Belarus sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

The majority of cities in Belarus were founded yet in 8th – 10th centuries, so there are many places of interest, historic sights, old buildings and museums in every part of the country. Visiting them will help you get acquainted with this wonderful country and its rich heritage.

The capital of the country, Minsk, is also the biggest culture centre of Belarus. The most famous landmarks of the city include Troitskoye Predmestye, Jesuit Collegium, Kalvaryja Church, the Church of Maria Magdalena, the Church of Alexander Nevsky, the Church of Holy Trinity, the Cathedral of Holy Spirit, Mason House, Pishchalauski Castle and Loshitskij Park and mansion. Almost all of these memorial places were constructed to celebrate an important historic event. As the majority of sights in Minsk are old, they exhibit numerous ancient artefacts, priceless icons and relics, so an excursion to any of the abovementioned places will be truly interesting and educative. The most popular museum in Minsk are Belarus National Museum of History and Culture, Belarus State Art Museum, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of World War II, the Museum of National Architecture and the Museum of Stones in Uruchie.

In Minsk, tourists will find a diversified cultural program, but the capital is not the only city with rich heritage. The ancient city of Zaslawye is home to a large open-air museum. Tourists will find there magnificent churches, old castles and fortresses, ancient protective facilities that belong to 15th – 17th centuries. Other notable sights include the Transfiguration of the Saviour Church, “Mlyn” ethnographic complex, the Museum of Music Instruments and the Cathedral of Virgin Mary. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In recent years, more and more tourists prefer to visit Nesvizh. This interesting city is mostly famous for Nesvizh Castle. The castle was built in the end of the 18th century in accordance with the project of Giovanni Bernardoni. The palace was considered one of the most beautiful buildings of its era. It was also an impenetrable fortress with thick walls and a system of protective graffs.

The village of Khatyn is also worth attention of travellers. The tragic story of the village is well known around the world. In 1943 the village was burnt to ashes by the Fascists. All 149 people, who lived in Khatyn, were killed. In the memory of the dead, the great memorial complex named “the Unconquered Human” was built in the territory of the village. Other popular excursion routes in Belarus include such cities as Mogilev, Brest, Grodno, Bobruisk, and Vitebsk.

History and Entertainment

The first political parties on the territory of Belarus were formed in the 6th century. This was primarily caused by the moving of Slavs. In the 9th century, several tribal confederations were established. Exactly they became a foundation of the future state systems. At the end of the 9th century, they were a part of Ancient Rus. For many years, some kingdoms had resisted it and tried to gain independence. In the middle of the 13th century, the whole country was a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. After its disestablishment, Belarus became a part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

At the end of the 18th century, Belarus was a part of the Russian Empire. It was seriously damaged after the Patriotic War of 1812. After the war, the country saw the times of poverty and famine. At that time, potatoes started to be grown on the Belarusian territory. Despite the fact that the times of famine had passed, potatoes are still some of the national products here.

In the times of the First and Second World Wars, Belarus saw the period of the social and political instability. In 1920, it gained a status of the republic and became a part of the USSR. Belarus gained independence in 1991. Today, Belarus is considered one of the friendliest and most interesting countries.

Besides nature and historical attractions, the country is notable for its health resorts. The most famous ones are located in the Grodno and Minsk Regions. At local resorts, climatotherapy procedures, healing muds and mineral waters are widely used. It should be noted that many popular treatment centers are located in remote areas of the country, so the vacation here will be as peaceful and calm, as possible.

Shopping enthusiasts will not be bored here too. Besides traditional malls, they can visit food stores. Belarus is notable for its first-class dairy and meat products. In local markets, you can always buy seasonal fruit and vegetables. The special attention here is paid to the agricultural sector, so all products are distinguished by ecological and gustatory qualities. Shopping enthusiasts should definitely pay their attention to textiles of the local production and Belarusian shoes.