The ideal Soviet "city-garden". Five reasons to visit Novopolotsk. Polotsk and Novopolotsk: sights that everyone should see

Polotsk is one of the most important cultural and historical centers in Belarus. The first mention of the city dates back to 862. The Tale of Bygone Years states that this settlement was founded by the Krivichi tribes on the picturesque bank of the Dvina. The famous “road from the Varangians to the Greeks” lay through Polotsk, which contributed to the very rapid political, economic and cultural development of the region.

This settlement is located near the cities of Vitebsk and Novopolotsk, in the North-Eastern part of Belarus. By the way, it is Polotsk that is considered the most ancient. The sights of this place attract tourists from near and far. far abroad. They come to admire the amazing architectural ensembles, numerous monuments, museums, temples and simply beautiful nature.

Amazing Sofia

Almost all the guests of Polotsk associate this city first of all with the white-stone St. Sophia Cathedral. This temple is a real masterpiece of architecture. It was erected in the 11th century in the very high point shores In those days, the building symbolized power, and now St. Sophia Cathedral is a prototype of the independence of Belarus.

Fragments of the ancient masonry of the cathedral can be seen in the soundings of the eastern and western walls. The altar apses, the foundation and fragments of frescoes of the 11th century are now in the Museum of the History of Architecture of the temple.

In Polotsk, he survived many dramatic events, fires and destruction. The modern temple has two symmetrical towers 57 meters high. The interior of the church is simply luxurious: arched columns, moldings, elaborate cornices and unusual colors.

The altar part of the cathedral was separated by a three-tiered barrier, and the image of the New Testament Trinity previously adjoined it. Since 1983, a chamber music hall has been operating in the church.

Now in St. Sophia Cathedral you can not only enjoy a concert of organ music, but also go down to the basement of the temple, touch the pieces of ancient masonry, visit the exposition dedicated to the history of the cathedral.

holy relics

We continue exciting excursion in the city of Polotsk. Sights of a world scale are in a hurry to see many, one of the most popular places can be called the Spaso-Evfrosinevsky monastery, which is called the spiritual center of the city. Hundreds of pilgrims come here every year to venerate the holy relics. One of the most important shrines of the monastery is the Cross of Euphrosyne of Polotsk, created in 1661 by the talented jeweler Lazar Bogsha. True, during the Second World War, its original was lost, but now the monastery offers to see its exact copy, which was consecrated in 1997.

The monastery complex also includes the Transfiguration Church of the 12th century. This temple is the only building where wall paintings and architecture of that time have been preserved.

European Tourism Center

Spaso-Evfrosinevsky and St. Sophia Cathedral are amazing shrines. However, the sights of Polotsk (Belarus) do not end there. There is also something to see in the city center. Perhaps 28 degrees 48 minutes east longitude and 55 degrees 30 minutes north latitude does not mean anything to you, but for the Polovtsy these are very significant numbers. Almost every local resident is aware that the sign "Geographical Center of Europe" is located on the avenue. It has a wind rose on it. Earth with the outlines of Europe, the ship and coat of arms of Polotsk. Every tourist who has visited this city can buy a souvenir certificate, which confirms that a person has visited the very center of the European continent.

famous monuments

Have you decided to visit the city of Polotsk? Attractions can be seen almost everywhere. For example, every year there are more and more monuments. In 2009, a monument was erected in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (near the Savior-Ephrosyne Monastery). A little earlier, a sculpture of the educator Simeon of Polotsk, Prince Vseslav and Euphrosyne appeared. In 2010, a monument to the architect John, who built the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, as well as a bust of the “father” of Belarusian cinema, Yuri Tarich, was opened in Polotsk.

Sights of Polotsk (photos of which can be seen below) in in large numbers focused on central square cities. Here is a memorial dedicated to the heroes Patriotic War. All the complex details of the composition were cast at the Tekhnolit-Polotsk plant, and the plant's specialists had to master artistic casting especially for this purpose.

What else to see in Polotsk? In that ancient city It is also worth seeing the monument to the honorary Polotsk citizen Francysk Skaryna, who first published books in the Old Russian language. His very first work was the Bible, which he translated from the difficult Church Slavonic language. In the glorious Polotsk there is the only monument to the merchant in the whole of Belarus. Don't forget to visit the Borisov stone, it is a huge boulder that was left here after the glacier. Several such stones were found on the territory of the country, all of them are in the museum. It is believed that if you go around the Borisov stone three times and make a wish, then it will definitely come true.

