northern capital Belarus, Vitebsk, has a rich history along with Polotsk, Turov and Novogrudok. The city sprawled along the coastline Western Dvina at the confluence of the river Vitbyafter which it is named, and Luchesy. It was founded as a castle by Princess Olga in 974.
Already by the XNUMXth century it belonged to the fifteen largest cities ON, later took possession of the Magdeburg Law. The city actively traded with the Balts, Czechs, Germans, Italians, Hungarians and residents of the Moscow state. For its history Vitebsk burned down more than once, each time losing its unique buildings. The European ones, coupled with two world wars, marked him with scars, so after the Second World War only 118 people met the winners. All these factors greatly influenced the appearance of the city.
Modern Vitebsk known to many thanks to the festival “Slavic Marketplace“. It is this period that is considered the most touristic and popular for visiting the city. Usually the festival is held in June-July, annually.
What to see in Vitebsk in a day (two)?
Below are the main sights of Vitebsk, which can be called the most visited and popular. However, in this city guide, we will also tell you about lesser-known places that will be of interest. If you are not ready to read long texts, then scroll down to the map of Vitebsk attractions with a brief description.
Victory Square “Three bayonets”
Almost every city in Belarus has a memorial complex dedicated to the heroes of the Second World War. Vitebsk is no exception in this regard. An unusual complex popularly known as "Three Bayonets” rises on the banks of the Dvina River. It will be interesting to visit this place, locals like to relax here on sunny days.
Interesting fact: Victory Square in Vitebsk - This is the largest square in Belarus.
address: street Generala Beloborodova 6
how to get: tram stop “Victory Square”.
The Annunciation Church
This temple may seem simple and inconspicuous, but from a historical point of view it is extremely interesting. The Church of the Annunciation, according to historians, was built in the middle of the 12th century (!).
In the nineties, the church was restored on the basis of a five-meter conserved masonry. Nearby is another Orthodox church - Alexander Nevsky Church. Built of wood on Millennium Square in 1990.
Assumption Cathedral
From the Assumption Mountain (originally called Lysa), on which is located cathedral, offers an amazing view of Vitebsk. The history of this place is full of secrets and mysteries. It is believed that before the construction of the first church there was a pagan temple, where they worshiped Makosh, the goddess of fate, fertility and the hearth (Slavic mythology).
address: Tolstoy street 13
how to get: nearest stop “Drama Theater“, from where you need to walk a little.
more about the Assumption Cathedral in Vitebsk.
Resurrection Church
The temple took shape in 2009, but the church was copied from a 16th-century temple that was blown up in 1936, referring to Vilna baroque, dated 1772. Initially belonged to the Uniates, and became Orthodox in 1834. It has eleven bells.
address: City Hall Square, 1
how to get: nearest stop “Town Hall".
More information and photos of the Resurrection Church.
A few meters from the entrance to the temple is set monument to Prince Olgerd. The “horse rider” appeared in the summer of 2014 and quickly became a popular object of the city.
Vitebsk City Hall
Vitebsk City Hall - one of the few such buildings in Belarus. The original wooden structure was erected in 1597 when the city received Magdeburg rights. The modern baroque building, where the local history museum is located, dates back to 1775. Then the town hall consisted of two floors and a tower in the middle.
Later, in 1911, the third floor was completed. Today this is one of the main attractions of Vitebsk. Visitors to the museum can climb the tower for a great view of the city.
address: Lenin street, 36
how to get: nearest stop “Town Hall".
From the Vitebsk City Hall it is worth taking a walk along the historical Suvorov street. Establishments and various souvenir shops are concentrated here. In summer, local craftsmen sell paintings and fakes.
Turning onto Sovetskaya, you will find yourself in the square "Heroes of the War of 1812". There is a treasure trove of interesting places and attractions.
The central composition of the square is occupied by a genre obelisk built in memory of the wars.
To the left of the monument former governor's palace. This is where Napoleon stayed in 1812.
And behind the obelisk there is a two-story brick building - this Marc Chagall Art Center.
Marc Chagall - as a symbol of Vitebsk
The Marc Chagall Art Center opened its doors in 1992. What caused the dissatisfaction of the townspeople, because the artist and his work contradicted the canons of life of a simple Soviet person.
