Volkovysk – one of the oldest cities in Belarus, rich in legends and history, but what’s interesting here you can see? This article will give you a short tour of the city and its main attractions, as well as recommendations on where to stay overnight and where to eat. In addition, I added several worthy historical sites located near Volkovysk to the list.
The center of Volkovysk is a wide rectangular square on which there is a House of Culture, a department store and a beautiful monument in the shape of a wolf. It was installed in 2005 for the 1000th anniversary of the city.
The project was sculpted by Vladimir Panteleev, and the image of the wolf was chosen for a reason. Various legends and traditions about Volkovysk are associated with this predator.
Along Karl Marx Street you can walk to Church of St. Wenceslas – perhaps the main attraction of the city.
This temple was built in the mid-19th century in the architectural style of late classicism.
The Volkovysk Church is also curious due to the fact that it did not close even during the period of anti-religious policy. As you understand, on the territory of Belarus there were very few such examples of a church building not being taken away from believers. A little further from the temple there is a large Catholic cemetery in the center of which there is a small chapel.
After crossing the railway we get to the most ancient part of Volkovysk - the place where the city apparently originated. Three hills visible from afar are hillfort “Swedish Mountain”, castle and another settlement – “Muravelnik”.
If you wish, you can climb to the very top of the mountain, from where you can see the city.
Closer to the railway station there is an ordinary building from the late 19th to the first half of the 20th century, represented by interesting houses of one or two floors; such buildings were the hallmark of many of our cities and towns.
There are also several Orthodox churches in Volkovysk: the Church of St. Elijah, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. In addition, you can visit the Bagration Museum, which is located in an old mansion with a mezzanine.
Walking around the city there is a feeling of unhurried rhythm. You will be able to explore all the main iconic places in a few hours.
Where to stay in Volkovysk?
Although more than 40 thousand people live in Volkovysk, there are not many options for spending the night here. The main one is the central one Hotel “Beryozka” on Karl Marx Street 7. There is also a restaurant here, the reviews are quite good, the location is ideal. The main disadvantage is that you need to book by phone; on most aggregators, the hotel is not represented.
+375 15 122-06-34
An alternative to “Beryozka” is literally 200 meters away - this is a private hotel on Lenin Street 9B. The prices here are significantly lower, and the location is almost inferior.
The rooms are spacious, with everything you need to stay the night: Wi-Fi, TV, set of towels, shower, mini kitchen.
A big plus is that the price includes breakfast, it’s simple, but it will be enough to start the day on a positive note. There is a choice of porridge, pancakes, omelette, as well as coffee and tea.
Everything is homely and polite, so I recommend this hotel. You must also make a reservation by calling +375 33 313-81-37.
If you are looking for apartments for a day, there are plenty of them in Volkovysk, the price starts from 50 rubles and above. As for cafes and establishments, unfortunately there are few options. Next to the hotel there is a bar-pizzeria “Vintage”, it’s quite tasty and inexpensive.
Locals also recommend Pizza&Coffee on Ploshchad Pobeda Street 1.
Attractions near Volkovysk
If you come to Volkovysk with the aim of sightseeing, then it makes sense to leave the city at the same time to see several worthy historical monuments. Thus, in the neighboring village of Gniezno, one of the few late Gothic churches in Belarus has been preserved - Church of Saint Michael the Archangel.
In addition, in Gniezno you can see Tarasovich manor house.
After driving another 10-15 kilometers we find ourselves in Mstibovo, where another church awaits you, this time neo-Gothic.
Pay attention to the chapel tower, which is different in color. The thing is that this tower was built earlier than the temple itself and was made of a different brick.
If this direction does not interest you, then go towards Zelva, where a neo-Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity.
In addition to the church in Zelva, the Orthodox Church is of interest, mill ruins and the house in which the writer Larisa Geniush lived.
Alternatively, not far from Volkovysk, it makes sense to go to the village of Shilovychi, where Trinity Church, included in the list of the 5 highest temples in Belarus.
And if you go south from Volkovysk, you can explore the urban village of Ross, which at one time belonged to the Pototskys. In the town, some buildings from the estate complex of this ancient family have been preserved, for example this one unusual gardener's house.
In the local cemetery stands a neo-Romanesque Chapel of St. Stephen, where the last owner of the village of Ross along the Pototsky line was buried.
As expected, in Russia there is bosom and an Orthodox church, which are located in the central part.
The church is quite ordinary, built according to a standard design, but the church looks much more interesting, especially the bell tower.
Let’s finish the list of Vaukavysk attractions in the northern direction. Here you have two options: towards Podorsk or Porozovo. Both options are interesting and worthy, it's up to you to decide. The Chechotov estate awaits in Podorsk, and in Porozovo - wooden house of the Butovt-Andreykovichs.
I also recommend visiting Porozovo Church of St. Michael the Archangel the first half of the 19th century and a former plebania, reminiscent of a master's estate.
And let the finishing point be a building synagogues, which was built from large rubble stone, very few similar objects have survived.
I hope you found something interesting to see in Vaukavysk and the surrounding area. If not, then more objects and sights of Belarus on the map.
