Belarus attracts many travelers. Lida is a provincial city located in the western part of the country, it is also a large industrial center of the Grodno region and a district center. The settlement is located in the central part of the Grodno region, at the intersection of railway and road routes (Vilnius-Slonim and Minsk-Grodno). From the city to Poland - 120 km, to Lithuania - 35 km, to Vilnius - 100, to Grodno - 110 km. The population of the city is about 99,086 people.
Historical background
The city of Lida was founded in 1323 on the swampy bank of the river of the same name by the Lithuanian prince Gediminas. This settlement developed quite quickly and already in 1590 won the Magdeburg right and the corresponding coat of arms.
Serious damage to Lida was caused by the Russian-Polish and Northern wars. The city was ravaged a couple of times and rebuilt again. After the third partition of the Commonwe alth (United Poland and Lithuania) in 1795, Lida became part of Russia. Significant growth in industry was observed afterconstruction of the railway at the end of the 19th century.
Attractions
There are many historical monuments preserved here that attract tourists to visit the city of Lida (Belarus). The sights of this settlement are, first of all, the Ex altation of the Cross Church (XVII century) and the castle built by the Lithuanian prince. All the other outstanding buildings of the city were founded in our time.
Lida Castle
Lida Castle was built in the XIV-XV centuries by Prince Gediminas. In those days, this settlement was a border town of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was constantly subjected to aggression from neighboring peoples. In those rebellious times, the city badly needed fortifications in order to survive the wars and return to a full peaceful life.
In 1323, the Lithuanian prince ordered the construction of a large stone fortress in order to stop the destructive invasions of enemies. By about 1325, the fortification was completely ready. It stood on a 6-meter bulk sandy hill surrounded by a swampy lowland. The impregnable walls of the castle were built of brick and stone. At the base, their thickness reached two meters. An artificial lake was located on one side of the fortress, and a deep moat on the other.
After the death of Gediminas, the Lida Castle was inherited by Prince Olgerd, and after him - by Jagiello. Later, wars began between the heirs of Jogaila for the fortress.
During its existence, this protective structure has survived many battles and wars. ATIn 1700 it was destroyed by the Swedes. The ruins of the castle survived another battle - in 1794, there was a clash between Russian troops and the rebel detachment of Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
In 1891, there was a big fire, as a result of which the entire city burned out. To restore the buildings, people began to dismantle everything that was left of the already destroyed castle.
Second wind
It's no secret that the city of Lida (Belarus) attracts tourists mainly because of the fortress. Restoration of the castle began actively in 2000. Restoration work was carried out on the basis of historical materials and archaeological excavations. Towers and fortress walls, outbuildings and internal buildings were recreated. In 2005, knightly performances are held here, which have gained popularity in recent years. Festivals of medieval and ethnic music are held near the castle on the banks of a picturesque artificial lake. And the castle itself is very impressive and attracts more and more tourists to Belarus. Lida certainly deserves the attention of travelers. In addition, the city has something to boast of in addition to the ancient fortress.
Shrines of the city
The Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, which was built from 1797 to 1825, can also be called Lida's hallmark. Before him, there was a small church on this site. Later, after the expansion of the PR monastery, the temple was demolished and the Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph was built here. However, in 1848 it burned down. The shrine was restored in 1863, but since then the templebecame the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. This temple was built in the form of a rotunda with a hemispherical dome, and near it there is a single-tier bell tower.
From 1866 to 1919, Joseph Koyalovich served in the Cathedral, who was killed by fanatical Roman Catholics. In 1919, the building was re-consecrated into a church, and in 1939 it was completely closed. And only in 1996 the church began to function again.
Planned to visit the city of Lida (Belarus)? The sights of this place are really worth seeing with your own eyes. Especially worth highlighting is the Church of St. George the Victorious. It was built in a 19th-century Orthodox cemetery in 1875. The structure is a single-tiered bell tower that ends with a dome. However, not so long ago it was rebuilt into a large church. In the city you can also see the Church of the Ex altation of the Holy Cross, which is considered an architectural monument. It was founded in 1770 in the Vilna Baroque style.
Old quarters
How many beautiful places Belarus can show you! Lida is a city where buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries have been preserved. Such buildings are located in different parts of the city. During World War II, the central part of Lida was badly damaged. However, there are a few places where you can see pre-war buildings.
On Sovetskaya Street (the oldest street in the city) there are 4 old houses that were built before the arrival of the Polish authorities. It is especially worth highlighting House No. 31 (1912). The merchant Gurevich lived here. The structure was built in the shape of the letter U in the neoclassical style. Because of the mansard roof, it seems quite voluminous. On the sides are two-columned porticos, emphasizing the symmetry of the structure. This mansion is perfectly preserved and is considered an architectural monument of regional importance.
What else to see if you come to the city of Lida? Be sure to check out the home of German Commissioner Hermann von Ganweg. It was erected in 1935 and is a three-story building. The style of the house is geometrically regular planes, straight window openings, side terraces.
An old house, which belonged to the director of a shag factory, has also been preserved in the city. It is a symmetrical two-storey composition, underlined by two resalits on the sides. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the house has hardly changed its appearance.
What other beautiful buildings can Lida (Belarus) show? The sights of the city are also house number 23, where the German veterinarian Ranert lived, and mansions with a complex facade of the early twentieth century along Zamkova Street (near the fortress).
Monumental buildings of the Polish time concentrated on a section of Mickiewicz Street and in the surrounding areas. Of this development, the gymnasium of King Khatkevich and the post office building should be distinguished.
Where to stay?
There are very comfortable hotels in the city. Lida (Belarus) offers to stay in such hotels as Equator, Lida, Continent. Tourists also have the opportunity to stay in nearby sanatoriums, farmsteads orto rent an apartment. In addition to food and comfortable rooms, hotels offer the following services: mail delivery, Internet (Wi-Fi), taxi, laundry, dry cleaning, etc. The average price for a double room is $20. You can easily book a room by email or by phone. Usually there are free places all year round.
Recreation and entertainment
You should definitely visit Belarus. Lida is a place where many interesting events take place. On the day of the city, concerts, fairs, theatrical performances, jousting tournaments, festivities and festive fireworks are held here.
The city also hosts Beer Day. The castle hosts amazing animated tours that will certainly interest both adults and children. In the courtyard of the fortress, you can try on knightly armor, shoot from a catapult and a bow. In the park of culture, children can ride on various attractions. There are several cinemas, bowling, discos. All the most exciting events take place in the city in the summer. To find Lida, you will need a map of Belarus with cities, and go on an adventure!
Sporting events
Excellent conditions for sports have been created in Lida. There is an ice palace, sports complexes, fitness clubs, a football stadium, swimming pools, shooting ranges, etc. Various sports events are held every year.
Be sure to come to this wonderful city. Just in case, we remind you the address:Belarus, Grodno region, Lida.
