Архитектурные памятники белоруссии на английском. Достопримечательности белоруссии. Гомель и Гомельская область

A country that only recently opened its borders to tourists already became a popular travel destination.

Belarus is a country of undiscovered sights that attract more and more international travelers.

To help you choose out of the wide variety of tourist attractions in Belarus, we chose our top 5 of diverse places after visiting which you can already feel that you took a dip into our country and its culture.

Learn more about Belarus main attractions and plan your perfect trip using !

Tourist Attraction 1. Chalk Pits

We will start with such a great landmark as chalk quarries, or as they are often called " " . After seeing this place, you"ll want to stay here forever!

The azure water, beautiful landscapes and a very special atmosphere that will not leave you indifferent.

Interesting fact: nobody knows exactly, what is the depth of chalk quarries. So, there is a legend about a drowned crane that can be seen at the bottom of one of the quarries in sunny, calm weather.

This greatest Belarus tourist attraction is situated close to Volkovysk, near the town of Krasnoselsky. The quarries gained its feature, as you might have guessed, from the soil.

Namely, from chalk, which gives the water such an unusual color (from azure-turquoise - to emerald green). The edges are framed by high slopes of white color, as well as wild vegetation that descends directly into the water.

However, it should be noted that at the moment the chalk quarries are closed for visiting. We hope that in the future this unusual object will be available for recreation.

How to get there?

The best way to get to the chalk pits near Volkovysk is . You can also get to Volkovysk by train or bus, and then by bus to the Krasnoselsky village.

At the end of the article, you can find a map with Volkovysk chalk pits and other Belarus tourist attractions mentioned in this article.

Tourist Attraction 2. Nesvizh and Nesvizh Castle

Nesvizh Castle is one of the most popular Belarus tourist attractions and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The majestic and diverse architecture of the palace, magnificent landscape parks, ponds, the river - all this makes the Nesvizh ensemble a unique place of pilgrimage for the majority of tourists coming to our country.

Book the best tour in Belarus here:

In the architecture of the palace and its interior decoration, you will find such styles of architecture as Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Neo-Gothic, Modernism. You can find out more about palaces and in the corresponding article.

Interesting fact : there is an unusual legend about the Black Lady of Nesvizh, who has been living in the castle for more than 400 years. She always appears in a black dress as a sign of mourning for her ruined love.

For those, who like not only watching but also participating, there are various options and activities that will help you to plunge into the atmosphere of the Middle Ages !

Apart from the castle itself, we recommend you to walk along the streets of Nesvizh, here are some interesting sights that you can find here:

The market square with the town hall - the oldest one preserved in Belarus. You can climb it and view the city from the height.
Nesvizh Benedictine monastery, founded in the 16th century.
Nesvizh church of the Jesuits (Farny Church) is the family burial vault of the Radziwill princes.
Slutskaya Brama is the gate that greets visitors entering the city.

How to get there?

From Minsk to Nesvizh you can get by bus, but the fastest way . The journey takes about 2-3 hours. For those who want to stay in the city longer, walk leisurely along its streets, enjoy parks of the palace and park complex, there is a hotel in the center of Nesvizh.

At the end of the article, you can see the location of the Nesvizh castle and other Belarus tourist attractions.

Tourist Attraction 3. Naroch National Park

Naroch National Park is the youngest national park in Belarus, and Naroch is the largest lake in the country . Numerous recreation centers, hotels, and sanatoriums were opened for tourists on the shores of the lake. This is a golden place for connoisseurs of nature and solitude. It also brings lots of tourists visiting Belarus.

Naroch National Park is the most important health resort in the country and one of the main Belarus tourist attractions. Thanks to the richness of flora and fauna, as well as crystal clear water, and natural sources, this place constantly attracts a large number of tourists. But thanks to the vast territory, you absolutely don"t notice that.

But, do not forget that Naroch, first of all, is a reserve, and there are limitations, neglecting of which can lead to punishment. So, fishing lovers should buy a ticket for fishing or camping in the office of the forestry.

Prices are quite low, affordable for any tourist , and you can safely enjoy fishing. It is not recommended to swim in the wild places of the park, on unequipped beaches - it can be dangerous!

Interesting fact: there are thirty-six natural landmarks of national and local significance in the Naroch National Park.

For antiquity lovers, it is worth to visit the only building on the territory of Belarus of the period of Ancient Rus, the Kolozhskaya church. It is located in Grodno, on the picturesque high bank of the Neman River .

Together with the complex of monuments of the Castle Hill, it is declared as a historical and architectural reserve of . In itself, this attraction is unique and you understand it only by getting here. After all, the preserved building is almost 10 centuries old!

Borisoglebsk church is a unique example of ancient stone architecture. Its walls and facades are decorated with insets of large polished stones and multi-colored tiles, which form crosses.

Borisoglebskaya church will also be interesting for pilgrims: regular services are held here and church ordinances are performed. The temple is very popular with locals and visitors. A unique feature of the Kolozhskaya church is a multitude of ceramic vessels-resonators that are built into the vaults of the walls and come out with their necks outwards. Thanks to this, for many centuries the room retains excellent acoustics and church choir sounds really well .

Interesting fact: there is a legend that a well-known commander David from Grodno is buried near the walls of the Boris and Gleb church. At the moment, this fact is not confirmed, but not disproved.

How to get there?

It is very easy to get to the Kolozhskaya church, it is located in the central part of the city of Grodno (any public transport from the main station). This is a Belarus tourist attraction definitely worth visiting. Come here to feel the unique energy that comes from these strange, but powerful walls!

Tourist Attraction 5. Brest Fortress

Probably every inhabitant and many guests of the country are familiar with this landmark of Belarus located in the city of Brest, in the southwest of the country. But if suddenly you have not been to this place, then it"s worth to visit it! The fortress is the most popular and Belarus tourist attraction , a symbol of Soviet resistance during the Second World War.

Interesting fact: for a long time there was a prison for political prisoners and nationalists in the fortress.

Today, on the territory of the fortress there is a memorial complex "Heroic Brest Fortress", which includes the "Courage" monument, obelisk-bayonet, Ceremony Square, "Thirst" sculpture, burial of the deceased, ruins, left parts of the fortress and a museum.

The memorial complex itself begins with the main entrance in the form of a huge five-pointed star cut in concrete. Here constantly sounds the "Sacred War" song of Alexander Alexandrov, and the message about the attack of German troops on the Soviet Union .

Interesting fact: a red stone from the ruins of the Brest Fortress was discovered in the office of Hitler after his death. He took it after conquering the Fortress in August 1941.

Also, on the territory of the memorial complex, there is another unique object, the archeological museum "Berestie". As a result of the excavations, a village of the XI-XIII century was discovered, which later became a museum. Under the ground were found: wooden houses, pavements, sheds, palings, as well as a large number of household items.

How to get there?

The Brest Fortress can be reached on foot from the city center in half an hour, or by public transport going to the Museum of Railway Engineering. Be sure to visit the Heroic Fortress!

This was our list of the Top 5 Belarus tourist attractions. Belarus has much more great places to visit, but if you have very limited time, we recommend you to visit them. You can also read more about and on our website.

Get ready to your next trip: take a car, train or bicycle and go explore Belarus. Together with guide to Belarus Vetliva we made up a list of the main reasons to ride all over the country: from springs with healing water and ecological routes to impressive objects of military tourism, chamber museums and manors, that haven’t lost their greatness.

