Grodno is a city in the Republic of Belarus, which stands on the Neman River and borders on Poland. Previously was part of the Commonwealth. The first mentions in the annals date back to the 10th century. The city literally breathes antiquity. Numerous churches and churches tell especially vividly about the years past. They make it clear that before life in Grodno was concentrated around them, and the people were deeply religious.
Many local attractions have survived to the present day from the XII century. For example, a dilapidated fort that suffered from bombing during the Great Patriotic War. Citizens are proud of their rich history and cherish their memory.
Today, Grodno is an attractive city for thousands of tourists. People come here mainly from neighboring states: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. At any time of the year he remains European-looking beautiful, well-groomed, hospitable and friendly. The atmosphere of warmth and comfort is spilled everywhere.
Entertainment events are often held in Grodno, foreign stars are invited. Local people are funny, they like, on the one hand, to spend time with benefit, and on the other, to relax to the fullest. Walking along Grodno, you can often hear incendiary music coming either from the windows of apartments or from cars.
Tourists who are in the city for the first time are wondering - where to go to Grodno? You can get an answer to it in this article.
Giliber Park
Once, a scientist from France named Emmanuel Gilibert arrived in Grodno. He was invited by the head of the city in order to open a medical academy here. It all started with a small and inconspicuous pharmacy garden, and ended with just what tourists can enjoy today. The park has grown so much that now it is a real green oasis in the middle of a cozy European town.
Locals are very fond of taking walks here. The park often hosts a variety of events dedicated to local holidays. Here you can buy cotton candy, ride on the carousel, listen to street musicians and just relax your soul. Perhaps this is the best answer to the question of where to go to Grodno with children on the weekend.
Pedestrian street (Soviet)
In many large cities, including Europe, there is a pedestrian street. This is where tourists feel as comfortable as possible. On such streets there are no cars and a big crowd of people. But there are cozy cafes, a lot of shops with souvenir products and various kinds of entertainment facilities.
If you are lucky, you can even get to some event dedicated to the local holiday. Every year, thousands of tourists stroll along the cobblestone street, visit local entertainment venues, take pictures and get a lot of positive emotions from communicating with local residents. By the way, for Russians there is no language barrier, because everyone speaks Russian. Sometimes, however, diluting your speech with local expressions - so that the color does not disappear. This, in turn, is the best answer to the question of where to go to Grodno in the evening.
Zoo
It is in every large and even not very large city. And beautiful Grodno is no exception. The zoo is wonderful. Therefore, if the question arises of where to go to Grodno with a daughter or son, the answer suggests itself.
This zoo is considered the largest in the country. By the number of inhabitants, he overtook even the zoo in Minsk. It was opened to visitors a very long time ago, in the pre-war time - in 1927. At first, only a few species of birds and mammals lived in the zoo. After 10 years, the number of animals has increased many times - up to four hundred species. Visitors could even see predators.
At the beginning of World War II, only a small number of animals managed to survive. Most died under bombing and bullets, some managed to be evacuated along with the workers.
Now the zoo is a traditional place in the city, where both locals and tourists, both adults and the whole family with children like to come. So this is a great place to go to Grodno with a child will be not only interesting, but also useful.
St. Francis Xavier Cathedral
Where to go to Grodno to a tourist, especially tired of monotonous buildings and familiar structures? Of course, to the Catholic Basilica. In Russia, for example, it is not often possible to see churches, and in Belarus there are a great many of them. Of great value to local residents is the Basilica named after Francis Xavier.
The building was built in the Baroque style in the XVII century. At first, the cathedral had the status of a Jesuit monastery. The guests of the city will also be impressed by the interior decoration. The interior of the cathedral is no less artistic value than the exterior.
Church of the Virgin Mary of Angels
Another historical heritage of the city. The cathedral was built in the middle of the XVII century. Initially, the building was wooden, but by the end of the century, architects took up its reconstruction.
At the turn of the XIX-XX centuries, Polish priests held in custody lived here. Later the church became a monastery. He is currently active.
Borisoglebskaya church
At first glance, this is a dilapidated building. In fact, this is an architectural monument, which was carefully and carefully restored to create an existing church. The structure consists of two parts. The first, stone, very ancient church, called the "old". Scientists say that it was formed in the XII century. After construction, the church was lit and named after Boris and Gleb.
By the 16th century, the building was in terrible condition. This was facilitated by the endless raids of ill-wishers. However, thanks to the efforts of caring people, the church was restored and opened to parishioners. She is still valid. This is a place in Grodno where a believing Christian must go.
Lutheran Temple
This is the only Protestant church on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, which has survived and is still operating today. It was erected thanks to the rich German community living in Grodno in the middle of the XIX century. The first time was restored in 1912.
Until 1995, the building was used as a warehouse. After this, a second restoration was carried out. Now the temple is working for its intended purpose.
