A walk through your homeland: what to see in Polotsk?
If you haven't been to Polotsk yet, this needs to be fixed: sooner or later, everyone should visit the oldest city in the country. When you decide to go on a trip, take our guide to the most interesting sights with you – it was compiled by the first secretary of the district committee of the BRSM, Anna Serko.
– ...You can fall in love with this beautiful city at first sight: it is the cradle of Belarusian spirituality and a cultural center where tourists always have something to see. I recommend including... in your itinerary.
…The Saint Euphrosyne Monastery. It was founded in 1125 by Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk. At her request, the stone Savior Transfiguration Church was erected in 1161; it was painted with frescoes that have survived to this day. Euphrosyne also donated a cross to the cathedral, created by the master Lazar Bohsha. The masterpiece was lost during the Great Patriotic War, but in 1997, a full-size copy was made, which is kept in the church. The monastery also houses the Exaltation of the Cross Cathedral, built in 1893–1897, residential buildings, a refectory, and a bell tower with a belfry.
…The Saint Sophia Cathedral. The first stone Orthodox monument on our territory was built on the right bank of the Western Dvina River in the 11th century. In the mid-18th century, it was rebuilt, but fragments of ancient masonry, the foundation, parts of the walls, and unique fresco paintings have survived to this day. The Saint Sophia Cathedral houses a museum exhibition of its history and hosts organ festivals in its concert hall.
…The Museum of Belarusian Book Printing. In the 15 halls of the building, which housed the cells of the monks of the Epiphany Monastery in the 18th century, the history of book culture is told. Here you will learn what ancient publications looked like, the scribe's workshop, the first printing houses, a paper mill, old textbooks, and writing instruments. A separate exhibition is dedicated to the first printer, Francysk Skaryna.
…The Polotsk Collegium. A conversation with the "Mechanical Head" will make a tour of the complex and the university courtyard unforgettable. You need to talk to the wise old man according to special rules, and then he will answer any pressing question.
– ...You can fall in love with this beautiful city at first sight: it is the cradle of Belarusian spirituality and a cultural center where tourists always have something to see. I recommend including... in your itinerary.
…The Saint Euphrosyne Monastery. It was founded in 1125 by Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk. At her request, the stone Savior Transfiguration Church was erected in 1161; it was painted with frescoes that have survived to this day. Euphrosyne also donated a cross to the cathedral, created by the master Lazar Bohsha. The masterpiece was lost during the Great Patriotic War, but in 1997, a full-size copy was made, which is kept in the church. The monastery also houses the Exaltation of the Cross Cathedral, built in 1893–1897, residential buildings, a refectory, and a bell tower with a belfry.
…The Saint Sophia Cathedral. The first stone Orthodox monument on our territory was built on the right bank of the Western Dvina River in the 11th century. In the mid-18th century, it was rebuilt, but fragments of ancient masonry, the foundation, parts of the walls, and unique fresco paintings have survived to this day. The Saint Sophia Cathedral houses a museum exhibition of its history and hosts organ festivals in its concert hall.
…The Museum of Belarusian Book Printing. In the 15 halls of the building, which housed the cells of the monks of the Epiphany Monastery in the 18th century, the history of book culture is told. Here you will learn what ancient publications looked like, the scribe's workshop, the first printing houses, a paper mill, old textbooks, and writing instruments. A separate exhibition is dedicated to the first printer, Francysk Skaryna.
…The Polotsk Collegium. A conversation with the "Mechanical Head" will make a tour of the complex and the university courtyard unforgettable. You need to talk to the wise old man according to special rules, and then he will answer any pressing question.