BREST REGION

1. Kosava Castle

Ivatsevichy district, Kosava

2. The Palace Complex of the Sapegas in Ruzhany

Pruzhany district, Ruzhany

Travel guides call the castle ruins ‘belarusian Versailles’, but it’s not spectacular views or glamourous interios that you should come here for (there is not so much of them left), but strong energy of the place. Just imagine: in the beginning of the 17th century there was founded a castle and the chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Lew Sapega took part in it. So as to make life there not only comfortable, but also secure, three massive defensive towers were added to the complex. Important state issues were discussed in here, top managers of those times used to organize balls, also the Sapegas archive and the state treasury were kept in the castle. After the uprising of 1831 was defeated, the Sapegas left the residence and the castle turned into a textile factory. During the WWI the ensemble was set to fire, but after the WWII the idea of restoration was forgotten completely.

3. Brest Hero-Fortress

Brest

It is a massive defensive construction and an open-air museum of Soviet heroic monumental art. The fortress was built in the 19th century and its histiry is pretty impressive. In 1596 Union of Brest was announced here, much later there was signed the Treaty of Brest-Litovs k that ended the participacion of the Soviet Russia in the WWI. But the fortress became really famous after the heroic events of the WWII.

4. Olmanskiye Moors

Stolin district

It´s the only naturally preserved complex of the raised, transitional and lowland moors, which occupies 75% of the territory of Stolin district. That’s the dream of any ecologist: 687 spieces of plants, 151 species of birds, and 26 species of mammals live there. It’s interesting that in the 60s there was an aviation range, that is why there are still unexploded bombs and shells in the moors.

An ecological route of almost 2 km is of a special interest. It goes along the Vyalikaye Zasominaye lake, which is the natural border with the Ukraine. Another route leads to 40 m high tower, which gives an excellent opportunity to look around the territory and biodiversity. Ask locals where More Gerodota (Gerodot’s Sea) is - it’s Vyalikae and Malaye Zasominaye and 23 lakes more.

Foreigners will have to pay € 114 in advance for a visit. More information about the .

How to get? The classics: a bus or minibus from Minsk to Stolin.

5. Belovezhskaya Pushcha Nathional park

It’s the largest and the oldest forest in Europe protected by UNESCO that Belarus is really proud of. Here the agreement that put an end to the Soviet Union was signed. It’s right here where belarusian Ded Moroz lives (his residence is open even in summer, he just wears lighter outfit then). Here you can breathe in relict air, ride a bike, feed a bison and go see Kamyanetz Tower , which is already more than 700 years old.

How to get? We recommend going to Brest by train, and then a bus to Kamyanetz. There are also direct minibuses available for the most impacient travellers.

6. Jesus Collegium

Pinsk, 1, Leninskaya vulica

Pinsk is the second after Hrodna belarusian town with the most landmarks preserved. The building of collegium deserves a special attention. Talented students were accepted there regardless of their families’ income. If you walk around the building, you’ll notice that it looks so much different: like a fortress from the river and like an open book from the backyard. Now it is a nice museum of belarusian Polesie where you can see stuffed animals or have a sit on a wooden bicycle. Then along Lenina Street there is the Franciscan monastery with the Madonna of Pinsk and cool magnets, Palace of Butrimovich, House of Orda and the University of Polesie campus. The river front in town is 2.5 km long, enough space for walks with beautiful view.

How to get? You can go by minibus : the ride takes 3 hours and costs € 3. Two days a week there is also a train; it leaves from Minsk at 17.37 and comes to Pinsk at 22.55.

7. Polesie

Brest region

The largest European moor territory that occupies almost 30% of the map of Belarus. Terra incognita has the size of a small country; there are isolated villages and local inhabitants who even speak their own language. To feel all the beauty of living in Polesie you should wait for the spring spate of river Pripyat. A perfect option is to rent a boat and swim along flooded belarusian countryside from Turau to Pinsk.

How to get? You already know how to get to Pinsk.

HRODNA REGION

8. Mir Castle

Mir, 2, Chyrvonaarmeiskaya vulica

9. Kalozha Church

Hrodna, 6, Kalozha vulica

Kalozha Church, or the Church of Sts. Boris and Gleb, appeared on the pagan temple at the Castle Hill in Hrodna already in the 11th century. It’s an Ancient Rus period building, although it was reconstructed. The church is not plastered, so you can look at all engineering solutions of those times. The church stands on an abrupt bank of the river Neman.

How to get? By train (from any belarusian town), bus or minibus (€ 7).

10. Trinity Church in Gervyaty village

Astravets district, Gervyaty village

It’s the highest cathedral in Belarus - 61 m (24 floor building!) and the only one created according to the all neogothic canons. It was erected at the site of a wooden church of the 16th century. A brick works was organized for construction purposes only, and also eggs were collected from all over the neighborhood (they were added to the grout to make it stronger. The slate was brought from Germany. Here you can learn how arc-boutant looks: it’s
a semi-arch that distributes load from the main wall and stands separately (remember Notre-Dame de Paris), which is not typical for Belarus. Make sure to attend the service, it’s in Belarusian, Polish and Lithuanian, and go for a walk in the park, which is probably even cooler than the church.

How to get? The best variant is to drive, of course. If there’ no such opportunity, go to Astravets and then to Gervyaty (through Varnyany).

Hrodna district, Nemnava

A navigable canal was built in the 19th century to connect the Black and Baltic seas. There are just two constructions in the world that were built so long ago and so elaborately and that are preserved in so good condition: in Great Britain and in Sweden. The length of the canal is 101 km, 22 km goes through the belarusian border territory with the lightened visa control. Locks, opening bridges, columns - everything is so well-coordinated and thoroughly thought through. You can get on a boat called Neman, walk along on foot, visit the museum, go kayaking, see a survived manor in Svyatsk built in the 18th century according to the project by Italian architect Giuseppe de Sacco.

How to get? Start from Minsk by car (Valozhin - Lida - Skidzel direction, 327 km). From Hrodna you can take a bus (Hrodna - Garachky, Hrodna - Nemnava, Hrodna - Kalety, the stops Augustousky Canal or Sonichy) or drive.

12. Slonim Synagogue

Slonim, 1, Savietskaya vulica

The baroque synagogue of 1642 is one of the most ancient in the country. The half-ruined building has remained gorgeous inner finery. The synagogue was gravely damaged during Napoleonic war, but was reconstructed quickly due to Jewish community that was one of the most powerful in the country. There were 21 synagogues, and 70% of the population was Jewish in the end of the 20th century. In 2000 the building was brought back to the faithful but still it wasn´t reconstructed. Be sure to look closely at the Torah ark , fretwork, and painting, which were preserved greatly.

How to get? Catch a minibus . It takes 2.5 hours.

13. Church of Nativity of Virgin Mary, Muravanka

Schuchin district, Muravanka village

The 600 year old church was set to be a place for worship service as well as a defensive building. The church looks like a real castle with two-meter walls in thickness, loopholes, and towers. The church in Muravanka was experienced many wars and was damaged badly during Russian-Polish war. In 1882 there was a great reconstruction and a bell tower was built. It was a good mixture of Gothic and Renaissance, stones, bricks, and rose-window. The bricks were special called “royal lily”, a symbol of Virgin Mary’s purity. Historic facts and legends say there were a plenty of underground passages but now nobody can tell where they began and ended.

How to get? Catch the bus Minsk - Schuchin . The church itself is situated at a distance of 3 km from Mazhejkava village.

14. The castle in Navahrudak

Navahrudak

Novogrudok is an ancient Belarusian town that was the first capital of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The main sightseeing in the town is a ruined castle of 12th century. It was ruined by the Swedes almost to the current state in six centuries after the first mention. Only two walls have remained of the whole building. A charming view opens up on the Castle hill, the best place for picnic. The memorial house of Adam Mitskevich who was born in Navahrudak is worth visiting. Be sure to visit Transfiguration Church and 500- year old Church of Saint Boris and Gleb.

