Throughout its history, the city of Brest has become home to residents of many nationalities. Here you can meet both Belarusians, and Russians, and Ukrainians, as well as representatives of many other nations. Everyone who visits this locality always feels the hospitality of the inhabitants of the westernmost city of Belarus. Each of the tourists will find something to see in Brest, as this city is famous for its long history and heroic events.
Times when Brest was founded
The year of foundation of Brest is considered the 1017th, and the first mention of it is in the Novgorod fortress. Before the foundation of this settlement, only such ancient cities as Polotsk and Vitebsk were built. In 2017, Brest will celebrate its millennium anniversary. The most important places that tourists should pay attention to are located in the Old Town area.
Brest Fortress - a place of heroic glory
The Brest Fortress is one of the most important historical monuments of the city. Undoubtedly, anyone who thinks about what to see in Brest in one day should include a visit to this place of glory and heroism in the list. This fortification was laid back in the 30s of the 19th century. Such outstanding architects as Eduard Totleben, Dmitry Karbyshev took part in improving the fortress.
It is known that the attack on the Brest Fortress during the Second World War began abruptly - at that time most of the border guard duty on duty was in summer camps at a considerable distance from the fortification. Hitler’s troops planned to capture the Brest Fortress in just 8 hours, but their plans were not destined to come true. The attack on the fortress began before sunrise - at 3:15 in the morning of Berlin time. Bombs rained down on the fortress, attempts were made to tank attacks and air attacks.
How the Brest Fortress was defended
The defenders of the fortress heroically resisted the Nazi aggressors for a week. According to some evidence, foci of resistance arose for another two weeks. After the 45th division, which attacked the fortress, was defeated in the Orel region, the Red Army seized its archive. A large number of confessions of German military leaders about heroism, courage and amazing stamina of the defenders of the Brest Fortress were found in it.
Now on its territory is a memorial. Brest-Litovsk fortress is what every visitor to the city needs to see in Brest. After all, she has become a true symbol. A large number of documentaries and feature films have been shot in memory of her defense. There is a museum in the fortress.
The most famous Catholic church of Brest
The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was built in 1845. However, initially a Catholic church was erected in its place - back in the distant 1412th. Now the temple is considered an architectural monument dating back to the era of late classicism. It contains an ancient Catholic icon called “Our Lady of Brest”. The church itself is a modest basilica with regular geometric shapes and is revered by local Catholics as a place of shrine.
Excavations of the ancient city in the museum
The Berestye Archaeological Museum has no equal in the whole world. Guests can be directly at the excavations, which are protected from bad weather by the roof and walls. The total area of the museum is about 2400 square meters. m, and most of it falls on the excavation. Their depth is about 4 meters. Here once was an ancient city, namely its craft quarter. It consisted of 30 residential premises, as well as two streets. The ancient city has survived to the present day due to the fact that during the entire time before the archaeological site, it was under the swamp strata.
Now, researchers can only speculate what exactly once made the inhabitants of the ancient city suddenly leave their native places. The museum was opened in 1982, and now it is one of the must-see places for tourists. Especially for those who are wondering what to see in Brest with their children. After all, Berestye is one of the most ancient cities in Belarus: the first mention of it dates back to 1019.
Belaya Vezha Fortress - a place of legends
The building of the fortress was built in the second half of the 13th century. It is located in the city of Kamenets, Brest region. The fortress was built as a defensive structure on the orders of the Galician-Volyn prince Vladimir Vasilkovich. The building has a height of 30 meters, and the thickness of its walls is 2.5 meters. Analog towers of the White Vezha existed in other ancient Belarusian cities: Polotsk, Grodno, Turov, Mstislavl, in Brest itself. But only fortification in the city of Kamenets has survived to our times. For those who are interested in what to see in Brest and its environs, a visit to Belaya Vezha can be safely included in the list of interesting places.
Indeed, many legends are associated with the ancient fortification. Some locals believe that the tower was not built for defense, but was erected as a symbol of honor to the merits of Prince Vasilkovich. There is also an opinion that, on the contrary, it was created by decree of the prince with the aim of imprisoning his brother in Belaya Vezha. You can also note the legend of the fortress, which came from antiquity. For example, it was believed that the tower was not built at all by people, but by giants. All these legends will be interesting and informative for those who are interested in what you can see in Brest and its environs. So, we go further to explore the sights.
