Polotsk is the oldest city of the Vitebsk region in Belarus. This city is located on the banks of the Western Dvina River. The first mention of Polotsk dates back to the distant 862.
Historical reference
Now in the city there are only about 90 thousand inhabitants. Once upon a time, 60% of the population were Jewish families. However, times and customs changed. Most of the locals left for permanent residence on the "promised land."
For centuries, the city absorbed the culture of various civilizations. The mentality of the Polovtsy formed the influence of different cultures: Scandinavians, Balts, Russians, Jews. Through the ancient settlement, the river “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed along the river, which affected the development of international relations and the culture of local residents.
Reasons to visit Polotsk
There are many reasons to visit this city, which keeps the imprints of different cultures, peoples, crafts and relationships. The city itself is compact, all the sights of historical and cultural significance are located along the Western Dvina River. That is how Polotsk itself is located . City hotels are few. That is why it is worth worrying about places in them in advance if there is a need to visit Polotsk.
If it happened to be in this town, then it is worthwhile to linger to see with your own eyes the original beauty of Belarus, which has recently been tried in every possible way to crush ice palaces, “stone jungles” of pseudo-parks.
Sights and historical places
In Polotsk, much is different than in other cities of the country. Perhaps it affects its remoteness from the capital or a large number of historically significant places.
- St. Sophia Cathedral is a monument of Byzantine culture. This is the first stone building in Belarus.
- A masterpiece of Slavic culture and the pinnacle of talent of the ancient architect John is the Savior-Efrosinievsky monastery. There are the relics of Euphrosyne of Polotsk - a symbol of the high spirituality of Belarusians.
- Monument to Euphrosyne of Polotsk in the form of an altar cross.
- The Epiphany Monastery is a stronghold of the Belarusian Orthodox culture of previous centuries.
- The architectural complex of the Jesuit Collegium Academy is a place where in the period from the 17th to the 20th century a good education of a European standard could be obtained. Now Polotsk State University is located within these walls.
- The monument to the amazing Belarusian letter “Ў” reminds everyone of the peculiarities of local culture.
- There are monuments in Polotsk to famous fellow countrymen who once lived and worked on the Polotsk land: Francis Skorina, Simeon of Polotsk.
- The shaft of Ivan the Terrible is an earthen fortification during the Livonian War.
- Monument to the soldiers of the Patriotic War of 1812, including the "Red Bridge", reconstructed in 1975.
- Holy Gates with a bell tower - a historical monument.
- Monument to Grand Duke Vseslav Bryachislavovich, who ruled successfully in the period from 1044 to 1101.
- House of Peter the Great. Where he once lived in 1705.
There are many attractions. A day is not enough to inspect them and visit all the museums. Therefore, to get acquainted with the city of Polotsk, hotels are simply necessary. They can relax in comfort.
Hotels of Polotsk
A few hotels in Polotsk offer accommodation prices varied. It all depends on the living conditions, hotel category, location and additional services.
What does Polotsk offer? Hotels, mini-hotels, guest houses, hostels - all these are the places that will present their coziness and comfort to the guests of the city. And friendly and friendly Polovtsy will always prompt the necessary route, give advice in choosing a vacation spot.
The hotel base of the city of Polotsk, as already mentioned, is small:
- Hotel "Dvina".
- Hotel complex "Slavic".
- Guest House "On Zygina".
- Hotel at the Polotsk-Fiberglass factory.
- Hotel "Sail".
- Hostel "Sofia".
- Apartments "On Marinenko".
There are also hotels in the suburbs and the neighboring city of Novopolotsk, however, by Belarusian standards, such remoteness is inappropriate. If you already go to Polotsk, hotels in which you can stay, you need to choose in the city itself. The most popular are Dvina and Sail.
Hotel "Dvina"
Hotel "Dvina" is part of the largest hotel complex "Slavic". The windows of the building offer a gorgeous view of the coast of the Western Dvina and part of the city of Polotsk. Hotel "Dvina" is the oldest post-war building, decorated with bas-reliefs and columns. It opened in December 1954. Of course, during this period the building underwent renovations and reconstruction several times. However, outwardly it did not change.
The room stock of this hotel is 111 rooms of various categories. There are standards, quins, suites, and suites.
Each of these rooms is equipped with everything necessary for relaxation and work. The rooms are equipped with modern appliances and ergonomic furniture. Each has a shower and a bathroom, a fridge and a telephone, a work desk and a TV. Personal hygiene items and a hairdryer are always available in the bathroom. Superior rooms and suites have a dining area with a fully equipped kitchenette.
Breakfast is included in the room rate, which is served in the hotel restaurant until 10 a.m. According to the guests of this hotel, the restaurant at the hotel has good cuisine, which serves national and European dishes.
The Dvina hotel has a sauna, a restaurant, a cafeteria, a hairdresser, a bathhouse. In the courtyard of the hotel complex there are free parking spaces.
Near the hotel there are such attractions as monuments to F. Skorina and S. Polotsky. Nearby is a memorial sign reminding everyone that Polotsk is the geographical center of all of Europe.
"Sail" - the best hotel of the city
The second largest and most popular hotel is the Sail. It is located in the building of a new sports complex in the city center. There is a base for training athletes of the highest qualification in rowing. The intricate building resembles a ship. It consists of 3 blocks of various heights and sizes. The Parus Hotel (Polotsk) is part of the rowing center system. Guests can use all the halls located in the building: sauna, gyms, games room, pool, bathhouse. The hotel offers fitness, yoga, strip plastic services.
The hotel is designed for simultaneous accommodation of 100 people. The number base is 59 rooms of various categories and sizes. These are cozy single and double rooms equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay.
Each room has a shower room and a bathroom, where good plumbing is installed. Furniture and appliances are modern. There is free Wi-Fi. Cleaning and linen change are regularly carried out.
The hotel offers a wonderful view: from one side to the Western Dvina, and from the other - to the Holy Protection Church.
For an additional nominal fee, you can use an iron and an electric kettle. No smoking at the hotel.
You can have lunch and a meal in the Volna cafe at the sports complex. Nearby there are restaurants and nightclubs. The warm atmosphere and the friendly attitude of the Parus Hotel staff will delight city guests.