How to get? Catch a minibus or a bus from Minsk (€ 2). A train is not the best option

15. Church of Saint Michael

Zelva district, Synkavichy village

It’s the biggest defensive church in Belarus. A great impenetrable church was constructed in the 16th century. It looks like a real small castle with towers, loopholes in an inaccessible height, and thick walls. Also pay attention to the gates remained since 1880. Within the walking distance of the church there is a manor house of the 19 th that later was converted to alcohol factory. By the way, there is a legend about the name of the village. The church was built by father and son. One day son fell down from the staging and died. Father desperately cried to him, “Son, son!” (Belarusian: Synku, Synku!). That’s how the name of the village appeared. It’s possible to see a ledge above the entrance similar to casket door that was made by father in memory of his son.

How to get? It’s easy to go by bus from Minsk to Zelva, than you should take a car.

16. Chetvertinsky Manor

Zeludok village, Schuchyn district

Chetvertinsky Manor is one of the most cinematic places of the country. This explains why the first Belarusian horror “Massacre” was made there. Some cinematic decorations still remained such as laminated-veneer lumber, painted signs of fire on the frontage. Soviet epoch left a movie club with projection cabin and stars images.

From the beginning, the castle was set to be a place for receiving guests of the Chetvertinsky family. The modernistic manor projected by a famous Italian architecture Marconi was built in the middle of a big park in 1908. The building has maintained an authentic staircase, tile, and some wallpaper.

How to get? Find additional information .

17. Kreva Castle

Kreva

Kreva Castle is the most picturesque ruins in our guide. The castle was built in 14th century. Those walls witnessed quite many things during the centuries. Duke Kestutis, father of Vytautas, was killed there in 1382. The union between Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Kingdom of Poland was signed there in 1385. Kreva Castle negated the attack of the Tatars and the Muscovites in the 16th century. However, the castle wasn´t considered as a good fortification and was abandoned in 19 h century. The ruins were preserved in 1929 and weren´t changed till nowadays.

Listen to wind blowing among the walls. Enter to a beautiful Church of Alexander Nevskiy and to Church of the Transfiguration and try to find an ancient pagan temple Although , Kreva is considered to be a village now, there are still witnesses of the previous great times.

How to get? Get on a bus or train Minsk - Smorgon, than catch a green regional bus MAZ with curtains.

MINSK REGION

18. Nesvizh Castle

Nesvizh became a family seat of the Radzivils, the main family in the history of Grand Duchy of Lithuania. For example, the King of Poland was a frequent guest and family members held high position in the country. The series of palaces and gardens in Nesvizh occupy 90 hectares. You can find early renaissance, baroque, neoclassicism, and modernism in Nesvizh Castle . Ask to tell you the story about Bona Sforza´s revenge and golden full-length apostles.

How to get? You can go from Minsk to Nesvizh by Brest route. If you decide to go by bus, here you can find a schedule .

19. The City of the Sun in Minsk

Minsk

Minsk is a victim of imperialistic ambitions of soviet government. You can feel it walking down Independent Avenue (Praspiekt Niezaliezhnasci) , a 15-km straight asphalt shaft that halves the city. Arthur Klinau, a Belarusian writer, called Minsk the City of the Sun for its Stalinist architecture and described the city as a main artery road of Big Communistic Dream . Railway station forecourt with “gates”, Lenin square, Marksa, Kirava, Svyardlova streets are massive constructions of an ideal communistic Rome according to the Soviets.

How to get? You can find in .

20. Khatyn Memorial complex

Lahojsk district, Khatyn village/ Mokrad village

It’s an example of good soviet documentation. Memorial complex was made on the place of the village burnt by the Nazis during the Second World War. All people were brought to a storehouse and burnt. The same happened with people of 628 villages. Before the trip you can watch the movie Come and see made by Elem Klimov in 1985. Find information about tickets and .

How to get? If you go by car, take M3 route (59 km). There is no public transport to get on. If you hitch a lift, you’ll have to walk 5 km from the route.

21. Naliboki Reserve

Valozhyn district

Naliboki Reserve is the biggest forestland in Belarus, three times larger than Malta! Plant life is very diverse, a quarter is medicinal plants, a plenty of them are in Red List. The same is with wild animals; for example, there are 29 rare species of birds. The reserve is surrounded with three big rivers Neman, Berezina, and Usa. That’s why the landscape is very picturesque and not very accessible as Svaneti in Georgia. For example, 20 000 people hided there during the Second World War. Be brave to make a speed march to age-old forest. Be sure to see Lake Kroman, Lauryshava Monastery built in the 13th century, and the Tyshkeviches’ manor in Vyalae village. Feel free to swim naked, you can let it there.

How to get? The only chance is to go by car that takes you 1 hour.

22. Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle

Minsk district, Azyartso village

It’s rural Belarus in miniature, an open-air museum with old-time construction of three parts: Central, Poozerie, and Podneprovie. A church, a parishional school, mills, baths (called ‘banya’), and rural houses can provide you the information for ethnic research. All these spread among picturesque fields, so don’t forget to charge your phone. And don’t forget to taste ‘krenovuha’ (national drink) in the tavern at entrance.

How to get? All the information you can find .

HOMIEL REGION

23. Homiel Palace and Park Ensemble

Homel

It’s better to go to Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble in spring. A huge park becomes green and blossom. The River Sozh is affluent and you can wander around Rumyantsev-Paskevich Residence looking at a grand river. The Palace and Park Ensemble is the biggest historic building remained monolithic. Catherine II, a Russian empress, gifted Gomel to her favorite Count Rumyantsev and he built the castle on the River Sozh. Than the castle went to commander Paskevich who made the whole outbuildings complex: a hunter house, winter garden, and several churches. Landscape park of 24 hectares has preserved greatly. You can walk there half a day but beforehand you should eat some Gomel chocolate Spartak of 90% cocoa.

How to get? There are 5 trains from Minsk every day. You can also catch a minibus (€ 6), or drive (300 km).

24. Gerard Manor

Dobrush district, Demianki village

It’s a beautiful manor built in Russian Revival style in compulsory evacuation zone. The construction of the red brick building was funded by Nicolai Gerard, a Russian civil servant and Finland governor general, in the latter half of the 19th century. The manor is situated on the hill crossed with a moat, the bridge decorates the view. The park with rare species of trees has preserved as a wonderful silence there. If you’re looking for a place with no tourists, you should go there. By the way, you can get into the manor legally.

How to get? You can go there without pass on Radunitsa celebration (Day of Rejoicing). If you want to go other day, you have to get a pass in Dobrush. You can go to Dobrush by train Minsk - Homiel and then get on a suburban train or bus.

25. The Museum of Old Belief in Vietka

Vietka, 5, Chyrvonaya Square

In the 17th century Old Believers set their hearts on the town of Vietka. It didn’t bother pathologically tolerant belarusians, that is why Old Beliefs icons, manuscripts and printed books of the 16-19th centuries, textile and household items collections are still preserved in excellent condition. The museum is interactive: e.g., you can learn traditional weaving.

How to get? Go to Homiel, and then take a bus (it’s just 22 km).

MAHILIOU REGION

26. Barbujsk Fortress

Babrujsk

This massive fortification was constructed during preparation to the war against Napoleon. To build it almost the whole town, which there had been before, was destroyed. Anyhow the fortress survived the long french siege, and turned into a jail after the war. They say there’s an egg-shaped ward in one of the forts where prisoners lost their minds after a couple of weeks of spent there. Not for nothing a famous Russian thinker Herzen wrote that ‘Let it be Siberia, let it be anything but this horrible prison on the river Berezina’. Now it’s fun just to climb the remains of the fortress, or visit the abandoned guardroom , which had been a church before. It may seem like aliens landed by the side of the fortress. Actually, it’s the Babrujk ice skating arena for 7 thousand people.