To see all these interesting sculptures, you will need a map of Polotsk with attractions.

Bernardine monastery

The temple building itself has not survived to this day, only the ruins of the residential monastery complex and the church have survived. The monastery was founded in 1498 by order of Alexander Jagiellon. In 1563, a very strong fire took place here, as a result of which all wooden buildings. In 1696, another attempt was made to restore the monastery. At the invitation of the voivode Alexander Slushka, a Bernardine church was created. The city authorities wanted to consolidate Catholicism in this region and therefore allocated a very decent amount of money for the construction of the building. After the arrival of the Russians in Polotsk, the monastery was closed, and the church was transformed into Orthodox church. Unfortunately, due to numerous wars, it is not possible to see this architectural monument, however, looking at its remains, we can guess that it was really beautiful.

Of great interest is the Cathedral of the Epiphany, which includes the former complex monastery. This architectural monument was built in the 18th century (1777). It still operates today. Baptisms and weddings are held here. No less attracts tourists and the Defensive Rampart of Ivan the Terrible. It has remained untouched since the period of the Livonian War (1558-583).

Just walking around the city can be interesting too. Walk along its ancient streets, look at ancient buildings and numerous shrines - it's very exciting.

picturesque fountain

To fully enjoy the beauties of this region, you should also visit Novopolotsk. There is an amazing fountain here, which was founded in honor of the 50th anniversary of the city. This beautiful composition consists of 6 dynamic light fountains working synchronously. Water supply is provided by closed loop using LED energy-saving backlight.

We are culturally enriched

Numerous museums can offer guests Polotsk. The sights of the city are the Museum of Local Lore, Belarusian Book Printing, the Children's Museum, the Natural and Ecological Museum, the house of Peter I (according to giving, the tsar really stayed here), the museum-library of Simeon of Polotsk, weaving, military glory, etc.

In that locality you can also walk along the picturesque banks with enchanting views, walk to the Eternal Flame and the Mound of Labor Glory. All historical sights of Polotsk and Novopolotsk are under state protection of the National Cultural and Historical Museum-Reserve.

haunted places

As in any ancient and legendary city, there are ghosts in Polotsk. According to the stories local residents one of them lives in a picture gallery, which is located in the building of the Jesuit College. True, this undefined object lives quietly and peacefully here and does not interfere with anyone, only occasionally drops pictures on the floor. According to one version, the spirit of General Gabriel Grubber is hooligan here. During his lifetime, this man was a very talented physician, chemist and mechanic, many also believed that he could communicate with evil spirits. The general died under very mysterious circumstances, and then returned to this collegium in the form of a spirit.

Charming old town

How many amazing places can show you Polotsk. The sights of the city are ancient cathedrals and temples, amazing monuments and monuments, the picturesque banks of the Western Dvina, numerous museums and just very cozy atmosphere. Here you can feel the greatness of this city. This place does not lose its charm either in summer or in winter, so come here on vacation at any time of the year and enjoy exploring the amazing sights of Polotsk.

Polotsk is one of the oldest Belarusian cities, the first mention of which in the chronicle source - "The Tale of Bygone Years" - dates back to 862. This city has always been the center of political and cultural life Belarusian lands. It was the center of the powerful Principality of Polotsk, which in the Middle Ages was one of the largest and strongest formations on the territory of Rus'. The famous water trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" ran through Polotsk, connecting the Baltic countries with the Mediterranean countries. The Polotsk land was the birthplace of many prominent figures of Belarusian history - St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk, the first printer Francysk Skaryna, the educator Simeon of Polotsk and others. This is a city that is essentially a museum under open sky, which has preserved on its territory a huge amount historical monuments. Polotsk is a city that is rightfully considered the pearl of Belarus, because here, like nowhere else, you can get acquainted with the most outstanding pages of its history, get acquainted with its rich and amazing heritage.

In Polotsk there is a special, unlike anything else, atmosphere of unity with the past. Here you can touch the depths of hoary history and at the same time make sure that the city is involved in the present and its desire for a brighter future.