Museum of Saved Values - what you should definitely see in Brest
The next attractive point for all guests of the city is the Museum of Saved Values. It is believed that this museum also has no analogues worldwide. The history of its discovery is very interesting. Since Brest is a city located on the border, before customs had to constantly confiscate illegally transported valuables. Over time, there were so many of them that it was decided to establish a special museum for them.
At first, it consisted of only ten halls, and about 300 objects were in its exposition. But since customs meticulously fulfilled its duties, over time this amount literally increased several times. Here you can see a large number of interesting objects: icon painting, antiques, various works of art. A separate room is also dedicated to well-functioning Brest customs. After all, it was her employees who prevented the export of many valuable items from the country.
Ostrich farm
What else offers the city of Brest? What to see in it an ordinary tourist? Not far from the city is another interesting place for visitors - an ostrich farm. For those who are limited in time and wondering what to see in Brest in 2 days, you can include this place in your list. An ostrich farm in the Brest region is the largest in Europe. Guests love to visit the farm - after all, it is here that you can chat with unusual birds.
The behavior of ostriches is no different from how they manifest themselves under ordinary natural conditions. Birds run after each other, enter into fights, and cute flirt with guests. What to see in Brest with children or with your girlfriend? This place will not leave anyone without emotions. After all, about 200 representatives of the ostrich world live here. The farm is clean and tidy, and if desired, you can book a tour of its territory.
Sovetskaya street - all the best buildings in one place
For those who do not plan to travel outside the city or who have especially little time, the famous Sovetskaya Street may be of interest. It extends from Ordzhonikidze Street and right up to the embankment of the Mukhavets River. Throughout the history of its existence, the street has changed many names - it was both Millionnaya and Generalstrasse, and since 1944 it has been called Sovetskaya. Here in the 30s of the XX century there were Jewish markets. The street burned many times, but it was rebuilt again and again.
In 1863, a synagogue was built here. In Soviet times, its premises were rebuilt, and it turned into a movie theater, and by 1970 the building was again transformed. The current cinema has been preserved since those times. And at the beginning of Sovetskaya Street is the St. Nicholas fraternal fortress.
The Legend of Lucky Boots
What is interesting to see in Brest yet? Here, on Sovetskaya Street, there is a small monument called "Happy Boot", which brings good luck and wealth. It appeared not so long ago - a small sculpture was installed in 2013. Everyone who wants to bring good luck and money into their lives can try on the “Happy Boot”.
According to legend, at the end of the 19th century, Anna Levitskaya was born in Brest. The girl received a huge fortune from her grandfather, as well as a pair of boots that bring happiness. There were rumors that anyone who can try on Levitskaya’s boots will be fabulously rich and will be lucky in all matters of money. It was a terrible wartime, and Anna lost all her property. But after the war ended, things quickly went uphill. Anna Levitskaya was sure that it was all about magic boots. One boot was lost during the First World War in Lviv. But the second Levitskaya handed over to her son, and he discovered seven gold in him. The lost boot, which is the most valuable, is still sought after.
Street of lights in Brest
What to see in Brest in 1 day? Undoubtedly, if there is time after visiting other attractions, the evening can be spent in one of the most romantic places in the city. Once an ordinary street that has existed since 1909, it has now become known as Lantern Street. The alley itself is seated with huge picturesque chestnuts. It was created by designers and forging craftsmen as a gift for City Day in 2013. All lights are made of metal, and their coating is made with the effect of aging. Also on the street there are a large number of sculptural compositions and various art objects.
Among all forty lanterns, two of the same cannot be found - each of them is made in a certain form. For those who do not know what to see in Brest with a girl or where to spend a romantic date, the Lantern Alley will be one of the best solutions. Most of the lights are made in the form of a specific object. They reflect the specifics of the activities of patron companies that invested money in the opening of the Alley. However, there are also lanterns displaying moments from N.V. Gogol.