How to get? It’s just a half hour form Minsk by a fancy Stadler train (or two hours by a regular one) and you already walk around racy Babrujsk. Another option is to go by bus or a private minibus .

27. Tolstoy Family Manor

Bykhau district, Hrudzinauka village

One of the most beautiful and mysterious places in Belarus is the Tolstoy family manor. Although Leo Tolstoy never got there, it is still worth visiting. There is a two floor manor with cupolas, columns, front stairs and an open terrace with a view on the park. You can wander around 10 hectares park, find a 100 years old Siberian pine, and enter the palace. Recently there was a school and a camp for sick children, that is why you can still see painted green walls and a soviet cloakroom - a weird contrast with the architecture and amazing age-old oaks.

How to get? The easiest way is surely by car (put 53.6343, 30.4775 into your navigator).

28. Bujnichskaye Pole

Buinichy, Mahiliou district

Mahiliou defensive front passed right through Bujnichskaye Pole in 1941. Despite numerical and technical superiority of Germans, Mahiliou people held the line for 23 days. Open air museum and a huge display of military hardware is perfectly looked after, and the chapel is cleaned every day with such care that it seems like each worker lost a relative here. On the other side of the street there’s a zoo where you can see a bizon.

How to get? A piece of cake: there’s a city bus from Mahiluou.

29. Halubaya Krynitsa (Blue Spring)

Slauharad

Unknown but really cool belarusian sight is the biggest spring in Eastern Europe. Take a six litres bottle and go get some healing water. You can even take three dips, but be ready to clatter with the teeth all day long, because the water is freezing even in July. The water is emerald, it’s very picturesque, but there are always lots of those wishing to receive communion. On ortodox holidays it’s always crowded, so we strongly recommend checking the calendar in advance. By the way, the legend reads that in ancient times the water column was of a human height.

How to get? It’s 8 km to the south-east from Slauharad.

30. Lenin Street, Mahiliou

Mahiliou

Once you walk down pedestrian precinct you fall in love with Mahiliou. This street contains two castles of the 17th and the 18th century, museum of Belarusian artist Byalynitsky-Birulya Astrologer square , cinema, theatre, and Saint Stanislav Church where the main Belarusian church music festival is held. You can also find there the school where Otto Schmidt, mathematician and Arctic explorer, and Nikolai Sudzilovsky , first Hawaii president, studied (however it’s a shopping mall now). There is a reconstructed town hall on the other end of the street. You should go!

How to get? It takes 2.5 hours to go to Mahiliou from Minsk by minibus and around 4 hours by train.

VITIEBSK REGION

31. Braslau Lakes

Braslau is a huge national park that contains 60 lakes, big forestland and swamps, and hundreds of animal and plant species. Take a bike and make a trip around villages and churches to feel like a Discovery character. It’s a good idea to go camping; a national park has 47 encampments for recreation without environmental damage. If you want fishing, you can find free or paid place here; just take a fishing rod, turn out a phone, and enjoy the nature.

How to get? Don’t worry and take a minibus , it takes only 3 hours.

32. Saint Sophia Cathedral

Polatsk, 1, Zamkavaya vulica

It’s the first brick cathedral in Belarus built in the 11th century by Usyaslau the Sorcerer , the main character of all Belarusian legends. It was as important as Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kiev and Novgorod that time. However, the cathedral was reconstructed three times. The cathedral was being destroyed by fire and invaders before it was completely destroyed during the Great Northern War by Russian troops in the 18th century.

Vitiebsk, 11, Pakrouskaya vulica

34. St. John Baptist Church

Pastavy district, Kamai village, 1, Haharyna vulica

It’s the only church in Belarus that has never been closed for 400 years of its existence. The building dates back to XVII century and is an example of Belarusian-style defensive Gothic, with massive walls and loopholes. The paintings inside belong to the brush of Alfred Romer , an aristocrat who enjoyed portraying peasants and painting churches.

How to get? You can get to Pastavy by bus , but then you"d have to try hitch-hike if you don"t have a car.

VETLIVA is a guide to Belarus where all the sights, tours, health camps and farmhouse guest rooms are collected. You can book a tour right on the website. Sincerely recommended!

Text by Nasta Eroha, translated by Alexandra Murashko & Anastasia Ryzhankova

Photo by palasatka, Rodion Kovenkin, YAUHEN BUZUK, firairo, bender, way.by, sportintour.by

The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus (the State Art Gallery from 1939 till 1957, the State Art Museum from 1957 till 1993) - the largest collection of the Belarusian and foreign art within the country - is located in the centre of Minsk, at Lenin Street, 20. More than thirty thousand works of art - creating twenty miscellaneous collections and comprising two main representative ones: the one of national art and the other of monuments of art of the countries and nations of the world - can be found on exposition, at the branches of the Museum and its depositories.

The works of art, taken from the departments of fine arts of the historical museums of Minsk, Vitebsk, Mogilev and Gomel, became the foundation of the Gallery’s pictorial collection. A range of art works from their own funds and stocks were presented by the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Russian Museum as well as by the Museum of Fine Arts named after Alexander Pushkin and the State Hermitage Museum. The art works of well-known Russian painters and artists of the Soviet epoch were included into the collection of the new gallery as well.

The National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus is one of the country’s most popular museums. Its holdings house the biggest museum collection in Belarus numbering about 400,000 items. Also, the National Historical Museum structure includes 5 branches: the Museum of Belarusian Cinema History, the Museum of Contemporary Belarusian Statehood, the House Museum of First Congress of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party, the Museum of Theatre and Musical Culture History of the Republic of Belarus, and the Museum of Nature and Environment of the Republic of Belarus.

Throughout its history, the National Historical Museum has changed its name repeatedly. It opened in 1919 as the Minsk Regional Museum. From 1923 till 1930 the Museum was called the Belarusian State Museum and was the central museum institution of the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1930, it was renamed as the Minsk Social and Historical Museum. From 1941 till 1944, it was called the Minsk Historical Museum. In 1957, the institution was restored under the name of the Byelorussian State Museum of History and Regional Studies and, in 1964, it was named the State Museum of the BSSR. In 1992, after Belarus declared independence, the Museum was renamed once again into the National Museum of History and Culture of Belarus. In 2009, the institution received its actual name.

The Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War was the world’s first museum to tell the story of the bloodiest war of the 20th century, and the only one in Belarus created during the years of Nazi occupation.

Today it is one of the most important and biggest war museums in the world, along with the well-stocked museums in Moscow, Kiev, and New Orleans.

…In those terrible years Belarus lost every third resident. More than 3 million people died, including about 50,000 partisans and underground fighters. Throughout the country there were 250 death camps, including the infamous Trostenets, one of the largest after Auschwitz, Majdanek and Treblinka...

The Dudutki Museum is located 40 kilometers from the city of Minsk, in the Pukhovichi District, located in a picturesque place near the Ptich River, one and a half kilometers from the village of Dudichi.

Dudutki first mentioned in the annals in the XI century. Presumably in these places there was a land road leading to Polotsk, according to which, according to the researchers and according to the "Lay of Igor"s Campaign," the prince of Polotsk Vseslav the Sorceress galloped "wolf to Nemiga with Dudutok after learning about the siege of ancient Minsk ..."

Since October 1994, on the basis of the subsidiary farm "Polyfact", the Museum complex of ancient folk crafts and technologies "Dudutki" is being created and receives its first guests. Since 1998 the museum complex "Dudutki" is a part of the holding of "Trustbank", gradually updating and developing its base, which allows us to popularize not only the Belarusian folk crafts, but also the life of the Szlachie manor. Going to "Dudutki", you should be ready for a historical journey ... these days.

