Belarus as a tourist destination might not immediately spring to mind, but surprisingly this former Soviet bloc country has a lot to offer the intrepid visitor. With sights ranging from World War II museums to collections of some of the most beautiful artwork ever amassed, Belarus and its friendly people will leave you with enduring memories.
10. Kalozha Church
flickr/Saint @ Postcrossing
Located near the western border of Belarus in the city of Grodno, the Kalozha Church is still a place of active Orthodox Christian religious worship today and has a history dating back to the late 12th century. Currently under tentative consideration to be listed as an U.N.E.S.C.O world heritage site, this church is the 2nd oldest in all Belarus and has undergone extensive repairs – it was badly damaged in the 19th century due to floods and landslides.
Recent restorations to this wonderful example of Black Ruthenian architecture took place from 2000 to 2005 along with reinforcements to the bank of the river on which the church sits. The church itself consists of a cross-domed building with 6 circular towers and has a floor lined with decorative ceramic tiling. Also inside are the remains of 12th century frescoes.
9. Victory Square, Minsk
flickr/Lucas KT
Victory Square in Minsk is one of the most well known tourist attractions in Belarus and is a memorial to those who died during World War II or as it is known by Belarusians – The Great Patriotic War. Formally called The Circus, its name was changed in 1954 when a huge 40 metre high obelisk was erected to commemorate those that gave their lives during the conflict.
At the base of the obelisk on all four sides are sculptured reliefs of scenes depicting: VE Day (9th May 1945), the Belarus Partisans, the Glory of the fallen heroes and the Soviet Army during the years of the war. Further to this, in 1961 an eternal flame was added and lit at the base of the obelisk. Around the perimeter of the square are many buildings which are excellent examples of architecture from the 1950’s and the entrance to Gorky Park – which is the oldest park in Minsk having been established since 1800. Definitely a place to visit while in Belarus.
8. Brest Railway Museum
flickr/Neil Harris
This museum is exactly what it says ‘on the tin’ – a railway museum based in Brest on the extreme southwestern border of Belarus. Fifty six different trains are represented here, including twelve steam locomotives, numerous diesel trains and a couple of steam cranes too. The open air museum (well it would be kind of difficult to get all those trains under cover), is relatively new, having opened in 2002, and is perfect for the train-spotter in your group. The museum is often used as the location for films and also for festivals throughout the year. All aboard … and mind the gap!
7. The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus
web/wikimedia
Ever the country for giving an institution an exceedingly long name when a much shorter one will suffice, this attraction at number seven on our top ten list is based in the city of Minsk. The National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus contains over 30,000 painting, sculptures and works of art – though during the Second World War the Nazis looted the museum as it then was – taking its entire 2711 works of art.
Refusing to be thwarted by this act of greed, the Belarusians – most notably aided by the museum’s director Elena Aladova – rebuilt the library over the intervening years until today. Now it houses wonderful collections of Belarusian, Russian and Western European Art as well as some particularly stunning Japanese ceramics and Chinese woodcarvings. This museum is definitely worth spending half a day or more to visit and immerse yourself in all things Belarusian, historical and cultural.
6. Dudutki Museum
flickr/El Bingle
The Dudutki Museum of old folk crafts and technologies is the place to go to immerse and educate yourself about the traditions, culture and lifestyle of the Belarus people. This wonderfully scenic destination also offers unique and charming accommodations to give you the time to really ‘feel’ your Belarus learning experience. There are options for your stay too – either the guest house – complete with sauna to warm and soothe away those travelling aches and pains – or the caravan park should you wish to be more independent.
Visit the wonderful old windmill and enjoy traditional Belarus cuisine at the Bistro Dudutki, see Belarus crafts-people keeping alive the age-old creative traditions and skills of this region and maybe have a go yourself, as you take a present day journey back into 19th century Belarus. You can watch re-enactments of past battles, look at old military vehicles or vintage car collections, visit the old farm stables and so much more. Truly a tourist spot with something to offer everyone, why not book your stay here today?
5. Mir Castle
Located in the Grodno region of Belarus – some 90 kilometres south west of Minsk lies the Mir Castle. Originally a 16th century fortification, this castle is an amalgamation of 3 distinct architectural styles and is visually impressive. The castle was started in the 1520’s by Duke Ilinich in the Gothic style so prevalent of that period, but by 1565 the castle was in the possession of Mikolay Radziwill, who then completed the castle in the Baroque and Renaissance styles while adding a 3 storey palace to the eastern and northern walls of the castle.
