Date :
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
So, it's time to get acquainted with the most ancient and, perhaps, little-known cities of Belarus.
We have put together a unique selection for you. However, with one proviso: large regional centers, which everyone has heard about, do not take part in our rating. Our list contains the most ancient cities - representatives of six regions. So, check how well you know the history of Belarus.
Brest region
Pinsk
The first written mention of Pinsk in the Tale of Bygone Years is dated November 5, 1097, as one of Turov possessions of the Grand Duke of Kiev Svyatopolk Izyaslavich.
The history of the city has always been connected with water. According to legend, it was in Pinsk that stone crosses floated along the river under the city walls and did not sink. Once upon a time, there were more rivers than roads. That is why Pinsk and its environs are figuratively called the "Polesie Venice".
The city is closely associated with the name of Yakub Kolas, a Belarusian writer, playwright, poet and translator, and public figure. He not only lived here for several years, as evidenced by a memorial plaque, but also married Maria Kamenskaya in the St. Barbara Church.
Vitebsk region
Polotsk
The first mention of it was in the 862 chronicle. Although, archaeologists have indicated that people lived here already in 780. The center of the city was a small fortified settlement on the right bank of the Polota. In the Middle Ages, Polotsk was one of the largest economic and political centers of Eastern Europe.
Now it is a beautiful, green city, located on both banks of the Western Dvina. There are many attractions and architectural monuments, as well as historical places. Catholic and Orthodox churches, historical sites, rich landscape and biological reserves - all this is Polotsk.
Gomel region
Turov
The city was mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years in 980, where it says: “... Rogvolod came from overseas and called his volost Polotsk, and Tur Turov, from whom the Turovtsy were also called.”
During excavations of Turov ancient settlement, remains of a pagan temple, ruins of a temple, remains of residential buildings, burials in sarcophagi and a lead seal of Kiev Metropolitan Kirill I were discovered.
Nowadays, Turov amazes with its beauty and picturesque views. A magnificent panorama of the Pripyat River floodplain opens up from the high bridge. One of the oldest handwritten books, Turov Gospel, was created in the city.
Grodno region
Volkovysk
It is one of the five oldest cities in Belarus. The first mention of the city in Turov Chronicle dates back to 1005. In the second half of the 10th century, Volkovysk was located on the Zamchishche and Muravelnik hills and was a military fortress.
There are many legends about the origin of the city. According to one of them, it came from the name of the Volkovya River, which flows through impassable forest thickets where there were many wolves. Maybe that is why the wolf is the symbol of this city?!
Minsk region
Zaslavl
The history of Zaslavl is connected with the legend of Prince Vladimir and the tragic fate of his wife Rogneda and son Izyaslav, after whom it was named. Although the year of foundation is considered to be 985, it was first mentioned in chronicles in 1127.
The city was repeatedly destroyed, burned and rebuilt. After 1159, it disappeared from the chronicles for almost two centuries. The conquerors changed, but life in the city did not stop. The presence of the fortress ensured the safety of the residents and created favorable conditions for the development of the city.
Unusual landscapes and a large number of architectural monuments make the city attractive to tourists.
Mogilev region
Mstislavl
It was founded in 1135 by Smolensk prince Rostislav Mstislavich and named after his father Mstislav the Great. The first mention was in 1156 Ipatiy Chronicle. The most ancient settlements on the territory of the city - Devichya, Zamkovaya, Pyatnitskaya, Ponivoyskaya, Troitskaya, Kladbishchinskaya mountains remember traces of great battles, legends and traditions.
Mstislavl is a popular tourist destination due to its large number of architectural and archaeological monuments. There are 57 archaeological, 19 architectural and 88 historical monuments in this small town and its district.
Want to learn more about the sights of the city and its surroundings? Catch the selection!