The Historical and Cultural Complex "Stalin"s line" is situated in 35 km from Minsk or 45 km from Minsk city center and in 6 km from the ancient town Zaslavl. "Stalin"s line" is an open air museum.

The Historical and Cultural Complex "Stalin"s line" was founded to the sixty years anniversary of the Victory of Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. It is the memorial of the year 1941 and the museum of the first days of the Great Patriotic War. The basis of the exposition is original pillboxes and park of military equipment of different years from the period of WWII and to the beginning of 90th. It is the most complete exposition in Belarus.

"Stalin"s line" is the chain of defensive installations. It is consisted of twenty three fortified regions including more than four thousand permanent weapon emplacements (pillboxes). It was a strong reinforced unit that spread to 1200 kilometers. There were some other fortified regions in Belarus. Those fortified regions formed a united defense line. Minsk"s fortified region No 63, which was 140 kilometers long included 327 pillboxes. In June 1941 at the lines of the Minsk"s fortified region started fierce fights with the offensive units of the fascist army.

Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle

Belarusian State Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Lifestyle is an open-air museum or in other words a skansen museum. This term presupposes collecting relics of the past that are of historical and cultural value and exhibiting them out-of-doors in natural surroundings. Regional and local peculiarities gathered together in one place are demonstrating traditional folk culture of our country. Belarusian skansen has an ethnographic profile and is an object of republican importance. Landscape is a vital element in creating an exposition zone in the open-air museum.

Belarusian skansen is rather young in comparison with other museums of such kind. The idea of creating an open-air museum of folk architecture and rural lifestyle in our country first arose in 1908. It came up to a well-known Belarusian artist Ferdynand Ruszczyc but World War I and World War II made it impossible to get the idea off the ground.

Marc Chagall’s Museum

Vitebsk, the hometown of Marc Chagall, was an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the artist during his whole life. Domes of churches and old streets, miniature houses and shops with signboards, strips of wooden fences, horse-cab drivers in the streets are perpetuated in the artist’s canvases together with the famous angels and lovers in the sky...

Scientists, historians, art critics and, of course, artists from all over the world come to Vitebsk to get the feel of the city and see where one of the brightest representatives of the 20th-century avant-garde the lived and worked…

The Marc Chagall Art Center was opened in the 19th century building, depicted in his world-renown painting Above the City, in 1992. The works presented to the museum by friends from the Group of Assistance to the Chagall House-Museum in Vitebsk (Nienburg, Germany) became the first exhibits in the collection.

The museum houses the richest collection of the artist’s graphic works, including lithographs, xylographs as well as three colored aquatints donated to the museum by the artist’s daughter Ida Chagall in 1994, and 96 calligraphic etchings, representing a cycle of book illustrations, that were donated by the artist’s granddaughters Meret and Bella.

The main draw of the collection is Marc Chagall’s wonderful book illustrations. Among them is a series of sketches to Nikolai Gogol’s novel Dead Souls (1923-1925), a series of colored lithographs named The Bible (1956 and 1960) and 12 Tribes of Israel (1960)…

Brest Hero-Fortress

n September, 25 1971 the memorial complex «Brest Fortress» was opened. More than 600 veterans of the Brest garrison 1941 were present.

There are the ruins of the old fortress, the battlefields, the monumental sculptures presented in a unified architectural and artistic ensemble of the memorial, that perpetuated the «true story of the legendary heroes of the Brest fortress».

Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble

Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble is an old large noble estate decorated by the park and located on the picturesque bank of the Sozh River in the south of Belarus in Gomel City. This is one of the historical-cultural values of the Republic of Belarus, and it is included into the State List of the Historical Cultural Values protected by the State. There is a house-estate of the Khaletskis (an architectural monument of the mid-19th century) in 15 kms from Gomel (in Khalch Village of Vetkovski District of Gomel Region); it is one of the sites of the Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble, too. The Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble has been a state museum for 90 years; it has numerous collections, which are interesting both to amateurs and professionals. The museum halls regularly host art and history exhibitions, and exhibitions devoted to nature and various human activities. It is a place to organize events: concerts, conferences, official meetings of the country leaders.

The Palace & Park Ensemble includes:

the Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches (an architectural monument in the Russian classicism style built in the late 18th - mid-19th century);
the Chapel (an architectural monument in the New Russian Style built in the late 19th century),
the Burial Vault (an underground coffin chamber for the Paskevich Princes),
the Winter Garden, the Observation Tower and the Administrative Building (architectural monuments erected in the 19th century),
the Park (a monument of nature and of garden art planted in the mid-19th century).

In the central square of the city of Grodno, next to the cathedral church of St. Francis Xavier is a unique, unique pharmacy in Belarus. It is located in the building of the oldest pharmacy in the country, built by the Jesuits in 1709 in the complex Grodno collegium - a monument of history and culture of the XVII-XVIII centuries.

An ancient pharmacy has been working since its inception until the middle of the twentieth century. In 1953, its premises housed a medical warehouse, later - a salon of furniture. The pharmacy revived only in 1996 after a part of the first floor of its historic building was leased and restored by the Grodno pharmaceutical company Biotest. Since then, a pharmacy and a museum operate together in the old halls.

The oldest pharmacy at all times was an exemplary institution. It is still one of the best in the city. Employees of the pharmacy museum, continuing the traditions of their predecessors, try to satisfy the most demanding requirements of customers. At the same time, each visitor can not only appreciate the variety of medicines offered, but also spend time with interest and benefit, getting acquainted with the history of pharmacy business in the original atmosphere of the museum hall.

Belarus. Республика Беларусь

The republic of Belarus is situated in the center of Europe on the watershed of the Baltic and Black Seas. The capital is Minsk. Belarus borders on Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine. The total length of the state border makes up 2,969 km. Geographic and climatic conditions favor the development of transport and economic relations. The shortest ways from Russia to Western Europe and from the Baltic Sea to the Black sea run through Belarus.

The territory of Belarus is 207.6 thousand sq km. It stretches from west to east for 650 km and from north to south for 560 km.

The country’s relief is flat with hills. The climate of Belarus is moderate continental with mild and humid winters, warm summers and damp autumns.

Forests constitute 33 % of the country’s area. In Belarus there are over 20 thousand rivers and lakes. The largest lake is Naroch. The navigation is carried out on the rivers Pripiats, Dnieper, Neman, Berezina and Western Dvina.

Belarus consists of 6 regions: the Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk and Mogiliov regions. Minsk, the capital, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The industrial potential of Belarus includes 20 thermoelectric power stations, 17 metallurgical works, 70 petrochemical plants (the concern “Belneftekhim”), 29 machine-tool construction enterprises, 36 automakers and so on. According to recent researches the number of small enterprises has exceeded 30 thousand. 6 economic zones are established. Foreign enterprises are created with participation of 80 countries.

The financial market is represented by the National bank of Belarus, 29 commercial banks and 10 foreign ones.

There are 27 state theaters, including opera and ballet theater, a musical comedy theater, etc. The Ministry of culture has 128 state museums. The sports facilities include almost 500 stadiums and swimming pools, more than 5000 outdoor sports grounds. In 2000 all regional centers had Ice palaces and skating rinks.

Minsk citizens and all inhabitants of Byelorussia are especially proud of the new National Library being unique as in Europe, and all over the world.

Беларусь

Республика Беларусь расположена в центре Европы на водоразделе Балтийского и Черного Морей. Столица - город Минск. Белоруссия граничит c Польшей, Литвой, Латвией, Россией и Украиной. Общая протяженность государственной границы составляет 2,969 км. Географические и климатические условия способствуют развитию транспортных и экономических отношений. Кратчайшие пути из России до Западной Европы и от Балтийского моря до Черного моря проходят через Белоруссию.

