Vitebsk region is part of Belarus. Its administrative center is the city of Vitebsk, next to which the rivers West Dvina and Vitba flow.
Times of principalities
It is assumed that even in the Stone Age, our very distant ancestors could inhabit the territory of the Vitebsk region. A study of the identified sites of primitive people gave reason to say that they belong to the Bronze and Iron Age.
The pages of the famous chronicle "The Tale of Bygone Years", which was compiled in 862, mention the Principality of Polotsk on the site of today's Vitebsk. The very first prince of the most ancient territorial unit in this region was Prince Rogvolod, and the role of the administrative center was assigned to Polotsk. Today the Vitebsk region, the sights of which we will describe in the article, looks, of course, quite different.
At the turn of the XIII-XIV centuries, a rapid process of development of the area began, in terms of trade and culture. Already in the XVI century. On the territory of Orthodox monasteries and churches, the first educational institutions are opening. In general, the Vitebsk region is very interesting for historians - all the attractions located here cannot be seen in one day.
Development after the 16th century
In the second half of the XVI century. in Europe, the Kingdom of Poland gained strength, which, after unification with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, formed the Commonwealth. A change of power automatically took place at the beginning of the 17th century. and on Vitebsk lands, with all the ensuing consequences. The dominant position of the Catholic faith was strengthened by the construction of the Dominican Church, the creation of a Jesuit collegium and the founding of a Bernardine monastery. By the way, today all of them are the main attractions of the Vitebsk region.
In 1866, the branch of the railway from Orel to Riga, along with both the capitals of the Russian Empire, as well as Kiev and Brest, included Vitebsk. And by 1914, Vitebsk was a huge city with a well-developed industry. Before the revolution of 1917, almost 8% of 109 thousand citizens living in it worked at various manufacturing enterprises of this city.
Between January and April 1919, Poland took advantage of the Civil War in the territory that had sunk into oblivion, the Russian Empire, and occupied part of the country Belarus, together with the current capital Minsk. However, the Vitebsk province remained part of Soviet Russia.
Modern Vitebsk region
The Vitebsk region was formed in mid-January 1938. On July 11, 1941, German soldiers appeared on the streets of Vitebsk. During the war years, the Nazis almost completely destroyed large settlements.
Modern Vitebsk region is famous for the high level of development of industry and agriculture. Local authorities facilitate music festivals, and other cultural events are initiated. The famous "Slavonic Bazaar" is associated with the name of the regional center. So the Vitebsk region, the sights of which we are considering, can safely be considered the cultural center of the country.
Some interesting facts related to the Vitebsk region
The smallest city in this area is Disna, which is located on the river of the same name. From 1921 to 1939, this settlement was considered part of Poland. And since 1959, it acquires its current status - the city of Disna (Vitebsk region). Its sights are quite diverse. A tourist should visit here:
- hospital (beginning of XX century) - ruins;
- zamchischa (XVI — XVII centuries);
- the estate "Doroshkovichi";
- Resurrection Church.
Few people know that the basis of the plot of the story by A. Pushkin “Dubrovsky” was a case that took place all the same in Vitebsk. The idea of the famous Russian writer and poet was suggested by his good friend P.V. Nashchokin in Vitebsk when Pushkin was in 1823 when he was sent to a 13-month exile to Odessa. And some sights of the Vitebsk region are dedicated to this event.
It is well known that a renaissance dating back to the Renaissance began in Europe from Paris. And Vitebsk, among other things, belongs to the title of the second capital of this art direction. Unfortunately, few have heard of this fact.
Today's Vitebsk can rightfully be proud of the presence of a huge number of objects of historical and cultural value. There are 219 architectural monuments here, eight more are related to history and six to archeology. The Vitebsk region is rich in ancient buildings. Sights can be explored for a long time, listening to interesting stories of local residents and guides.
Outstanding personalities of Vitebsk region
Marc Chagall was born and raised in Vitebsk. On Pokrovskaya Street, his childhood passed. In the house where the family of the famous future artist lived, there is now a museum. All items in the house related to the work of Chagall, are now exhibited in the museum as exhibits.
