Bobruisk, one of the seven largest and oldest cities in Belarus, which has preserved beautiful architectural monuments on its streets, welcomes its guests and invites you on an exciting tour of its streets.
A little history of the city
The first mention of the city, which was located at the confluence of the Bobruik and Berezina rivers, is found in the annals in 1387. By the beginning of the 16th century, a powerful fortification system had already been erected in it. By that time Bobruisk had already become one of the major centers of the Principality of Lithuania. At the end of the 18th century, the city came under the jurisdiction of the Russian Empire and became one of the major suppliers of timber (this event was reflected in the coat of arms). In 1810, the construction of a new fortress began in Bobruisk, which after 2 years played a big role in protecting the city from Napoleonic troops. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has occupied an important place in the revolutionary movement in the country, and during the Second World War, the fortifications of the city detained the invaders for some time.
Currently, Bobruisk is one of the district centers of the Mogilev region, famous for its cultural monuments and a large number ofhistorical sites, as well as the famous balneo-mud resort of Belarus.
Bobruisk Fortress
So, you have arrived in Bobruisk. It is better to start seeing the sights of the city from the city fortress. Founded over 200 years ago, it has survived well to our times. Now this object is included in the list of historical and cultural values of the country. The bastion of the citadel includes more than 50 objects: the ruins of forts located between the railway and road bridges, barracks, the Opperman tower, a lunette, the remains of earthen fortifications and about twenty buildings of the administrative and amenity zone.
Monument to the Beaver
Bobruisk, whose sights are discussed in this article, is sometimes jokingly called the "city of beavers." In honor of this, a monument to this animal was erected here. In the center of the city stands an imposing dam builder, dressed in merchant clothes and raising his hat in a gesture of welcome. There is a saying that rubbing a pocket watch chain on a beaver's belly can bring good luck.
Streets of Bobruisk
In addition to the monument to the Beaver and the fortress complex, Bobruisk has preserved many interesting historical buildings on its streets. Sights of the greatest interest to tourists are located in the central part of the city, in its historical center. For a long time it was forbidden to build houses more than two stories high, thanks to which Bobruisk retained its romantic appearance of the late 19th century.
Church of the Virgin Mary
One of the most significant monuments of architecturecity - the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built at the very beginning of the 20th century in the Gothic style. In Soviet times, the temple was first closed and used for household purposes, and in 1958 a significant part of the facade was completely destroyed and an administrative building was attached to it. A significant part of the church has survived to this day, in which services are held after restoration work.
St. Nicholas Cathedral
Another architectural monument of the city is St. Nicholas Cathedral. This is the oldest church, the first building of which was built in the early 19th century on the banks of the Berezan River. At the end of the 19th century, thanks to donations from parishioners and money allocated from the state treasury, the church was moved to the city center. Now, after restoration work, the cathedral once again shone with all the facets of its original beauty.
This church has always been and remains the main center of the spiritual life of the city, whose inhabitants consider St. Nicholas the patron saint of Bobruisk. It is noteworthy that services in the temple did not stop even in Soviet atheistic times.
Festivals in the city
Fans of event tourism will also be interested in visiting the city of Bobruisk. On City Day, the Wreath of Friendship folklore festival is held here annually, where various competitions are held, musicians from different countries and dance groups perform.
Besides this, guests of the city will certainly be interested in visiting the ceramics plein air.
Evening lifecities
Evening Bobruisk invites you to visit the drama theater built of glass and white marble. Its interior deserves special attention: chandeliers and lamps made of colored crystal, stairs made of white marble, original parquet made of ash and oak, walls lined with pink travertine and gray tuff, decorated with elegant panels. Many productions gather full halls of spectators.
Beautiful Belarusian Bobruisk, whose sights are varied and interesting, opens its hospitable arms. A trip to this city will remain in the memory of its guests for a long time, who will definitely want to return here.
