This image was declared by the Pope as a Patroness of Belarus. In 1992, this Icon was declared the patron icon of Belarus by the Pope of Rome.


Mogilev (Ìîãèëåâ)

201 km East of Minsk, was founded in 1267 on the banks of the Dnieper. The site of many historic events, the city has 17^th-18^th cent. monuments as well as examples of the early 20^th cent. architecture.
The site of many historic events, the city has 17^th — 18^th cent. monuments as well as examples of the early 20^th cent. architecture.
The Church Complex Of St. Nicolas — the monument of the architecture of the 2^nd half of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style; it is a place for Orthodox Christians’ pilgrimage. The complex includes: The church of St. Nicholas and The Convent (open for services since 1990).
Among places worth to be seen are:
The Bishop Rampart Of Konissky (George Konissky — a Bishop of Mogilev in the 18^th cent., the defender of Orthodox Christianity in Belarus).
The Catholic Church Of St. Stanislav — the architectural monument of the first half of the 18^th cent. built in West-European Baroque style. The walls of the church are covered with frescoes (the most popular of them are: “The Transfiguration”, “The Ascension of Mary”, “Handing of the Keys to Peter”.) In 1780 Catherine II, the Empress of Russia, visited this Church.. The church is open for services from the beginning of 1990. Every year an international festival of sacred music “God of Mighty” takes place here.
The Cathedral Of Three Confessors — is the main Cathedral Church in Mogilev region. Built in 1909 — 1911 in Retro-Russian style in honour of the names of Three Confessors of Orthodox Church.
The Building Of The Land-Peasant Bank — the monument of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent., has features of Modern, Pseudo-Russian and Late Classicism styles. Now there is a Museum of Local Lore.

The Village Of Lesnaya near Mogilev. There is a memorial dedicated to the victory of the Russian army of Peter the First in the battle in 1708 over the Swedish King Charles XII during the Northern War.



















Orsha (Îðøà)

The city of Orsha, 226 km from Minsk is located on the banks of the Dnieper river. The population is about 120,000. The first mention is dated by 1067. In ancient times the city was trade and transit centre. Today it is one of the industrial centres of the Republic.
Among places worth to be seen are:
Kuteinsky Monastery Of Epiphany — the architectural monument of Belarusian Baroque style of the 17^th cent. The famous masters of carving worked in the monastery. Now the traditions of carving, chasing and icon-painting are reviving. Attached to the monastery are the workshops , opened some years ago.
The Orthodox Church Of St. Ilijah — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Retrospective-Russian style. The church is open for services.
The Water-Mill — the monument of the industrial architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent., with elements of Pseudo-Gothic and Pseudo-Russian styles, built from red bricks in the centre of the city. Now it is under State protection. There is an Ethographic Centre featuring the objects of everyday life of people living and working in the beginning of the 20^th cent. in the building of the Water-Mill now.







The Building Of Non-Classical School — the monument of the civil architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent.
Nearby Orsha (about 20 km) there is a Village Of Smolyany (239 km from Minsk). It is famous for:
The Church Of Transfiguration — the monument of wooden architecture of the second half of the 18 cent., has features of Baroque style. The church is open for services; under State protection.
The Castle Of Smolyany (“White Kovel (“black smith”, “farrier”)”, “Small Kovel”) — the monument of palace and castle architecture of the first half of the 17^th cent. ; under State protection.
The Catholic Dominican Church And Monastery — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 18^th cent. built from bricks in Baroque style ; under State protection.


Gomel (Ãîìåëü)

300 km South-East of Minsk on the border with Russia and the Ukraine, is the second largest city in Belarus. Founded in 1142, the city was not much known until when in 1772, three years after the first partition of Poland, the Empress Catherine the Great donated it to a famous Russian Commander Peter Roumyantsev, hero of Russo-Turkish wars. He started, and his sons completed, the construction of a palace with a park ensemble in the Classical Style. The whole complex today is a wonderful example of the late 18^th-early 19^th cent. architecture.
Situated in the centre of the city The Complex includes:
A Palace, A Park, The Cathedral Of St. Peter And St. Paul, A Chapel.
The Palace – is built in the style of Russian Classicism and no similar building can be found in Belarus. Today there is a Museum of Local Lore of Gomel region here.
The Park — was laid in the 18^th cent. in the time of Peter Rumyantsev. It is considered to be the best example of landscape architecture in Belarus and is the biggest one of this kind.
The Chapel — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 19^th cent. built in Pseudo-Russian style.
The Church Of St. Ilijah — the monument of the 18^th cent. built in traditions of Belarusian wooden architecture (open for services).
The Cathedral Of Sts. Peter And Paul — one of the best monuments of Classicism style in Belarus built in the beginning of the 19^th cent.
The Hunting House — the architectural monument of the beginning of the 19^th cent. built in Empire style as a winter residence of Rumyantsev. Today there is a branch of the Museum of Local Lore here.
The Building Of Theological School — the monument of the architecture of the end of the 18^th — the beginning of the 19^th cent. built in Classicism style, rebuilt in the second half of the 19^th cent. as a summer residence of Rumyantsev.
The Building Of Girls’ Gymnasia — the monument of the architecture of the middle of the 19^th cent. built in Late Classicism style.


