The Republic of Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe. It borders on Latvia, Lithuania, the Ukraine, Russia and Poland. Its territory is much larger than such countries as Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece and a number of others. Its present population is about 12 million people. Belarus is a land of vast plains and picturesque hills, thick forests and green meadows, deep blue lakes and flowing rivers. Forests cover 2/5 of Belarus, they are scattered all over the country. There are a lot of rivers and lakes in our country. The Dnieper, Pripyat, Beresins, Sozh, Zapadnaya Dvina, Neman are the biggest rivers with more then 500 kilometers in length. The largest lake in Belarus is Lake Naroch which stretches 13 kilometers from West to East. It is a very popular recreation area in our country. Belarus has a moderately continental climate due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean with a warm winter and warm summer.

To most of the world, Belarus is thought of as a relatively new country in Central Europe. For Belorussians, it"s an ancient land. The history of Belarus goes back to ancient times beginning with the Polotsk Principality in the 10th century.

From the 13th century until the 16th centuiy the territory of present -day Belarus was the core of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in which Belarussian was the official language. It was one of the largest, most powerful and flourishing states, in Eastern Europe. The 16th century is considered to be the Golden Age of Belarussian history. This period was marked by prolific growth and foundation of many new cities and towns. There was significant progress in the development of culture and economy of the Belarussian people. As Belarus is situated in the centre of Europe many wars took place on its territory.

One of the worst wars was in 1812 when French emperor Napoleon attacked Russia and as a result, Belarussian lands became a major battlefield arena. A great number of Belarussians took part in this war against Napoleon.

In the 20th century alone Belarus survived three revolutions and three bloody wars. The Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 was one of the most heroic and tragic periods in the history of the century. For three years the territory of Belarus was occupied by the Nazis.

The country lost more than 3 million people (every third citizen fell in the fight against fascism), many towns and villages were ruined. Belarus lost more then half of its national wealth.

Today Belarus is a developed industrial state. Industry makes up 70% of the Gross National Product. The main industries are engineering, chemical industry, wood-working industry, light and food industries. The major industrial centres in Belarus are Minsk, Gomel, Vitebsk, Mogilev, Soligorsk, Zhodino, Brest and others. Belarussian goods are exported to many countries and are known all over the world. Belarussian agriculture specializes in milk and meat production, flax, vegetables (especially potatoes) and fruit (especially apples). The Republic of Belarus has a well-developed science and educational system.

The Academy of Sciences founded in 1929 is one of the largest centres of science in our country. Its research-institutes work on various important problems in such fields as mathematics, optics, genetics, biology, etc. The demand for higher education remains high. State institutions are the centres both for education and scientific research. Nowadays in Belarus there are 43 universities, academies and institutes which provide training in various spheres of science and humanities.

At present Belarus actively participates in an effective international partnership with the governments of different states and international organizations. As a co-founder of the United Nations, Belarus cooperates with various institutions and organizations of the United Nations, World Bank, World Health Organization, International Labor Organization, UNESCO, the European Union, etc. Belarus has a friendly working relationship with such countries as Germany, Denmark, France, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Great Britain, The USA and many others.

by Hanna Hrydziushka

Belarus is a unique and mysterious country in the middle of Europe that will surprise you with its contrasts and amazing hospitable people! If you don’t know where exactly to start exploring Belarus (known also as ‘White Russia’), we made for you a list of 10 best places to visit in the country.

minsk

Minsk, the city centre. Photo by Vitali Brazouski

vitebsk

Locals call Vitebsk the ‘cultural capital’ of Belarus for two main reasons. Every summer (June-July) it hosts an international music festival called Slavianskiy Bazar with numerous concerts of famous artists and a competition for young singers and songwriters. Also, both and his teacher Yehuda Pen were born in Vitebsk! It’s a nice city with many churches and the beautiful big Western Dvina River.

Vitebsk city. Photo by Kseniya Zhitina

polatsk

Visit Polatsk if you want to see a city that oozes history. Founded in 862, Polatsk is the oldest city in Belarus. It was once part of the Duchy of Polatsk! One of the main sights to see is Saint Sophia Cathedral – one of four churches in the world dedicated to Saint Sophia. Also, visit the beautiful monastery of Saint Euphrosine and see a copy of the world famous cross made for her order with pieces of the Holy Cross and other relics inside.

Polatsk city. Photo by Kseniya Zhitina

Braslaw Lakes National Park

Go to Braslaw Lakes National Park to see why Belarus is famous for its beautiful lakes. Keep in mind, that this place is too fascinating and too far to be visited just for a day, so you need to have at least 3 days to enjoy the nature here. Book a house or a room at the recreation centre and relax!

