BELARUSIAN CITIES
VITEBSK
Vitebsk is one of the largest and
oldest cities in Belarus. It is situated on the river Dvina. The city was
founded in 974. Its population is more than 300,000.
First and foremost, Vitebsk is a big
cultural center. There are lots of schools and four institutes there. The Drama
Theatre is one of the oldest in Belarus.
Secondly, this beautiful city is
also famous for ‟Slavyansky Bazaar” – International
Song Festival – which is held every year at the end of July and the beginning
of August.
Finally, Vitebsk is a hometown for
many famous people. It’s well known as the birth place of Marc Chagall, the
outstanding artist.
BREST
Brest is often called the western gate of the country, the city
with glorious ancient history and amazing present. Brest is situated on the
border with Poland. It was first mentioned in
1019.
During the Second World War the city became famous because of outstanding
heroism of defenders of the Brest Fortress, which lately got the title “Hero
Fortress”. Many streets in the city are named after the heroes of the war. Today
“Brest Fortress Hero” is one of
the most visited tourist attractions of the city.
GOMEL
Gomel is the second largest city in
our republic. Its population is about 500,000. The city of Gomel is situated
three hundred kilometers to the south of Minsk, on
the right bank of the river Sozh.
The landscape of this part of the country is very beautiful.
Unfortunately, Gomel region suffered
greatly after the Chernobyl tragedy in 1986.
Gomel is an industrial city. The
machine-tool plant is the oldest one in the city.
GRODNO
Grodno was
first mentioned in 1128. It is one of the most
charming Belarusian cities. It is famous for the number of old-time cathedrals,
churches, museums, theatres, and other places of interest.
Grodno land has always been known as the land of tolerance. Many centuries
ago, during the reign of Vitaut, Grodno has become home for the Tatars, Jews,
and Prussians. Today representatives of more than 80 nationalities live in
Grodno.
Grodno has become the center of the Republican
Festival of National Cultures, which is held at the beginning of June.
During the Festival Grodno becomes an artistic place, with national corners all
over the city. Here one can try Belarusian national food, meet national art and
crafts, dance and take part in games, listen to singers and musicians.
Fireworks at night and the water show have become traditional parts of the
festival.
MINSK
Minsk is the capital
of the Republic of Belarus, its political, economic, scientific and cultural
centre. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in our republic. It
was founded in 1067. Minsk is situated on the river Svisloch and occupies an
area of 200 square kilometers. Its population is about 1,8 million.
During the Great Patriotic War Minsk was destroyed by German army. In
post-war years the city was rebuilt anew. Modern Minsk is a city of numerous
plants and factories, modern buildings, beautiful parks and gardens. It is also
a big traffic center with a large network of railways, roads, airlines and two
Metro lines.
The cultural life in the Belarusian capital is varied and interesting.
In Minsk there are 6 theatres, a number of concert halls, a circus, dozens of
cinemas, libraries and clubs. The most famous theatres are the Opera and Ballet
Theatre, the Yanka Kupala State Academic Theatre, the Gorky Russian Drama Theatre.
Among the most interesting museums one can name the Museum of the
History of the Great Patriotic War, the Art Museum, Yanka Kupala and Yakub
Kolas museums.
The citizens of Minsk are proud of their city. It is beautiful at any
time of the year.
MOGILEV
Mogilev is one of the oldest cities
in Belarus. It is the administrative center of Mogilev Region and the third
largest city in our republic. The City is located on the picturesque banks of
the Dnieper, which falls into the Black Sea.
The face of the city is presented by
the monuments of architecture of the 17th to the 20th
centuries together with modern buildings and complexes.
One of the most famous landmarks in
Mogilev is City Hall. It is a true symbol of the city. Nowadays Mogilev City
Hall is considered to be one of the best pieces of work of Belarusian
architecture of the 17th century. Famous writers such as Alexander
Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol and Taras Shevchenko visited Mogilev City Hall.
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