During the Napoleonic Wars the castle took quite a battering and was extensively damaged by cannon-fire, but in 1891 it was purchased by Nikolai Svyatopolk-Mirsky who set about making repairs. These were then continued after his death by his son aided by the prominent and well-known architect Teodor Bursze. Today the castle is a major tourist attraction sitting as it does in beautiful, well-manicured formal Italian-style gardens and with a huge artificial lake adding yet more regality to its grandiose appearance.
4. Church of Saints Simon and Helena
web/wikimedia
This Roman Catholic Church is the main church for Belarusian Catholics and can be found near Independence Square on Sovetskaya Street in Minsk. Otherwise known as The Red Church – due to its red brick and tile construction, the church is designed in a Neo-Romanesque style by Polish architects Tomasz Pajzderski and Wladyslaw Marconi, and was built in the early 20th century – financed by Edward Woynillowicz – a prominent Belarus civic activist, who had the church named and consecrated in memory of his children.
The interior compared to many Italian Roman Catholic churches is plain – which adds to its charm and simplicity. The church has had a chequered history, being used on more than one occasion as a cinema while under Soviet rule. Today a church once more, it is also the centre for the revived Greek Catholic Church in Belarus.
3. National Library of Belarus
flickr/natashazabota
The National Library of Belarus is a unique and modern building constructed in 2006 – though Belarus has had a National Library since 1922. The newly fabricated building is in Nezavisimosti Street in Minsk and is a beautiful example of modern architecture which is both functional and visually appealing. With the main part of the library in the shape of a Rhombicuboctahedron, the Library can seat some 2000 readers and has a 500 person conference hall.
The library contains the largest collection of Belarusian printed material and also the 3rd largest collection of Russian printed material. The library is also unique in that as well as being the cultural and major information-gathering centre of Belarus; it is also the only building in Minsk with an observation deck of the entire city. Situated in a park by a river bank the whole area is wonderful as a tourist attraction and well worth the trip.
2. Nesvizh Castle
flickr/Nat Shukova
At number two on our top ten list is yet another beautiful Castle – also owned by the Radziwill family. This castle however started life as a mediaeval castle which was then transformed into a Baroque-Renaissance house until it was completed in 1604. In the next fifty years further galleries were added as well as four imposing octagonal towers – one to each corner of the building. Then in 1706 during the Great Northern War the castle was ransacked by Charles XII’s army and many of its fortifications were destroyed.
Over the subsequent decades the Radziwill family used both German and Italian architects to rebuild, renovate and enlarge the building. The Radziwill family retained possession of the castle for many hundreds of years adding over one square mile of English-style formal gardens to the site until finally in 1939, the invading Russian Red Army took over the castle and the family was expelled.
During the period of Soviet rule the castle was used as a sanatorium. In 1994 the entire castle complex was designated as a historical and cultural reserve and it gained coveted U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage listing status in 2004. Construction is still ongoing today but this spectacular castle and its grounds are quite unique and definitely a not-to-be-missed part of your Belarus history experience.
1. Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex
flickr/George Groutas
The number one tourist attraction in Belarus is a Memorial Complex that at one time was the largest 19th century Russian fortress. The Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex was originally built from 1830-1842 on the banks of the Mukhavets and Western Bug Rivers, but has been expanded on and enlarged many times during its turbulent history. In its time, this huge military fortification complex has been under Polish control, German control and Russian control.
In 1939 the Polish Army bravely defended this area against the XIX Panzer Tank Division of German General Heinz Guderian, with only four battalions of infantry and two tank battalions – managing to stay put for four days before having to finally withdraw. In 1941 the Russian Army – defending its western border was the first to come under attack from the German Wehrmacht during the first days of ‘Operation Barbarossa’- as a result of this defence the fortress was given the title ‘Brest Hero Fortress’.
Today the whole area is a site of huge historical and military interest as well as a poignant and evocative memorial site for all those who lost their lives during this long and difficult conflict. Entrance to the Memorial Complex is free but there is a charge to enter the museum. Definitely a place to visit to ensure that we never forget the reason why we live as free people today.
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