Do you know about Soligorsk in Belarus? As a rule, quite large cities, such as Minsk, Mogilev or Brest, are heard by the majority; those that are smaller usually escape attention. Meanwhile, Soligorsk deserves this attention. The sights of Soligorsk (photos and descriptions are given in the article) are worth a visit.
Soligorsk in brief
Founded in 1958, this second-largest city in the Minsk region is relatively young - just over sixty. Previously, it was called Novostarobinsk, since it appeared precisely on the basis of the Starobinskoye deposit. However, later the name of the city was changed to Soligorsk, because it arose, in fact, thanks to the discovery and development of potash s alt on an industrial scale. This happened within a year; after four more, the settlement received the status of a city (initially it was listed as a village).
According to the latest data, a little more than a hundred thousand people live in the city. The river Sluch flows nearby, which can be attributedto the sights of Soligorsk. However, it already has something to see, and this despite its relatively small size.
Next, we will tell you in detail about each place and / or object of the above-mentioned settlement, which, in our opinion, deserve to be visited and seen. In addition, for those who are going to this truly interesting city, we have a couple of useful tips. So let's go.
Four Elements Park
The youngest attraction in Soligorsk in Belarus is the "Park of the Four Elements". This project was completed not so long ago by the Belarusian architect Alexander Sobolevsky, and the townspeople immediately fell in love with the new place of rest.
Four locations coexist in the park, each of which is dedicated to one or another element - earth, water, fire or air. Actually, for this reason the park is called so. All these locations are located on the central, long, long alley of the park. So the element of fire is a platform on which orange flags flutter beautifully in the wind. Waving, they resemble greedy flames soaring up. And nearby is the so-called playground of sunbeams, which was especially chosen by the children. These are special reflective elements with handles installed near the water. On a fine day, you can have fun by launching sunbeams.
The element of water is a number of fountains, the largest of which, they say, has no analogues in all of Belarus. The thing is that it is designed in a unique way. Its jets (of which, by the way, there are as many as 740) hit on20 meters up, and the position of the jets and the pressure of the water are constantly changing, so new forms are obtained. In the evenings, this fountain is illuminated by dozens of lanterns.
The element of air is represented in the green sights of Soligorsk by a kind of alley of "sounding pipes" and a windmill, and the element of earth is represented by planted exotic plants.
Besides the four elements, there is something to see in the park. For example, a bust of Vladimir Ilyich. It is located at the end of the alley, on the central square. According to some reports, this bust was the last of all the statues of the leader of all peoples.
There is also a dance floor in the park, where music and laughter sound all the time, and on weekends a brass band works. And there is also an interesting bridge with a metal arch, which is entwined with a wild vineyard. Depending on the season, the color of the foliage is different, and the sight is extraordinary. There are fountains in front of the bridge, so it is perceived as a kind of observation deck, from where a beautiful view opens. The main fountain is located a little further, and near it is a paradise for kids: trampolines, cars, all kinds of entertainment.
Address of the "Park of the Four Elements": Kozlova street, 32. Open around the clock.
Sculptures on Kozlov Street
Not far from the park, there are two more sights of Soligorsk (see photo below): the Eiffel Tower (it is interesting because it is located on a site that exactly repeats the contours of France; there is a similar tower in Minsk) and a composition"The Wandering King", which was the diploma work of one of the graduates of the Belarusian Academy of Arts.
For eleven years now, his project has been a bold reality. Near the king - a good place for beautiful photographs as a keepsake.
Tree of Life
It is especially necessary to note among the sights of Soligorsk in Belarus (a photo for memory is a must here), which we are talking about, the next object. This is a monumental wall panel called "The Tree of Life". It was created on a religious theme by the Belarusian painter Vladimir Krivoblotsky, and everyone who tries to interpret its meaning understands it in their own way. Over the years since its inception, the panel has acquired many legends, the main of which say that a mysterious message is hidden in the mosaic for some initiates, and also that the mosaic has powerful otherworldly energy and local psychics draw their powers from it. It is worth saying, however, that most art historians tend to believe that the panel does not carry any special meaning, but is only a reflection of the spiritual world of its creator (the painter Krivoblotsky is a very religious person who has attended the temple since childhood).