Arriving here, everyone can see the sights known throughout the country and even the world, many of which are truly unique and interesting, visit unusual museums and holy places, feel ... read more

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Monthly weather in Polotsk:

Polotsk, now the regional center Vitebsk region, is considered the most ancient city of Belarus. The first mention of it is found in the "Tale of Bygone Years". It refers to the year 862, and is associated with the calling of the Varangians. Rurik planted one of his deputies in Polotesk (as the name was then pronounced). In the middle of the 10th century, the Principality of Polotsk arose, which in 1392 became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In 1772, as part of Russian Empire the right-bank part of Polotsk departed. (River Western Dvina). The Left Bank did the same twenty years later. In 1839, the Polotsk church council was held in the city, according to the decisions of which more than one and a half million believers returned from Greek Catholicism to the bosom of Orthodoxy. Since 1924, Polotsk has been part of the Byelorussian SSR. In 1944 the status of the city was upgraded to regional center, but the Polotsk region lasted only 10 years.
Near the station, the city differs little from similar Russian cities, except perhaps cleaner. The fact that this is Belarus is reminiscent of a sign at a local eatery.

Standard five-story buildings stood with balconies painted in the same (but different) color. I didn’t think to look at how things are from the side of the yard ...

One of the shops has a figure of a merchant. Already later, in their evolution, these individuals gave a dead end branch - sales managers ...

He drew the attention of the DC clearly of the Soviet period.

I had to look into the yards.

The construction resembled a fortress with loopholes. Taking into account the fact that the shooting took place in the early morning, the attackers are expected, like last time, from the west ... (You can be sure by looking where the shadow falls).

At one of the schools there is a monument to Vladimir Azin. During civil war he commanded a division. Died at 25.

The water tower, built (only) in 1953, has become the Natural and Ecological Museum.

Next to it is a sculpture clearly depicting a boat, a fish and a net. And, of course, the figure of a fisherman is invisibly felt behind all this.

Private house with an interesting facade. True, there is nothing more interesting in it.

Weaving Museum. And the building itself attracts attention.

A reminder of the administrative rise of Polotsk after the Great Patriotic War.
House of officers.

Administration of the Polotsk region.

The side wing is also good.

Behind this house is a stadium built on the site of the former city fortifications.

Monument to Euphrosyne of Polotsk, a famous Belarusian saint.

Francysk Skaryna Avenue can be considered the main street of the city (there is also Francysk Skaryna Street, which is quite justified, because good man should be many). Its middle is occupied by a green boulevard. On it is a sign indicating that the geographical center of Europe is located here. (Established by specialists of Belaerocosmogeodesia, and later confirmed by Russian colleagues).

Francis himself is also here. Looks at the walkers from a height of 5.5 meters.

Along the way you can see quite interesting buildings.

The stern grandfather is none other than Simeon Polotsky. Poet, playwright, translator and educator of the children of the Russian Tsar.

And the man on the contrary has already brought up a whole nation. He stands on a low stand, so as not to soak his feet in the rain. He looks into the distance, trying to see a bright future there. You can easily and effortlessly touch the leader. (Where else is this possible!).

Among the merits of the film director and screenwriter Yuri Tarich was the leadership of the Mongokino film studio in 1943-1945.

View of old Polotsk on one of the blank walls. Such creativity was met in the city more than once.

Monument to the letter U-short. It does not exist in Russian and Ukrainian languages.

This part of the city is low. In the absence of other dominants, this duty is assigned to the fire tower.

Where does the Motherland begin? ... Polotsk - from movie posters at the entrance.

The architectural and logical center of Polotsk is Svobody Square.

The city administration of Polotsk is located in the former Theological School.

A roomy car near the bank reminded us that the Belarusian money has depreciated again. It is difficult to pay in the store, out of habit. (1 Russian ruble was equal to about 250 Belarusian).

Here much reminds of the war of 1812. During which Polotsk twice became the site of fierce battles.

General Roman Kondratenko graduated from the Polotsk Cadet Corps. He died in 1904 during the defense of Port Arthur.

Memory of the Great Patriotic War.

The former Jesuit collegium now houses the university.

The profile of the building can be guessed from the sculpture placed in the courtyard.