According to archival documents, in 1896 a certain Frenchman Fernand Guillen, on the basis of an agreement concluded with the city government, undertook to build an electric road for tram cars. Due to this circumstance, two years later, an unusual form of public transport was already running around the city. The Museum of History keeps a memory of a unique event - the first tram, which is considered the pride of Vitebsk.
In July 1895, O. M. Drevnitskaya, a resident of Vitebsk, successfully landed with a parachute, thanks to which she became famous, becoming the first female parachutist.
In the early 80s of the XIX century. Vitebsk photographer Sigismund Yurkovsky came up with a brilliant idea - to equip the camera with an instant shutter. This was truly a revolution in the field of creating photographs.
Interesting wartime facts
Wars left an indelible mark on the history of Vitebsk and the region. So, 3 months Vitebsk was in the zone of occupation of the Napoleonic army during the Patriotic War of 1812. Napoleon chose the governor’s palace, which at that time was on the Assumption Hill, to place a military headquarters. On August 3, the French emperor had to celebrate his next birthday in this Belarusian city.
The period of the Great Patriotic War for Vitebsk was one of the most difficult. Almost all residential buildings were destroyed (93%), and out of 167 thousand citizens only 118 managed to survive. Nevertheless, after the defeat of the Nazi invaders, the city was rebuilt.
The military monuments that the Vitebsk region is famous for are sights that cannot leave anyone indifferent.
Ilya Repin Museum and St. Sophia Cathedral
16 km from Vitebsk is the museum-estate of Ilya Repin "Zdravnevo". Until 1892 the estate was called Sofiyivka. It was bought by the artist-peredvizhnik on the funds received after the sale of the famous painting to Emperor Alexander III, which depicts the scene of the Zaporizhzhya Cossacks writing a written response to the Turkish sultan. In this estate, Ilya Repin was inspired to create more than 40 of his masterpieces, including Moonlit Night, Autumn Bouquet, In the Sun, and others.
And along the alley of linden trees that the artist planted, visitors to the estate still have the opportunity to walk.
In Polotsk, on Zamkova Street, is the Sophia Cathedral (or Sophia of the Wisdom of God), protected by UNESCO. It belongs to the earliest churches of Orthodoxy, and in Belarus it is considered the first temple built of stone. Around the XI century. Prince Vseslav the Wizard gave instructions to build a temple, symbolizing the power of Polotsk. The prototype was the older brother of the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
The city of Glubokoe and the temples in the city of Lepel
And 187 km from Vitebsk is the beautiful city of Glubokoe (Vitebsk region). The sights of this area will appeal to everyone who appreciates the ancient buildings:
- mill (1911);
- Carmelite monastery (XVII — XIX century);
- Cathedral in honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1639–1654);
- Church of the Holy Trinity (1628).
Five lakes are also located on the territory of the city. Tourists should visit the deep historical and ethnographic museum.
And lovers of churches must see the sights of Lepel (Vitebsk region):
- chapel of St. George (1900);
- Chapel-tombstone (XIX century);
- Church of St. Paraskeva Fridays (1841-1844);
- Church of St. Casimir (1857-1876).
This town is located from Vitebsk at a distance of 110 km. The area is developing rapidly - new buildings, schools and kindergartens are being built here.
Fascinating natural landscapes
Republican landscape reserve "Yelnya", located in the Miorsky district, is famous for glacial lakes and ancient bogs, which are breathtaking to see. The oldest (at least 9000 years old) swamp called Yelnya occupies 20 thousand hectares.
In the autumn period gray cranes and geese flock here in large numbers. The local area is very rich in cranberries. The berry is so popular here that even in its honor a special ecological festival is held every year.
Here is a list of the best attractions in the Vitebsk region that every tourist who has visited Belarus should see:
- Holy Assumption Cathedral (Vitebsk).
- Hagia Sophia (Polotsk).
- Town Hall (Vitebsk).
- Museum of Belarusian Printing (Polotsk).
- Monument to the heroes of the Patriotic War of 1812 (Polotsk).
- Pushkin bridge (Vitebsk).
- House of Peter I (Polotsk).
- Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Glubokoe).
- Museum of Traditional Culture (Braslav).
- The memorial complex "Rylenki".
This is a minimal list of what deserves the attention of every tourist.