Sightseeing in Brest - what to see. Complete travel guide

Brest is one of the oldest Belarusian cities along with Vitebsk, Turov and Polotsk. According to one of the local legends, originally on its territory was an ancient temple dedicated to the pagan god Veles, and later in its place a fortress was built. After that, Brest became a border town-fortress on the bank of the Western Bug. In the Middle Ages, it was located on the border of the Polish and Lithuanian principalities, which is the reason for its important geopolitical role. Brest actively developed as a trading city. When these lands were under the rule of the Lithuanian principality, Brest after Vilna was considered the largest populated area.

This is the first Belarusian city that received the Magdeburg right or the right to self-government. The inhabitants of the city were not only exempted from paying heavy feudal duties, but they could also choose their own magistrate. It was in this city that the first synagogue was opened, which for many centuries was the richest in the territory of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The Lithuanian prince Vitovt granted special privileges to the Jews, and therefore they considered Brest the most comfortable city for living in Belarus.

In many ways, Brest can be considered an advanced city, since it was here that the first pharmacy and the first printing house appeared, from which came the publication of the Bible in different languages ​​and the first Primer. It was on the territory of Brest that the first high-quality roads appeared, along which it was convenient to move around to trade caravans, while on the rest of modern Belarus roads could hardly be called such. Ironically, it was in this city that the first Mint, the first school theater and even the first manufactory appeared. Brest was an important customs point; duty collection brought a considerable income and significantly replenished the city’s treasury. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Located at the intersection of major trade routes, the city developed rapidly, new residential areas, inns and markets were built. Already in the 12th century a powerful wooden castle was built here, designed to protect trade caravans heading to Europe. It was here that two powerful trading tracks crossed, one of which led to the Middle east and the Black Sea region, and the second to the Baltic states and Poland. Already in the 16th century, Brest, in terms of its administrative value and profitability, exceeded even Minsk. The peaceful existence of the city was violated by the large fire that destroyed all the wooden buildings. After that, it was decided to build up Brest exclusively with stone buildings. Some ancient buildings have survived in the city until our days.

The territory of the town is conventionally divided into two parts by River Mukhavets. On its left shore, there is a beautiful modern district. When walking along the right shore, you can see outstanding historical attractions. The main symbol of the town is the Brest Fortress. Despite the fact that it was built in the 19th century, it saw the most destructive battles in a period of the Second World War. The part of the fortress was destroyed and then restored after the war. Now, there is the Museum of the Defense.

The town is also famous for its religious attractions. One of the most spectacular examples of classicism is Holy Cross Church. Its main feature is the fascinating snow-white facade. In the surroundings of the town, there is Trinity Church built in the 16th century. For hundreds of years, it has managed to preserve a lot of unique artifacts and original finishing elements.

The most unusual culture center in the town is the Museum of Saved Artistic Values. It was founded at the initiative of the local customs service. As Brest is a border town, its customs officials have long been very active in countering smugglers. Over the years, they have withdrawn a lot of pieces of art, jewels, and religious artifacts that are stored in the unusual museum now.

One of the tourists’ favorite evening entertainments in Brest is walks along the historical Sovetskaya Street. Here, you can see old gas lamps the lamplighter lights every evening. Many people usually watch him doing this. As for the nature attractions of Brest, the most interesting one is the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Several years ago, it was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the park, you can see a bison and other animals in their natural habitat. There are also hiking routes of various lengths. Also, the guests of Brest can visit the ostrich farm that is one of the largest in Europe.