Previously, the collegium building complex included majestic temple. First, a wooden Jesuit church was erected on this site. In 1663, after the capture of Polotsk by the troops of the Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich, “the Orthodox inhabitants of the city and the clergy dismantled the Jeziut church and built a yard for the bishop from the material they had obtained.” In 1745, tireless Jesuits built a stone church on the same site, which was consecrated in the name of St. Stephen. In 1830, after the annexation of the city to Russia, the temple was given Orthodox Church. It was rebuilt and consecrated as St. Nicholas Cathedral. Under Soviet rule, the temple was closed. The building was finally destroyed in 1964, and an ordinary nine-story building was erected in its place. Already in modern times, a sculpture was erected at the entrance to a residential building, depicting either a frustrated lady, or a mermaid.

The fate of St. Sophia Cathedral is also dramatic. The temple on this site was built after the baptism of Rus' in the XI century. In the Middle Ages, the cathedral passed from Orthodox to Greek Catholics and vice versa, depending on whose power was in the city. During Northern war Peter I visited the temple, and he had a conflict with the clergy. As a result, four of them were killed. Then a gunpowder warehouse was placed in the St. Sophia Cathedral, which exploded, completely destroying it. In 1750, Greek Catholics erected a new temple here, which was consecrated in the name of the Descent of the Holy Spirit. In 1839 the cathedral was handed over to the Orthodox. In 1924, St. Sophia Cathedral was closed and a local history museum was organized in its premises. During the German occupation, services were held in the temple. Currently, the cathedral houses an organ hall and a museum.

Next to the temple is a huge Borisov stone. You can make a wish around it. In fact, you can make a wish anywhere, so it is not necessary to wait for a trip to Polotsk, especially if you are used to dreaming about quite achievable things.

Just below the boulder beats the key. It is possible that Borisov stone delegates part of his magical abilities to him ...

On opposite side The Western Dvina was massively carried out work on the improvement of the territory. Probably soon this place will be unrecognizable ...

The new church of Andrei Boboli, also located on the other side, is visible from many places.

On the banks of the Western Dvina, a monument to the soldiers of the platoon of Lieutenant Grigoriev was erected. This group of 23 people captured and held a small foothold at the cost of their own lives. Yuri Vizbor dedicated a song to their feat. It was believed that all the soldiers died, but later information appeared that one soldier was taken out and put on his feet in the hospital.

The former fraternal school of the monastery now houses the Museum of Printing and the Museum of Simeon of Polotsk.

Monument to Prince Andrei Polotsky. At first, he surprised me a little, because. they try to portray princes as more majestic. But, after reading the materials about him, I thought that such a presentation of Andrei Polotsky to the audience is quite acceptable. First, there is historical documents, in which he is called Andrei Gorbaty, and the sculptor undoubtedly relied on them. More... Andrey Polotsky was an active warrior and politician. But could a handsome man with the figure of Apollo become such, when there are so many interesting and pleasant things around? Would he have time for that? And most importantly. This monument can be considered an edification to all men who do not have a heroic appearance. Do not hang your nose, even if it is only one and a half meters from the ground, set a goal for yourself, achieve it and then you will live a bright and memorable life...

Polotsk is the most Old city Belarus, which is full of sights and interesting places which are definitely worth a visit.

Learn about the history and main attractions of Polotsk in this article.

We will tell you about interesting temples, museums, about the monument of one letter, as well as about one bloody landmark of the city. Read on.

Polotsk is an obligatory stop for every tourist in Belarus. This city is the first and spiritual refuge of Belarusians. For the first time we meet Polotsk in the "Tale of Bygone Years", in 862. The city was founded by the Krivichi tribes on the banks of the Western Dvina, at the confluence of the Polota River.

Interesting fact: The name of the Polota River comes from "palte" - a word of Baltic origin, which means "swamp", "waterlogged lake".

The main sights of Polotsk

Of the sights of Polotsk, beautiful cathedrals and monasteries have survived to this day.. The main attraction of the city is Saint Sophia Cathedral, located on the banks of the Western Dvina, created in the 11th century.

This cathedral is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe , although there are few original elements in it. From the original paintings here you can find two copies of the frescoes, the works of Leonardo da Vinci: "The Last Supper" and "The Savior Not Made by Hands."

Sophia Cathedral (built between 1044-1066, destroyed in 1710, restored in the Vilna Baroque style in 1738-1750) is one of the earliest temples Ancient Rus' along with the Kyiv and Novgorod Sophia Cathedrals and the most ancient stone building on the territory of modern Belarus.

Interesting fact: sorry, but only the foundation and the 9-meter apse on the side eastern facade have survived from the 11th century St. Sophia Cathedral. This apse is the oldest stone structure on the territory of modern Belarus and the main religious landmark of the country.

