One of the most amazing cities where the traditions of past eras and the fashionable influences of today are harmoniously merged together is Vitebsk. You can feel its atmosphere, get acquainted with traditions only by studying the history of this city, following the main points of its development. But for this it is not necessary to spend days in the library studying hundreds of books. In order to get to know Vitebsk, the sights of which formed the basis of the cultural and spiritual core of the country, it is enough to just walk around the city. After all, every corner of it is saturated with the spirit of history, current life and a sense of warmth and coziness.
Crystal bells
Where to start acquaintance with the city, having arrived in Vitebsk? The sights of this city include in their piggy bank a huge number of religious buildings, which are a worthy decoration of the city. Each of these buildings has a rich history. In different eras, temples were set on fire, destroyed and wiped off the face of the earth. But they again resurrected from the ruins on fragments of memory and self-awareness, carrying the joyful ringing of bells around the city.
Among the many churches and churches the cathedral church of Jesus the Merciful stands out, the doors of which were first opened for the Orthodox in 2009. It accommodates 1,500 believers. This is the first Catholic church built in the city over the past 100 years. No less unique temple is the Holy Assumption Cathedral, built on the high bank of the Western Dvina in the 21st century on the ruins of an old church. Today it is the only cathedral in Vitebsk, the lower active tier of which is located underground.
Among the religious buildings, it is impossible not to mention the Annunciation Church, which is the main temple of the city. A real find for the culture of Vitebsk is the church of St. Barbara, which over the years has become more and more grandiose and magnificent. The Holy Resurrection Church, known for its solemn and majestic appearance, as well as its unique wall painting, is considered a unique creation of architecture.
The past and present in the architecture of the city
Considering Vitebsk, the sights of this city, its architecture admires. Original, one-of-a-kind and unique, it is completely saturated with love for the art of folk craftsmen, regardless of whether it is a historical building or a modern building. The majestic and magnificent palaces, where the sound of a waltz sounded a hundred years ago, today adorn the picturesque corners of Vitebsk.
The main attraction of the city is the City Hall, the building of which has been preserved to this day in its original form. The Summer Amphitheater is considered a real miracle. It hosts numerous contests and festivals of international importance. A unique modern building is the Marko City shopping center, which is an eight-level glass composition dressed in metal lace. A worthy decoration of Vitebsk is the Governor's Palace, the building of which is distinguished by its splendor of forms, sophistication and sophisticated harmony. The Ice Palace has become a symbol of a prosperous and developing city, the mirror design of which reflects the whole of Vitebsk.
Squares of the city
If while exploring the city of Vitebsk, the sights of which delight every tourist, you want to feel unlimited freedom, take a walk through its squares. The luxury property of Vitebsk is Victory Square - the largest in Belarus and the largest in Europe. Its main decoration is the Three Bayonets memorial, which was erected in memory of those residents of the city who died in these parts in the struggle against the Nazi invaders. The square offers wonderful views of the city.
A completely different impression is made by the central Freedom Square, located at the intersection of Frunze Avenue and Zamkova Street. Today it is the most popular place in the city: on its one side is the Frunze park, and on the other - the Art Museum. In addition, festivals, fairs and New Year festivals are held here.
In order to feel the heartbeat of Vitebsk, just walk along the Millennium Square, which is located on the picturesque coast of the Western Dvina. Here all the pearls of the city’s culture are brought together. In addition to the square, Pushkin Square is surrounded by greenery.
Majestic bridges
The city of Vitebsk, the sights of which can be considered indefinitely, offers its guests a walk along the Kirov bridge. It offers great views of the city. Especially beautiful landscapes can be seen in the evening, when the city is immersed in the festive light of night lights.
The place in Vitebsk, where love lives and a happy family is born, is the Pushkin bridge. It is here that the newlyweds lock their happiness on a lock, and throw the key into the river. The bridge is decorated with decorative lighting, and the entrance to it is decorated with sculptures of bronze lions.
No less impressive is the pedestrian bridge of the Millennium buried in verdure, towering above the mirrored waters of Vitba. It brings a unique touch to the modern picture of a vibrant city.
Monuments and sculptures
Having examined the bridges, we continue to get acquainted with the city of Vitebsk. The sights, photos of which are presented here, cannot fully convey all the grandeur of various architectural structures, which cannot be said about sculptures and monuments. The heart of the city is the Three Bayonets Memorial, which was mentioned above. Among the monuments of military subjects can be noted the monument "Pain", dedicated to the soldiers-internationalists, a memorial sign "Children of the war", reminiscent of the tragic pages of the history of Belarus.
Popular is considered the sculpture "Meet". It seems to confirm the fact that guests are always welcome in Vitebsk. No less interesting is the sculpture "Street Clown", which for the residents of the city is a kind of talisman of good luck and happiness.
On Pokrovskaya street you can see a monument to Marc Chagall, which personifies the symbol of respect and love for the great master. One of the amazing places in the city is the L-3562 steam locomotive, installed on the territory of the locomotive depot at Vitebsk station. An excellent monument to this poet, deserving to be seen, is erected on Pushkin Street. There are many other monuments in the city: the pilot A.K. Gorovets, a veterinarian, and the poetess Evdokia Elk.
Museums
But these are not all the sights. Vitebsk (Belarus) is a city of art, inspiration, creativity and development. Many tourists are convinced that visiting Vitebsk and not visiting local museums means only half getting to know the city. Museums of Vitebsk are famous for their unique and rich collections, and many collections are second to none even abroad.
One of the most visited places of the city is the house-museum of Marc Chagall. It’s worth a look at the Art Museum, where a rare collection of Belarusian art from the 18-19th centuries is presented. Those who wish to get acquainted with the history of the city are advised to look into the Museum of Local Lore.
Fountains
What else to see when arriving in Vitebsk? Sights, reviews confirm this, include beautiful fountains in their list. One of the most noticeable architectural structures of the city is the fountain "Merge of three rivers", located near the city Hall. In its center is a sculpture of three figures, symbolizing the confluence of such Vitebsk rivers as Vitba, Zapadnaya Dvina and Luchesa.
The Hygea Goddess of Medicine fountain will make you believe in miracles. Its silver overflow of water in the evening is harmoniously complemented by lighting.
Lakes and rivers
The sights of Vitebsk and the Vitebsk region can be supplemented with those created by nature itself - lakes and rivers. The Vitba River is considered the most popular, with which the name of the city itself is associated. One of the most amazing and beautiful is Lake Losvido, located 25 kilometers from Vitebsk. The pine forest, towering from all sides, gives it special charm. Across the lake, at a depth of 20 centimeters, passes a secret path 4 meters wide, covered with reeds. She kind of divides this reservoir into two parts. It is popularly called the "Napaleon Trail."
15 kilometers from Vitebsk is another romantic lake - Borovskoe. Not only lovers of solitude and silence seek to come here, but also those who appreciate the beauty of local landscapes.