Niesvizh Castle

Visit this castle and its stunning park, that is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It once belonged to the Radziwill family – a local aristocratic family that can trace their lineage back to the Princes of the Duchy of Lithuania. Originally built in the 16th century, throughout the years the place has been reconstructed, restored and renovated. So today it’s a mixture of architectural styles (Renaissance, Classicism, Baroque, and Rococo, to name a few). As any real castle, the Nesvizh castle is surrounded by legends and ghosts. For example, the ghost of Barbara Radziwill, ‘the black lady of Nesvizh’, who presumably was poisoned and now haunts in the castle… So you definitely should come and check it out. Our might be helpful. The castle is about 120 km away from Minsk, so it is ideal for a day trip.

Nesvizh Castle. Photo by Siarhej Hlushtsou

This city looks a bit different from other Belarusian cities because it wasn’t damaged so much during WWII, and therefore many traditional buildings and narrow streets have been preserved. Take a note of the number of Catholic churches. Many of them were destroyed by the Soviet government after the war but restored later. Belarusians like to come here for a weekend and walk around, because Hrodna breathes the spirit of freedom and inspires for great things!

Hrodna city. Photo by Yurij Lichak

Go to Mir Castle to see another UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built in the early 16th century in the Gothic style, but then it came into the hands of the famous Radziwill family who extended and refitted the castle in the Renaissance style. Take a and learn about the complex and sad history of this place. Also, try out some delicious Belarusian drinks!

Mir Castle. Photo by HiFive Belarus

Brest

Brest city combines three different cultures, as it is located near the border with Poland and also quite close to Ukraine. Some say this city is more European than Minsk. For instance, on Saveckaja Street you can find many cute shops and coffee spots. If you are interested in World War II visit Brest Fortress, a very important place for the Soviet resistance. It was built in the middle of the 19th century and became a Hero Fortress for the courageous Soviet soldiers during the fight against the German army in 1941. Nazi’s planned to seize the fortress in 8 hours, but it stood firm for more than 30 days. A famous natural park Belovezhskaya Pushcha is not far from Brest.

Brest city. Photo by Frantsishak Kanabrotski

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

Discover the primaeval Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Here you can see very old oak trees dating back more than 500 years and around 250 different kinds of animals living in their natural surroundings. And the most famous inhabitants of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha are the largest animals in Europe – bisons, or ‘zubr’. You can meet them at a park zoo. During the winter you can even visit the home of our Santa Claus – Grand Farther Frost. A great way !

Zubr (bizon) in Belavezhskaya Pushcha National Park. Photo by Aleksandr Kashtalian

Visit Stalin Line to get a truly amazing picture of how life was during the war. It’s an interactive experience where you can ride a military car, shoot guns, and have a ‘soldier’s’ meal in an atmospheric cafe. Also quite often some interesting events dedicated to World War II take place here. If you don’t speak Russian we would advise you to bring someone along who does to get the full experience. The complex is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00.

Stalin Line. Photo by Vitali Brazouski

Need some help in discovering these places? Check out our .

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 .

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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.

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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 .

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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 .

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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 .

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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 Republic of Belarus is a small, beautiful country with the heroic past and interesting present. It is situated in Eastern Europe. The Republic borders on Russia, the Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia. It has an area of 207 square kilometers and a population of more than 10 million. Measured by its territory, Belarus ranks 13th among the states of Europe. Two-Thirds of Belarus" population live in cities. There are 97 cities in the Republic. It"s capital is Minsk, with the population of about two million people. Minsk is also the coordinating center of the commonwealth of independent States. The largest cities in Belarus are Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, and Mogilev, in which the administrative centers of the Republic are located.

Belorussian`s natural scenery is wide, lonely plains covered with hills, and many lakes and forests. The highest place in Belarus is the mount Dzerzhinskaya (345m) in Minsk region. There are nearly 3.000 rivers with the total length of over 51.000 kilometers in Belarus. The chief rivers are the Dnieper, the Nieman, the Zapadnaya Dvina, the Pripyat. In the past they were great trade ways from Europe to Asia and India and many towns appeared on their banks. There are more than 10800 lakes in Belarus. Most of them are situated in the northern part of the republic. The largest lake is the Naroch(80 sq km) and the deepest one is the Dolgoye(54 metres). One third of the Republic"s territory is covered with forests. The largest of them are called pushehas. The most beautiful is the Byelovezhskaya.

