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, Polotsk is considered to be the most ancient city of Belarus. The sights of this place attract tourists from near and far abroad. They come to admire amazing architectural ensembles, numerous monuments, museums, temples and simply beautiful nature.
AmazingSofia
Practically all guests of Polotsk associate this city primarily with the white-stone St. Sophia Cathedral. This temple is a real masterpiece of architecture. It was erected in the 11th century at the highest point on the banks of the Western Dvina. In those days, the building symbolized the power of the Principality of Polotsk, and now the 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, foundations and fragments of frescoes from the 11th century are now in the Museum of the History of Temple Architecture.
St. Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk 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, stucco decorations, elaborate cornices and unusual colors.
The altar part of the cathedral was separated by a three-tier barrier, and the image of the New Testament Trinity had previously adjoined it. A chamber music hall has been operating in the church since 1983.
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 pieces of ancient masonry, visit an exposition dedicated to the history of the cathedral.
Holy relics
We continue an exciting tour of 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 calledspiritual 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
The Savior Euphrosyne 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 the geographic coordinates of 28 degrees 48 minutes east longitude and 55 degrees 30 minutes north latitude do not tell you anything, but for the Polovtsy these are very significant numbers. Almost every local resident is aware that there is a sign "Geographical Center of Europe" on Francysk Skaryna Avenue. It depicts a wind rose, a globe with the outlines of Europe, a ship and the 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 everything becomesmore 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, was opened in Polotsk, as well as a bust of the “father” of Belarusian cinema, Yuri Tarich.
Sights of Polotsk (photos of which can be seen below) are concentrated in large numbers on the central square of the city. Here is a memorial dedicated to the heroes of the Patriotic War. All the complex details of the composition were cast at the Tekhnolit-Polotsk plant, especially for this purpose, the plant's specialists had to master artistic casting.
What else to see in Polotsk? In this ancient city, it is also worth seeing the monument to the honorary resident of Polotsk Francysk Skaryna, who first printed 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 need a map of Polotsk withattractions.
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 were destroyed. 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 converted into an 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.
Other places of interest
The Cathedral of the Epiphany is of great interest, which includes the former monastery complex. 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 fun too. Walking along its ancient streets, looking at ancient buildings and numerous shrines is very exciting.
Scenic 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 in a closed cycle using energy-saving LED lighting.
Cultural enrichment
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 the legend, the Tsar really stayed here), the museum-library of Simeon of Polotsk, weaving, military glory, etc.
In this village you can also walk along the banks of the picturesque Western Dvina 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 of local residents, one of them lives in a picture gallery, which is located in the building of the Jesuit College. True, this unidentified 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 believedthat 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 Polotsk can show you. 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 a very cozy atmosphere. Here you can feel the greatness of this city. This place does not lose its charm either in summer or winter, so come here on vacation at any time of the year and enjoy the amazing sights of Polotsk.