You can find the mysterious and mysterious "Tree of Life" and try to comprehend its essence at the address: Zaslonova street, 65.
Holy Intercession Church
Soligorsk started from the village of Chizhevichi. Todayit is considered the outskirts of the city, but it is worth visiting this area: it is in Chizhevichi that the Holy Intercession Church is located - not only an ancient landmark of Soligorsk, but also the oldest shrine for all Orthodox in this region. The temple was founded at the end of the eighteenth century and survived despite numerous fires, wars and other disasters. Today it is a monument of wooden architecture and still functions. Moreover, now it is part of a spiritual and educational center, which, in addition to the temple itself, also has a church and archaeological office, a laboratory for Christian anthropology, as well as a spiritual, educational and socio-cultural center itself. It is definitely worth visiting this building: the exposition presented there is of genuine interest and, according to the rector of the temple, is aimed at ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to get acquainted with history live.
Address of the Holy Intercession Church: Central street, 14.
Spoil heaps
Being in Soligorsk and not visiting the waste heaps is simply unacceptable. This is the name of the places of accumulation of wastes of potash production, or s alt dumps, as they are affectionately called by the people. And how else to prove that you have been to the s alt city, if not by taking a photo near the main attraction of Soligorsk?
Spoil heaps are still visible at the entrance to the city - huge, lilac-crimson. And although you won’t come close to them - this is still a protected object, you can practically take a picture against their background.from anywhere in the city. They are best seen from the children's beach at the local reservoir.
City Center
There are several sights in the center of Soligorsk. The first is, in fact, the central square. It is located at the intersection of Lenin and Kozlov streets, and it is on it that all the mass events of the city take place. The second is an eighteen-story candle towering nearby (along Korzha Street), where "potash destinies" are decided. The third is the administrative building of the construction trust on Kozlov Street, or rather, not so much it itself as its spire - at night it flickers with multi-colored lights, and, according to Soligorsk residents, this sight is very spectacular.
Monument to a miner
Salihorsk is an industrial, mining city, and therefore it is not surprising that there is a monument to representatives of this profession in it.
It is a symbol of the city, but it is still located on the same Kozlov street, near the house at number 33. The sculpture is hollow inside.
Train station
Two things at once make the station of the s alt city unusual. Firstly, this is a clock tower, which is itself a landmark of Soligorsk (according to reviews, it strongly resembles London's Big Ben), and secondly, the location of the tracks is not parallel to the station building (as in almost all cities), but perpendicular. This is due to the fact that this station - Soligorsk - is a dead end (there are no further branches).
Train station address: streetKomsomol, 38.
Squid Trees
These wooden installations are really very reminiscent of creatures with tentacles. You can find them at the intersection of Lenin and Zheleznodorozhnaya streets, and what they mean - everyone invents for himself.
Anyway, these unusual trees deserve to be listed among the sights of Soligorsk.
Top Tips
- The cost of a hotel room starts from two and a half thousand, so take care of the required amount in advance. In addition to hotels, you can turn your attention to hostels - they are cheaper there. And of course, it is also worth booking accommodation in advance.
- Plan your budget carefully: prices in Soligorsk are high everywhere, including in stores.
- Be sure to visit the Soligorsk reservoir, but remember that swimming is prohibited there.
Interesting facts
- Salihorsk is called the city of miners, but in addition to mines and potash s alts, there is something else here: neither more nor less, but as many as five hundred dollar millionaires live in this city.
- Salihorsk waste heaps (also called slag dumps) became the location for filming a video for one of Valery Kipelov's songs.