Today, St. Sophia Cathedral is open as a museum, and there is also an organ hall, where music festivals are held every year.

There are a number of architectural monuments near the St. Sophia Cathedral. In the building of the Jesuit Collegium is art Gallery, in the house of Peter I - the exhibition "Walking along Nizhne-Pokrovskaya". As you might guess, this house gained its fame due to the fact that the Great Russian Emperor stayed in it in the 18th century.

Religious sights of the city

A kind of Mecca, Polotsk is also an attraction for Orthodox Christians, who annually arrive at the convent of the Savior-Evfrosinevsky Monastery, main gem which is considered to be the Transfiguration Church.

The relics of St. Euphrosyne of Polotsk, the founder of the monastery and the first woman canonized as a saint, who took the vows as a nun at the age of 12 are kept here, if only she would not be married to a man whom she could not love.

At one time, in 1161, by her order, the master jeweler Lazar Bogsha created a cross - a masterpiece of ancient jewelry art, however, during the Great Patriotic War, the historical value was lost, now its exact copy is in the museum.

Museums in Polotsk

Another attraction of Polotsk is the building of the former Lutheran church, which attracts the attention of tourists. Now located here Museum of Local Lore . The exact date of its discovery is known: December 18, 1888, 10 am. In the post-war period, the city cinema operated in the church, and later they even stored grain. From 1948 to the present day, the Museum of Local Lore of Polotsk has been located here.

The exposition of the museum has many exhibits: various archaeological finds, ethnographic materials, collections of bonistics, photographs, weapons, household items, materials on the history of the war of 1812, which allow you to acquaint the tourist with the features of the political, social, economic and cultural life of Polotsk.

IN unusual building housed a branch National Polotsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. In the premises of the former water tower in 2006, the Natural and Ecological Museum was opened. The tower itself was built in 1953 and reaches 32.7 meters in height. In the center of the museum building is spiral staircase, which symbolizes the Tree of Life.

Boris stone

A mysterious aura surrounds another attraction of Polotsk, the so-called Borisov stone, which dates back to the 12th century. It is a huge boulder, on which you can see a six-pointed cross and the initials of the Polotsk prince Boris Vseslavovich, as well as the text "God help your servant, Boris the son of Ginvilov ...". Its purpose and origin is still unknown to historians.

Interesting fact: some scientists believe that the Borisov stone served to mark on it trade routes. According to another assumption, these were sacred stones on pagan temples, and the letters and the cross were applied in the process of Christianization of the population.

Borisov stone is also popular because there is a belief that if you touch a boulder and make a wish, it will surely come true.

Monument to the letter "Ў"

There is another one in Polotsk unique monument dedicated to the letter "ў", which can only be pronounced by real Belarusians. It was installed on the days of the celebration of Belarusian writing, and philologists and writers often gather near it, competing in the pronunciation and writing of poems in honor of this letter. According to linguists, there is no such letter in any of the Slavic languages.

Museum of Medieval Chivalry

The history of relations between Polotsk and the knights is reflected in Museum of medieval chivalry. It consists of three rooms in which armor and medieval instruments of torture are placed.

Corresponds to the environment and folklore music playing in the museum. Taking pictures here is allowed without restrictions, and at the entrance, anyone can buy an amulet or charm in memory of Polotsk.

Polotsk - the geographical center of Europe

Spring 2008 found that the geographical center of Europe is located in Polotsk. In the same year, a commemorative sign"Geographic Center of Europe". Now tourists who visit this place can receive a commemorative certificate stating that they have visited the very "heart" of Europe.

Bloody landmark of Polotsk

There is in Polotsk and the Red Bridge across the Polota River, it was so named in memory of a fierce battle in 1812 between French and Russian troops. Since it was the only bridge across the river, its wooden flooring was soaked with blood.

And already in 1975, a reinforced concrete bridge was built in this place, the old decor elements were recreated and a commemorative plaque was installed: “Across this bridge, Russian troops under the command of General Wittgenstein and a detachment of the Petersburg militia after fierce battles on 6-8/19-21/October 1812. entered the city and liberated it from the enemy, which marked the beginning of the expulsion of the Napoleonic troops from Belarusian land. Since that time, in memory of the dead and the shed blood, this bridge began to be called "Red".