The art center keeps a large number of letters from residents asking them not to open another museum dedicated to the artist in Vitebsk. (yes, in Vitebsk there is also Marc Chagall Museum, which is discussed later in the article)
Unlike many other museums dedicated to the life and work of Chagall, the art center in its exposition focuses on showing the inner perception of the great avant-garde artist through his paintings and scenography. The rooms of the museum contain more than 300 different works of the avant-garde artist, including lithographs and etchings. The museum has long and painstakingly collected the works of the artist from all over the world. Chagall's children and grandchildren, friends and acquaintances - many donated illustrations and graphic works from different periods of creativity to the museum. Also, on the basis of the art center, a scientific library has been opened, where more than 3 publications are stored. Thanks to the generous gift of the German doctor Heinrich Mandel, who presented the art museum with many books and graphic samples.
We advise you to visit the art center of Marc Chagall 7 June. On this day, the birthday of the recognized master is celebrated. The House-Museum and Art Center named after Marc Chagall arrange colorful events and exhibit the most famous works of the artist, collected around the world. Not only these two museums, but the whole city plunges into the holiday atmosphere. Readings are held on the streets and artists perform.
As already mentioned, in Vitebsk there are house-museum of Marc Chagall. Situated on Pokrovskaya street 11. The easiest way to get to it is on foot from the Chagall monument, which is located at the beginning of the street.
The museum is based on the house built by Chagall's father in 1901-1905. The exposition in the house is expressed by copies of archives, photographs and works of Chagall, as well as elements of the life of the whole family.
Church of St. Barbara
The church was built in 1785. Restored in 1990, acting, until 2011 was the cathedral. Interesting fact: at the beginning of the 20th century it was closed and used as a warehouse.
address: Leningradskaya street 27
how to get: stop "Polotsk market", from the center it is most convenient to take bus number 14.
Botanical garden, chapel, park and some other interesting places
Another item on the list of “What to see in Vitebsk in a day” is the botanical garden. In addition to the fact that the place is beautiful in itself, there is also a small landmark of the 19th century.
Walking through the park, you will see a two-story building - this is the former tomb of the Dunins-Slepstsy.
Unfortunately, the chapel has been rebuilt several times. Now the building looks strange, but despite this, newlyweds still like to come here for photo shoots.
From the botanical garden you can go down to the decorative dam and walk along the Vitba River. This embankment was equipped only a few years ago.
Vitebsk is quite a student city. There are several higher educational institutions, the buildings of which are often located in historical buildings. For example, now within the walls of the former land and peasant bank is a veterinary academy.
across the wide, central Lenin street you can walk to Victory Square. On the way you will see the summer amphitheater, the pyramid of Vitebsk “Marko Shopping Center” and several historical buildings. Among which former Nerush men's gymnasium, mid 19th century.
And within the walls of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, there was once a diocesan women's school.
Holy Intercession Cathedral
When exploring the sights of Vitebsk, one cannot fail to mention Holy Protection Cathedral, monument of classicism.
Originally it was a church from monastery Trinitarians. At the beginning of 1858 the temple became Orthodox. During the war, it experienced serious destruction, and in 1980 it was almost blown up. For a time it housed a prison for women.
address: Shubina street, 2
how to get: stop "Library them. Lenin".
Another interesting attraction from the list of “What to see in Vitebsk in a day” is Yakub Kolas Theater. There are few similar theaters in Belarus.
Behind the Kirov Bridge there is another historical part of the city. Here at the end Tchaikovsky streets, you can visit the cultural and historical complex gold ring. In the 18th century, these buildings served as storehouses (shopping arcades), some of which have been preserved and reconstructed.
From here you have a wonderful view of the city.
You can go for the atmosphere Oktyabrskaya street - low brick buildings, pleasant nooks and yards. In addition, there is one of the cult institutions of Vitebsk - Club "Attic". Getting there is not easy, for this you need to become a member of the club, or find a local who will guide you. Try to search for information in their group on social networks. Events are quite rare, but who knows, you might be lucky enough to visit this place.
Excursions, accommodation and where to eat in Vitebsk
It is worth noting the enormous cultural contribution Vitebsk, introduced by Chagall and Pen, Kandinsky и Malevich, Repin and Dobuzhinsky. The city became a stronghold of avant-gardism, not losing ground even now. Of course, it is easier to learn all the secrets and secrets with an experienced guide, a small selection of excursions:
Summing up, I would like to note the contradictory spirit of Vitebsk with its strange, charming mixture of modernity and ancient foundations, peeping from every corner of the city. For the townspeople, this is familiar, but for guests it seems possible to plunge into the ancient echo of our Belarus.
If you plan to stay in the city, then look Vitebsk hotel reviews. Read also on sightseeing guide in Mogilev.