Vetka (Âåòêà)

The town of Vetka, 22 km from Gomel; was founded in 1682 as a centre of Russian Old-believers of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It is a centre of artistic handicraft of Gomel region.
In 1976 The State Museum Of Amateur And Folk Arts was opened. There is a unique collection of old icons, books and pictures in the museum.



















Turov (Òóðîâ)

268 km West of Gomel, the oldest town in the area, has 6^th-9^th cent. Slavic Monuments And Burial Mounds Of Old Slavs.
In Old Russ, Turov was a center of culture and education.










Brest (Áðåñò)

340 km South-West of Minsk on the border with Poland, is an important railway junction and a starting point for motor tourists travelling to Belarus from Western Europe. Founded in 1019 at the confluence of the Bug and the Mukhavets, the city has an old fortress made a memorial after World War II events, Berestye archaeological open air museum with the 11^th-13^th cent. structures and relics.
Sights:
The Brest Fortress — World War II Memorial and the monument of military- engineer object of the second quarter of the 19^th cent.
“Berestye” — archaeological open-air museum with the 11^th — 13^th cent. structures and relics.
The Museum “Of Saved Values” where unique confiscated objects such as old icons, paintings, coins and decorations are displayed.
The Catholic Cathedral Of The Exaltation Of The Cross — the monument of the architecture of the 19^th cent. (open for services).
The Church Of St. Simon — the monument of the architecture of the second half of the 19^th cent., has features of Classicism and Moscow architectural styles (open for services).
The Fraternal Church – the monument of the architecture of the beginning of the 20^th cent. built in Moscow architectural style of the 17^th cent. (open for services).

















Kamenets (Êàìåíåö)

39 km of Brest. Founded in 1276, the town is known for a 13^th cent. Kamenets, or “Belaya Vezha” (“White Tower”) built to defend the western boarders of the Belarusian state (Romanesque and Gothic architecture).



















Pinsk (Ïèíñê)

300 km South of Minsk, is second largest city in Brest Region. Its first written mention in chronicles was dated 1097 and the city is famous today for the abundance of architectural, historic and cultural monuments among which are:
The Catholic Church And Monastery Of St. Francis — the monument of the architecture of the 16^th-18^th cent. The old precious clothes, goods made of metal and stone are kept there. There is the oldest organ in Belarus in the church.
The Jesuit Collegiums — the monument of the architecture of the 17^th cent. built in Baroque style. In 1926 the Museum of the history of Belarusian Woodlands was opened in the building of Collegiums.
The Catholic Church Of Karl Baromey — the monument of the architecture of the 18^th cent. built in Baroque style with a computer organ, the only in Belarus.
The Church Of St. Barbara — a unique monument of Baroque architecture of the 18^th cent.
A Synagogue has been restored in the city. Open for services.
The history of Pinsk whose population in the early 20^th cent. was 80% Jewish is connected with the names of Argun Perlov, founder of Hasidism movement in the area, Chaim Weizman, a scientist and the first President of Israel, Golda Meir, a former Israeli prime minister, and others. One of the most interesting cities of the Southern part of Belarus, the city and its environs are famous for both the natural beauty as the center of Belarusian Polesye, the low-lying land of waters and mists, and for its historic sites.


Motol (Ìîòîëü)

50 km of Pinsk, is famous as the birthplace Of Chaim Weizman, the first President of the State of Israel, and the leader of the World Zionist Organization.









Syncovichi (Ñûíêîâè÷è)

205 km of Minsk. The Church Of Syncovichi, built in late 15^th- early 16^th cent. on the northern outskirts of the village is an example of defence architecture featuring also Gothic elements. A similar 16^th cent. church with the elements of defence architecture is situated in the village of Murovanka.




















Murovanka (Ìóðîâàíêà)

The Church-Fortress Of Murovanka, built in early 16^th cent. on the northern outskirts of the village is an example of defence architecture featuring also Gothic elements.
The layout of the Church is square-like and is divided by four pillars into three naves changing over to semicircular apses. The pillars have a faceted cross-section and prop up the vaults. Rising above the vaults is a steep gable rafter roof with triangular pediments decorated with cascades of arch bays. Four corner towers with loopholes — apertures impart to Church architecture uniqueness, expressiveness and specific emotional sounding. In the appearance of the building both ancient Russia and Gothic features can be seen. The former include an architectural belt going around apses and eastern round towers; the latter, pointed pediments, lancet windows, star-like vaults in the right-hand apse, faceted forms of western towers, and a steep roof. Numerous decorative bays in the pediments are an indication of influence of the Renaissance style. The Church is a masterpiece of Belarusian architecture.




Kossovo (Êîñîâî)

150 km of Brest. Founded in the 15^th cent. as a settlement on a trade route, Kossovo is famous for a Palace Complex built in 1883 as designed by Ph. Yashtold and V. Marconi in Gothic style with elements of fortress architecture.