Общая территория Беларуси - 207.6 тысяч кв. км. Она простирается с запада на восток на 650 км и с севера на юг на 560 км.

Рельеф страны плоский с холмами. Климат - умеренно-континентальный, зимы мягкие и влажные, летом тепло, а осенью сыро.

Леса составляют 33 % области страны. В Белоруссии более 20 тысяч рек и озер. Самое большое озеро - Нарочь. Судоходны реки Припять, Днепр, Неман, Березина и Западная Двина.

Белоруссия состоит из 6 областей: Брестской, Витебской, Гомельской, Гродненской, Минской и Могилевской. Минск, столица, является одним из наиболее красивых городов в Европе.

Индустриальный потенциал Белоруссии включает 20 термоэлектрических станций, 17 металлургических заводов, 70 нефтехимических заводов (предприятие "Белнефтехим"), 29 машиностроительных предприятий, 36 автомобилестроительных и так далее. Согласно недавним исследованиям число малых предприятий превысило 30 тысяч. Установлено 6 экономических зон, иностранные предприятия созданы с участием 80 стран.

Финансовый рынок представлен Национальным банком Белоруссии, 29 коммерческими банками и 10 иностранными.

Есть 27 государственных театров, включая Театр Оперы и Балета, музыкальный комедии и др. Министерство культуры имеет 128 государственных музеев. Спортивные сооружения включают около 500 стадионов и бассейнов, почти 5000 наружных спортплощадок. В 2000 все региональные центры имели Ледяные дворцы и катки.

Особой гордостью минчан и всех жителей Беларуси является новая Национальная Библиотека, являющаяся уникальной как в Европе, так и во всем мире .

Bělorusko - Belarus - Беларусь - Minsk - Минск 2011

С наступлением тепла душа просит новых путешествий - садись на машину, поезд или велосипед и отправляйся на исследование Беларуси. Вместе с гидом по Беларуси VETLIVA мы составили список главных поводов с ветерком прокатиться по стране - от криниц с лечебной водой и экотроп до мощных объектов военного туризма, камерных музеев и усадеб, которые не потеряли своего великолепия.

БРЕСТСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ

1. Дворец Пусловских

Косово, Ивацевичский район

2. Дворцовый комплекс Сапег в Ружанах

Ружаны, Пружанский район

В путеводителях руины дворца гордо называют «беларусским Версалем», но приезжать сюда стоит не за шикарными видами и интерьерами (сохранилось здесь не так уж и много), а скорее за мощной энергетикой, которая присуща таким местам силы. Только представь: в начале XVII века здесь заложили замок - в этом деле принимал участие канцлер ВКЛ Лев Сапега . Чтобы жить в нем было не только комфортно, но и безопасно, комплексу добавили три мощные оборонительные башни. В Ружанах обсуждались важные государственные вопросы, приходили приемы топ-менеджеров ВКЛ, здесь же размещался архив Сапегов и государственная казна. После разгрома восстания Сапеги покинули резиденцию, и во дворце организовали ткацкую фабрику. В годы Первой мировой ансамбль горел, потом его пытались восстановить, но после Второй мировой войны это дело забросили.

Сейчас ты можешь заглянуть в музей (ул. Урбановича, 15а) и узнать всю историю места - для этого есть 4 зала и захватывающая экскурсия.

Как добраться? Твой шанс - автобус из Минска или 244 км на авто. В Ружанах ищи адрес музея - ул. Урбановича, 15а.

3. Брестская крепость

Брест

Мощное оборонительное сооружение и масштабный музей советской героической монументалистики под открытым небом. Сама крепость была построена в XIX веке, и история у нее впечатляющая. В 1596 году здесь объявили церковную унию , а во время Первой мировой подписали декрет о мире . Но известной крепость стала после героических событий Второй мировой.

Соблюдай хронологию: на Волынском укреплении загляни в музей «Берестье » - археологические раскопки, где можно рассмотреть остатки городища и деревянных построек XI-XIII веков, уличные мостовые, даже несколько предметов обихода. Дальше двигай в музей защитников Брестской крепости . Территория музея просто огромная - чтобы обойти все и не сбить дыхание, понадобится часа три. Больше всего пробирает в V форте - полузаброшенном укреплении с бронированными дверьми, узкими бойницами, подземными коридорами и полной тишиной. Скорее всего, ты будешь здесь единственным туристом.

Как добраться? Проще всего ехать на поезде - € 4-10, три-четыре часа - и ты на месте. Эти же 350 км можно преодолеть на автобусе (€ 7-9) или на своем авто (трасса М1).

4. Ольманские болота

Столинский район

Эти болота занимают 75% площади Столинского района - единственный сохранившийся у нас в естественном состоянии комплекс верховых, переходных и низинных болот. Экологи не могут нарадоваться: здесь обитает 687 видов растений, 151 вид птиц (25 из Красной книги) и 26 видов млекопитающих. Интересно, что в 60-ых годах прошлого века в Ольманах находился авиационный полигон, поэтому в болотах до сих пор есть неразорвавшиеся снаряды и бомбы.

Особый интерес представляет экотропа длиной почти в полтора километра. Она идет вдоль озера Большое Засоминое, на другом берегу которого уже Украина. Второй маршрут приведет тебя к 40-метровой вышке, с которой очень удобно осматривать окрестности и биоразнообразие. Спроси у местных, где здесь «море Геродота» - Большое и Малое Засоминое и еще 23 озера.

Обрати внимание, если ты иностранец, за посещение болот придется заранее заплатить 10 базовых (€ 114). Больше информации про экскурсии - .

Как добраться? Классика жанра - автобус или маршрутка из Минска до Столина.

5. Беловежская пуща

Беларусский повод для гордости - самый большой и старый лесной массив Европы, охраняется ЮНЕСКО. Да, здесь в дикой природе водятся зубры. Да, на них можно даже охотится (если хватит совести). Да, это здесь подписали соглашение о развале СССР . Да, именно здесь живет беларусский Дед Мороз (его резиденция работает даже летом - но костюмчик у деда облегченный). Дыши реликтовым воздухом, рассекай на велосипеде, корми зубра в вольере хлебушком с руки, сгоняй посмотреть на Каменецкую вежу , которой уже более 700 лет.

Как добраться? Расстояние Минск - Брест советуем преодолеть на поезде, а дальше до Каменца ехать на автобусе. Для более нетерпеливых ходят прямые маршрутки.

6. Иезуитский коллегиум

Пинск, ул. Ленина, 1

Пинск - второй в Беларуси по числу сохранившихся достопримечательностей (на первом месте - Гродно). Внимания особенно заслуживает здание коллегиума, построенного в XVII веке как суперпрестижное учебное заведение. Брали туда талантливых студентов независимо от их достатка. Если обходить здание, вид будет разный: с реки это непреступная крепость, со двора - открытая книга. Сейчас в коллегиуме симпатичный музей беларусского Полесья, где можно посмотреть на невонючих чучел или присесть на деревянный велосипед. Дальше по Ленина - монастырь францисканцев с «Пинской мадонной» и крутыми магнитиками, дворец Бутримовичей (в нем сейчас ЗАГС), дом Орды и кампус Полесского университета. Набережная в Пинске длиной в 2,5 км - гулять с красивым видом можно долго.

Как добраться? За три часа можно доехать на маршрутке - приготовь € 3 за проезд. Раз в два дня можно поехать на вечернем поезде - садишь в Минске в 17.37, в 22.55 ты в Пинске. Очень удобно!

7. Полесье

Брестская область

Самая большая из европейских болотных территорий, которая занимает примерно 30% карты Беларуси. Терра инкогнита размером с компактную страну, с изолированными деревнями и коренными жителями, полешуками, у которых свой особенный язык. Чтобы прочувствовать всю прелесть жизни на Полесье, нужно дождаться весеннего разлива Припяти. Идеальный вариант - взять лодку и поплавать по беларусским деревням, которые затапливает каждую весну. Выбирай на свой вкус - от Турова до Пинска.