The climate in the Belarus is moderately continental. The climate is mild and one can travel comfortably here at any time of year. The moderately continental climate of Belarus is a gift from the Atlantic ocean, and the winds that blow from the ocean make Belarus a zone of stable harvest.

Today Belarusian industry produces tractors, big lorries, automatic lines, computers, television sets, bicycles, and else. Agriculture specializes in milk and meat production. The main cultures here are potatoes, flax, grain, herbs and vegetables. More than 30 minerals have been discovered nowadays in Belarus. Among them we have oil, natural gas, coal, rock salt, potassium salts, phosphorites, marl, iron ore, dolomites and others.

Belarus is a republic of well developed science and culture. Every eight person in Belarus has higher education. The number of scientists and college teachers exceeds 75,000, among them more than 10,000 with doctoral degree or candidate status.

Перевод текста: Belarus

Республика Белоруссии - маленькая, красивая страна с героическим прошлым и интересным подарком. Это расположено в Восточной Европе. Республика граничит с Россией, Украиной, Польшей, Литвой и Латвией. Это имеет область 207 квадратных километров и населения больше чем 10 миллионов. Измеренный его территорией, Белорусские разряды, 13-ые среди государств Европы. Две трети населения Белоруссии живут в городах. В Республике есть 97 городов. Это - капитал - Минск, с населением приблизительно двух миллионов человек. Минск - также центр координирования Содружества наций независимых государств. Наибольшие города в Белоруссии - Брест, Витебск, Гомель, Гродно, и Могилев, в котором расположены административные центры Республики.

Belorussian `s естественный пейзаж - широкие, одинокие равнины, покрытые холмами, и многими озерами и лесами. Самое высокое место в Белоруссии - крепление Dzerzhinskaya (345m) в Минской области. Есть почти 3.000 реки с полной длиной более чем 51.000 километров в Белоруссии. Главные реки - Днепр, Nieman, Западная Двина, Припять. В прошлом они были большими торговыми путями от Европы до Азии и Индии, и много городов появились на их банках. В Белоруссии есть больше чем 10800 озер. Большинство из них расположено в северной части республики. Наибольшее озеро - Naroch (80 кв. км), и самый глубокий - Dolgoye (54 метра). Одна треть территории Республики покрыта лесами. Наибольших из них называют pushehas. Самое красивое - Byelovezhskaya.

Климат в Белоруссии умеренно континентален. Климат умерен, и можно поехать удобно сюда в любое время года. Умеренно континентальный климат Белоруссии - подарок из Атлантического океана, и ветры, которые дуют от океана, делают Белоруссию зоной устойчивого урожая.

Сегодня Белорусская промышленность производит тракторы, большие грузовики, автоматические линии, компьютеры, телевизоры, велосипеды, и еще. Сельское хозяйство специализируется в производстве молока и мяса. Главные культуры здесь - картофель, лен, зерно, травы и овощи. Больше чем 30 полезных ископаемых были обнаружены в настоящее время в Белоруссии. Среди них мы имеем нефть, природный газ, уголь, соль скалы, соли калия, фосфориты, известковую глину, железную руду, доломиты и другие.

Белоруссия - республика хорошо развитой науки и культуры. Каждые восемь людей в Белоруссии имеют высшее образование. Число ученых и преподавателей колледжа превышает 75 000, среди них больше чем 10 000 со статусом кандидата или докторской степенью.

Использованная литература:
1. 100 тем английского устного (Каверина В., Бойко В., Жидких Н.) 2002
2. Английский язык для школьников и поступающих в ВУЗы. Устный экзамен. Топики. Тексты для чтения. Экзаменационные вопросы. (Цветкова И. В., Клепальченко И.А., Мыльцева Н.А.)
3. English, 120 Topics. Английский язык, 120 разговорных тем. (Сергеев С.П.)

The most captivating places of interest in Belarus include surprising and family manors, magnificent , unique nooks of pristine , ancient engineering constructions, interesting museums and , birthplaces of famous painters, writers, and scientists…

You can learn about the key places of interest of all the , can get familiar with interesting facts and figures, can study the intriguing history and compile your own travel for the hospitable country in the center of Europe .

Brest Oblast

The south-western region of Belarus called "the country’s first bastion" is famous for its unique historical sites and natural monuments . These monuments include the legendary , the heroic history of which is well known all over the world, the oldest European forest with majestic aurochs , the points of the that is the largest geodetic instrument on the planet and is included in the , the 13th-century wooden town discovered by archaeologists, and the gorgeous palaces in and . gave birth to the national hero of three countries . The Dostoyevskys" family estate also used to be situated here.