According to ancient chronicles, the ancient city of Novogrudok, the sights of which we will consider in the article, owes its appearance to the Kiev prince Yaroslav the Wise. It was he who founded the settlement in the middle of the eleventh century. Centuries later, the city became the first capital of the Principality of Lithuania. In the middle of the sixteenth century, it is part of the Commonwealth, and at the end of the eighteenth - the Russian Empire. Of course, all these changes in the protectorate did not pass without leaving a trace for the city. They are reflected in architecture, had their echoes in folklore, cultural traditions, which, of course, consolidates the status of the most ancient and fascinating for tourists with its ancient monuments for the city.
Beautiful places
Now Novogrudok is the regional center of Belarus. The townspeople call it Navagrudak. The landscapes are so beautiful that the area is called Belarusian Switzerland. First of all, this is the territory that is part of the landscape reserves of Novogrudok, Naliboksky and Svityazyansky. The beauty of Lakes Svityaz and Litovka cannot be described in words. The pure expanse of ponds surrounded by lush greenery of trees, shrubs, emerald and soft grass evokes such delightful feelings, the expectation of some magic that it seems: a mermaid is about to emerge from the water. And looking at the clear waters of Svityaz, you can try to see the ancient city, which, according to a beautiful legend, is hidden at its bottom.
The ruins of the castle of Mindovg
Near the city are the ruins of the castle of Mindovg. It once belonged to the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. From the formidable castle, which survived more than one siege of the crusaders, the Tatar khan, the Moscow governor, now there are only two dilapidated walls and fragments of stone fortifications.
And yet, even among such meager monuments of antiquity, the grandeur of a medieval fortress is felt.
Novogrudok City: Attractions
In Novogrudok, a tourist will undoubtedly be curious to see temples of different faiths. At the end of the fifteenth century the Tatars settled here, and three centuries later the first mosque was built. Despite the fact that this is a wooden building, it is perfectly preserved to this day. At the end of the eighteenth century, the Franciscans built in the Baroque style the church of St. Anthony. Fifty years later, for the participation of the monks in the national liberation uprising, the church was closed, and a little later converted into the Orthodox church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The fire in 1852 did not spare the church building. Therefore, it was rebuilt anew in a completely different architectural style, from the old building only the foundation remained unchanged.
Borisoglebskaya church
If you come to Navahrudak, local attractions you must see. The most ancient temple is the Borisoglebsky Orthodox Church. It was erected in the twelfth century; at the beginning of the fourteenth century, a man’s monastery was opened at it. In the middle of the sixteenth century it was transferred to the Uniates. Then in the building were some rebuilding. According to the trends of the time, the church was equipped with defensive fortifications. Three centuries later, when Novogrudok was transferred to the Russian Empire, the church again became Orthodox. Nowadays it is a beautiful, white-stone building.
Church of St. Michael the Archangel
What else can you see when you come to Novogrudok? Its sights, including religious buildings, will be interesting to many tourists. The Church of St. Michael the Archangel is no exception. In the seventeenth century, many Dominican preachers contributed to the enlightenment in the area. Built in 1624, the Church of St. Jacek became not only a religious, but also a scientific center. At first it was a wooden structure, but a century later a stone temple was erected in the Baroque style and the church was named in the name of Michael the Archangel. A Dominican school was opened under him, in which the famous Polish poet Adam Mickiewicz studied at one time.
Other attractions
The poet's museum is located near the ruins of Mindovg Castle. This is a modest one-story house with two columns near the porch. It was opened in the early twenties of the last century and, unfortunately, was completely destroyed during the Second World War. But the house was restored, now it houses exhibits dedicated to the leader of the Polish liberation movement, the talented poet of the Romantic era, Adam Mickiewicz.
It is best to find out about the eventful history of Navahrudak at the local museum of local history. It was opened relatively recently, about thirty years ago, but has rare rare exhibits, for example, archaeological finds, household items of nobility and ordinary people.
Church of the Transfiguration
What else is Novogrudok proud of? The sights here are all very interesting. But the Farny Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord is unique, rich in historical events and legends.
This is a strict, small castle-like temple. It rises on a hill, surrounded by lush trees. Built in 1395, at first it was wooden, then, in the seventeenth century, two baroque stone chapels were erected. At the beginning of the fifteenth century, the wedding of the Polish king Vladislav II and Princess Golshanskaya took place here. During the war years in Novogrudok, Nazarene sisters were shot. All eleven eventually ranked by the Holy See as blessed, their relics are stored in the church. Since 1621, there has been a miraculous icon of the Mother of God of Novogrudok. The room of the church is very cool. Legends say that the underground springs that are under the foundation are to blame.
Some interesting places
If you have already visited Novogrudok, its sights, then you should definitely relax. To relieve fatigue after interesting, eventful excursions, it will be nice to look into one of the local restaurants or bars. For example, the restaurant “Svityaz”, the bar “Rome”, the restaurant “Valeria”, the cocktail bar “Chance” will be able to please their visitors with excellent cuisine and a high level of service.
Conclusion
We have provided you with basic information regarding one of the wonderful corners of Belarus. Now you can safely go to Novogrudok. Sights, description and interesting facts about the history of the city, the beauty of nature - what else does a tourist need for an unforgettable vacation? And here even the sophisticated traveler will find something to do.
People who saw the city of Novogrudok itself, sights, reviews leave positive. They say that it is really very beautiful here, there are a lot of interesting historical monuments, temples, churches. And we strongly recommend visiting this place and making sure of its beauties, as they say, personally.