Как добраться? Как доехать до Пинска - смотри выше.

ГРОДНЕНСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ

8. Мирский замок

Мир, ул. Красноармейская, 2

9. Коложская церковь

Гродно, ул. Коложа, 6

Борисоглебская или Коложская церковь появилась на языческом копище у Замковой горы в Гродно еще в XI веке - это одно из немногий зданий периода Древней Руси в Беларуси, правда, знатно перестроенное. Церковь не оштукатурена снаружи, а потому можешь посмотреть на все инженерные решения тогдашних строителей. Церковь стоит на крутом берегу Немана

Как добраться? Из любого пункта страны до Гродно можно добраться на ж/д - город связан с 142 станциями Беларуси. Из Минска поезда идут несколько раз в день, электроны - еще чаще. В твоем распоряжении также автобусы и маршрутки (€ 7).

10. Костел святой троицы в Гервятах

Деревня Гервяты, Островецкий район

Самый высокий в Беларуси костел - 61 метр (24-этажный дом!), и единственный, построенный по всем канонам неоготики. Он был возведен на месте деревянного костела XVI века архитектором Альшаловским. Для строительство специально организовали кирпичный заводи или параллельно со всех окрестностей собирали яйца - их добавляли для укрепления в раствор извести. Шифер специально привозили из Германии. Здесь ты можешь узнать, как выглядит аркбутан - наружная полуарка, которая распределяет нагрузку с основной стены и стоит отдельно (вспоминай Нотр-Дам де Пари) - для Беларуси это совершенно нетипично. Обязательно послушай мессу - она идет на беларусском, польском и литовском, и прогуляйся по парку - он, возможно, даже круче, чем костел. К слову, в окрестностях тоже .

Как добраться? Самый оптимальный вариант, конечно, ехать на машине. Если такой возможности нет, езжай до Островца, а потом автостопом до Гервят (через Ворняны).

Немново, Гродненский район

Судоходный канал, построенный в XIX веке, чтобы создать путь от Черного моря до Балтийского. Крутых инженерных сооружений, продуманных так хитро, давно, и сохранившихся практически в первозданном виде, всего два - в Великобритании и Швеции. Длина канала - 101 км, 22 из них на территории Беларуси в приграничной зоне. Привет, упрощенный визовый режим ! Шлюзы, разводные мосты, колонны - удивительно, как слаженно все работает. По каналу можно прокатиться на теплоходике «Неман», прогуляться вдоль пешком, сходить в музей канала, сплавиться на байдарке, посмотреть на уцелевшую усадьбу в Святске, созданную в XVIII веке по проекту итальянского архитектора Джузеппе де Сакко.

Как добраться? Из Минска стартуй на машине (направление Воложин - Лида - Скидель, 327 км). Из Гродно можно ехать на авто или автобусе (Гродно - Горячки, Гродно - Немново, Гродно - Калеты, остановка «Августовский канал» или «Соничи»).

12. Слонимская синагога

Слоним, ул. Советская, 1

Барочная синагога 1642 года, одна из самых старых в стране. В полуразрушенном здании сохранилось пафосное и богатое внутреннее убранство. Синагога сильно пострадала во время войны 1812 года, но быстро была восстановлена - еврейское сообщество в Слониме считалось тогда одним из самых мощных в стране. В конце XIX века в городе работала 21 синагога, а более 70% жителей были евреями. В 2000-м здание вернули верующим, но реставрационных работ не проводилось. Обязательно рассмотри лепнину, арон а-кадеш и росписи - все это отлично сохранилось.

Как добраться? Прыгай в маршрутку - домчишь за два с половиной часа.

13. Мурованковская церковь-крепость

Деревня Мурованка, Щучинский район

600-летний храм задумывался не только как место для богослужения, но и как оборонное сооружение - в XVI-м веке иначе было никак. Церковь выглядит как настоящий замок - стены двухметровой толщины, окна-бойницы, башни. Храм в Мурованке пережил много войн и был сильно поврежден во время русско-польской войны. В 1882 году была проведена мощная реставрация, на одной из башен сделали колокольню. Удачный микс готики и ренессанса, камень, кирпич и окно-роза. Кирпич, к слову, особенный - «царская лилия» - символ чистоты Богоматери. Исторические факты и легенды говорят о том, что из церкви было прорыто множество подземных ходов - правда, сейчас не понятно, откуда они начинались и куда вели.

Как добраться? Из Минска до Щучина можно доехать на автобусе , сама церковь находится в 3 км от деревни Можейково.

14. Новогрудский замок

Новогрудок

Новогрудок - древний беларусский город, который был первой столицей ВКЛ. Главная точка притяжения в городе - руины замка, стоявшего здесь еще в XII веке. Через 6 столетий после первого упоминания его разрушили шведы - почти до теперешнего состояния. Из всех конструкций остались две стены - Костельная и Щитовая - друг напротив друга. С Замкового холма открывается прекрасный вид - лучшего места для пикника не найти. Обязательно наведайся в дом-музей Адама Мицкевича, который родился и жил в Новогрудке, зайди в костел Преображения Господнего , отлично сохранившийся в 1714 года, обрати внимание на Борисоглебскую церковь , которой уже больше 500 лет.

Как добраться? Доехать из Минска ловчее всего получится на маршрутке (€ 2) или автобусе, а вот на ж/д рассчитывать не стоит.

15. Церковь св. Михаила Архангела

Сынковичи, Зельвенский район

Самый крупный в Беларуси храм оборонного типа. Мощная неприступная церковь построена в XV веке - башни, бойницы на серьезной высоте, толстые стены - это настоящий маленький замок. Въездная брама, кстати, тоже заслуживает внимания - она сохранилась с 1880 года. В пешей доступности - здание усадьбы XIX века, которую потом превратили в спиртзавод. Кстати, интересна легенда о том, почему место называется Сынковичи. Храм строили отец с сыном. В какой-то момент сын сорвался с лесов и разбился насмерть. Отец в отчаянии кричал ему: «Сынку, сынку!» Так появилось название деревни, окружающей церковь. Над входом в церковь можно увидеть выступ, который напоминает крышку гроба.

Как добраться? Из Минска относительно легко можно добраться до Зельвы - на рейсовом автобусе. Дальше - только на машине или попутке.

16. Дворец Четвертинских

Деревня Желудок, Щучинский район

Одно из самых кинематографичных мест страны - недаром здесь снимали первый (и последний) беларусский хорор под названием «Масакра ». Киношные декорации есть и сейчас: фанерная плитка, нарисованные следы пожара на фасаде. От советских времен во дворце остался киноклуб с будкой и звездная символика.

17. Кревcкий замок

Крево

Пожалуй, самые живописные руины из нашего гайда. Замок в Крево датируется XIV веком. Эти стены видели многое: в 1382 году здесь убили князя Кейстута, отца Витовта, в 1385 подписали унию, в XVI веке замок отражал атаки татар и москвичей, а уже в XIX веке его перестали рассматривать как толковое укрепление и забросили. Руины законсервировали в 1929 году - так они стоят до сих пор.

Послушай, как между стенами гуляет ветер, зайди в красивенную церковь Александра Невского или строгий костел , найди бывшее капище язычников - хоть сейчас Крево и считается деревней, свидетелей былого величия здесь предостаточно.

Как добраться? Минск - Сморгонь - автобус или поезд, а дальше - на салатовом региональном автобусе «МАЗ» со шторками.

МИНСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ

18. Несвижский замок

Несвиж

В XVI веке Несвиж стал родовом гнездом Радзивиллов, главной династии в истории Великого Княжества Литовского. Например, сюда частенько наведывался король Польши, а представители магнатского рода занимали важнейшие должности в государстве. Понимаешь размах строений - дворцово-парковый комплекс занимает 90 га. В Несвижском замке можно посмотреть на ранний ренессанс, барокко, неоклассицизм и модернизм. Попроси рассказать тебе о мести Бонны Сфорцы и показать позолоченных апостолов высотой с человека.

Как добраться? Доехать до Несвижа можно, двигаясь от Минска по брестской трассе. Если решишь отправиться на автобусе, расписание можно найти .

19. Город Солнца в Минске

Минск

Минск - свидетель и жертва имперских амбиций советских властей. Прочувствовать это можно во время прогулки по проспекту Независимости - прямой асфальтированной стреле, которая тянется 15 км и разрезает город пополам. Писатель Артур Клинов для обозначения сталинского ампира в Минске придумал термин «Город Солнца». Минск как главная артерия Большой Коммунистической Мечты, построенный по подобию Рима. Привокзальная площадь с «воротами», площадь Ленина, улицы Маркса, Кирова, Свердлова - цельная застройка идеального города для жизни по мнению советских властей.

Как добраться? Рассказываем в .

20. Хатынь

Деревня Хатынь / деревня Мокрадь, Логойский район

Качественная советская документалистика. был создан на месте деревни, которую сожгли фашисты во время Второй мировой. Всех жителей согнали в амбар и подожгли его - и так же поступили с жителями 628 деревень. Для подготовки к поездке обязательно зацени фильм «Иди и смотри » 1985-го года режиссера Элема Климова. Информация по билетам и времени работы комплекса .

Как добраться? Если едешь на машине, тебе на трассу М3 (59 км). Общественный транспорт не ходит - если поедешь на попутке, от трассы придется идти 5 км пешком.

21. Налибокская пуща

Воложинский район

Самый большой в Беларуси лесной массив - в три раза больше Мальты! Здесь самая богатая флора, четверть растений являются лечебными, многие занесены в Красную книгу. С животными тоже все в порядке - например, здесь обитает 29 видов редких птиц. Пуща окружена тремя крупными реками - Неманом, Березиной и Усой, а потому места здесь невероятно живописные. И не особенно доступны - как Сванетия в Грузии. Например, во время Второй мировой в Налибокской пуще прятались 20 тысяч человек. Будь смелым или смелой и соверши марш-бросок в гущу векового леса. Обязательно посмотри на озеро Кромань, Лавришевский монастырь, основанный в XIII веке, усадьбу Тышкевичей в деревне Вялое и поплавай в реке голышом - здесь ты можешь себе это позволить.

Как добраться? Твой единственный шанс - автомобиль, из Минска доберешься за час.

22. Музей народной архитектуры и быта Строчицы

Поселок Озерцо, Минский район

Крестьянская Беларусь в миниатюре. Музей под открытым небом, где представлена стародавняя застройка трех регионов Беларуси: Центральной части, Поозерья и Поднепровья. Этнологическое исследование придется проводить на материале церкви, приходской школы, мельницы, бани и крестьянских хат. Все это разбросано в живописных полях - не забудь зарядить телефон для фото. Для настроения советуем махнуть хреновухи в корчме на входе!

Как добраться? Все подробности - на сайте .

ГОМЕЛЬСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ

23. Гомельский парк

Гомель

В дворцово-парковый ансамбль в Гомеле нужно ехать весной, когда огромный парк резко зеленеет и цветет, Сож становится полноводным, а вечера уже достаточно теплые, чтобы задумчиво бродить возле Дворца Румянцевых-Паскевичей и смотреть на темную воду. Дворцовый ансамбль - самый большой по размерам кусок исторической застройки, сохранившийся без нарушения монолитности. Российская императрица Екатерина II презентовала Гомель своему фавориту графу Румянцеву for fun, и тот построился на берегу Сожа. Потом дворец перешел к полководцу Паскевичу, который волевым решением построил целый комплекс хозпостроек: домик охотника, зимний сад, несколько церквей. Круче всего сохранился пейзажный парк на 24 га - здесь можно гулять полдня, если предварительно подкрепиться гомельским шоколадом «Спартак» с 90% какао.

24. Усадьба Герардов

Демьянки, Добрушский район

Симпатичная усадьба в псевдорусском стиле - в зоне отселения. Здание из красного кирпича построили на средства русского чиновника, генерал-губернатора Финляндии Николая Герарда во второй половине XIX века. Усадьба стоит на пригорке, пересеченном рвом - декоративную роль играет мост, прекрасно сохранился парк с редкими видами деревьев и удивительная тишина. Если ты ищешь место, где точно не будет туристов - тебе сюда. Кстати, попасть сюда можно совершенно легально.

Как добраться? Попасть можно на Радуницу - тогда пускают без пропуска. В остальное время пропуск нужно оформлять в Добруше. Чтобы попасть в Добруш, купи билеты на поезд Минск - Гомель, а дальше езжай на электричке или пригородном автобусе.

25. Музей старообрядчества

Ветка, Красная пл., 5

В XVII веке город Ветка облюбовали гонимые староверы. Патологически толерантные беларусы их не трогали, а потому здесь до сих пор в отличном состоянии сохранились старообрядческие иконы, рукописи и печатные книги XVI-XIX веков, коллекции тканей и предметов быта. Музей интерактивный - здесь, например, можно обучиться традиционному ткачеству.

Как добраться? Как доехать до Гомеля, а дальше бери пригородный автобус - нужно преодолеть всего 22 км.

МОГИЛЕВСКАЯ ОБЛАСТЬ

26. Бобруйская крепость

Бобруйск

Эта мощная фортификация - плановое строительство в рамках подготовки к войне с Наполеоном. Для ее строительства фактически разрушили город, который существовал здесь до этого. Крепость таки выдержала продолжительную осаду французов, а после войны выполняла функцию тюрьмы. Поговаривают, что в одном из фортов Бобруйской крепости есть камера в форме яйца, в которой заключенные сходили с ума после пары недель заточения. Не зря Герцен, вспоминая Бобруйск, писал: «Пусть Сибирь, пусть, что угодно, но не эта страшная тюрьма на реке Березина». Теперь по вросшей в землю крепости просто прикольно полазить, например, побывать в заброшенной гауптвахте , перестроенной из иезуитского костела. Сейчас крепость - это 7 бастионов, растянутых на площадь в несколько км. Некоторые забетонированы, другие можно облазить вдоль и поперек. Прихвати фонарик! Крепость несколько раз горела, а потому не надевай парадные штанцы - можно выпачкаться в сажу. В паре шагов от крепости, кажется, приземлились инопланетяне. На самом деле, это Бобруйская ледовая арена на 7 тысяч зрителей.

Как добраться? Полтора часа на поезде из Минска на модной электричке Stadler (или 2 на обычной) - и ты уже гуляешь по колоритному Бобруйску и пытаешься сосчитать все упоминания бобров. Второй вариант - едешь на автобусе или частной маршрутке .

27. Усадьба графского рода Толстых

Деревня Грудиновка, Быховский район

Одно из самых красивых и таинственных мест в стране - графский дом Толстых. И хотя Лев Николаевич так и не доехал до дома, заглянуть на усадьбу стоит. Тебя ждет двухэтажная усадьба с куполами, колоннами, парадной лестницей и открытой террасой с видом на парк. Поблуждай как следует по 10-гекторовому парку, найди здесь сибирский кедр, который растет здесь уже больше 100 лет, пройдись по дворцу - совсем недавно здесь размещалась школа и санаторий для больных детей, а потому здесь сохранились крашенные зеленым стены и совковый гардероб с номерками - странный контраст с