Drama theater
The building was designed by architect G. Mochulsky. It looks like an inverted crown. An unusual object immediately attracts the eyes of tourists, since nowhere else in the country is anything like this found.
The Drama Theater was built at the end of the 20th century from reinforced concrete structures and bricks. Currently in effect.
Kunstkamera
It is similar to the one that exists in St. Petersburg. Here are the same exhibits that Peter the Great once collected: pathologies of the lungs, liver and other internal organs, many embryos with abnormalities, and embryos with developmental abnormalities.
The Kunstkamera was opened relatively recently - 6 years ago. But the exhibits gathered for a long time. The building itself once belonged to King Augustus II.
Fortress in Grodno
Where to go on the weekend? Do not think long - you should immediately go to the fortress. Not every day and not in every city you can see something similar. The fortress at different periods of time belonged either to the German Empire, or to the Russian. It has existed since the XII century, and the purpose of its construction was to protect local residents from military raids by intruders.
Only during the Great Patriotic War was it badly damaged. Only a few forts, observation posts and trenches have survived to this day. And still it will be interesting to visit here.
Where to go to Grodno to eat?
There are not many places in the city where you can have a hearty, tasty and inexpensive meal. Since the city is a tourist, it is designed for wealthy guests. Still, Europe. But because the average check in a restaurant or a more or less decent cafe is not at all democratic.
However, if you do not spare money and really want to try real Belarusian cuisine, then you should go to the Korchma restaurant, which is located on Sovetskaya (pedestrian) street.
In the same building there is a cozy coffee house - "Coffeemania". Here you can enjoy an invigorating drink and a snack with something sweet. Locals love to have breakfast in "Coffeemania".
At the beginning of the same Sovetskaya Street there is an institution for tourists with children - "Roshosha". The menu has a variety of sweets, starting with crispy fresh buns and ending with exclusive cakes. From drinks you can choose coffee or tea.
City nightlife
Fans of parties and entertainment will also have something to do in Grodno. Where to go with a girl? You can visit the bar or night club. In the entertainment venues of the city, any visitor will feel comfortable thanks to the relaxing atmosphere and kind staff. For example, in Grodno there is a good bar “Cuba”, where you can taste real rum and listen to the corresponding music.
In the London bar on Vilenskaya 1 you can taste British beer and find yourself in the atmosphere of a real Misty Albion.
And for those who prefer an active lifestyle, where to go tonight in Grodno? The coolest place for young people is the bowling club Metro, which is located on Victory Street. There is also a "Base" - no less attractive and fun place. And on Popovich Street, through the house from each other, Time Out and Owl are located.
Where to buy souvenirs as a gift to loved ones?
On Sovetskaya Street, not only a large number of attractions and architectural monuments are concentrated, but also many different shops and souvenir shops designed specifically for tourists. It is here that you can buy all sorts of trinkets and lovely gifts for family and friends. Visitors to the city who come here are sure to run into the Neman shopping center located on this street. Here is a wide selection of various crafts and gifts.
So, where can I go to Grodno for souvenirs? Feel free to go to the New or Old Castle. There are lots of tents in the yards where various pleasant little things are sold: clay handmade whistles, painted ceramics, straw dolls, postcards with city landscapes, books with photographs of local attractions, embroidered towels and much more. Be sure to get something with local symbols - an ornament or cornflowers that Belarusians love so much.
Shopping, grocery stores
Not all tourists are interested in spending days strolling around the city or visiting entertainment venues. The Russians, who are coming to Grodno for the first time, speak with great enthusiasm about local food products, in particular dairy and meat. Here you will find food for every taste. Shelves in stores burst from meat delicacies, and dairy products are so tasty that they will compete with any rustic one.
Belarusians are anxious about the quality of goods manufactured for sale, so there is no way to find “alien” impurities. You can buy products at Rodnaya Kut stores, Euroopt supermarket and many others. Prices are quite affordable. Tourists often bring sausages, stewed meat, and condensed milk from the Rogachev Dairy Plant from Belarus. There is even an exotic product - smoked chicken eggs.
As for clothes and shoes, in Belarus it is not cheap. However, if you still wonder where to go to Grodno on the weekend for shopping, then here's the answer to you - go to the Neman trading house. It is located on Sovetskaya Street. The choice in the store is simply huge. Here, in addition to souvenirs and goods for children, you can buy locally made products, from buttons to TVs.
Clothing is best purchased at the Korona large shopping center. Here is a huge assortment of famous brands. However, local residents hardly come here. Still, prices are above average, so it’s much easier for them to go to neighboring states for large purchases, for example, to Poland or Lithuania. Tourists with a budget below average can look at the markets. The largest are Southern and Skidelsky.
In Belarus, some Belarusian brands of shoes and clothes, such as Belvest, Marco, Milavitsa, are popular. Here you can buy their products at a price lower than that installed in Russian stores. Hosiery, gloves and even children's toys are also often purchased.
Are you still thinking where to go to Grodno?