250 kilometers from Minsk and just 15 kilometers from the Lithuanian border is a small and cozy Braslav. The sights of the city and its environs are an ancient and mysterious ancient settlement, a beautiful church, an old brick mill and, of course, lakes.
History and Heraldry
The city of Braslav with a population of ten thousand people is located in the north of the country. From all sides it is surrounded by forests and picturesque lakes, thanks to which, by the way, Belarus is often called the “blue-eyed”. This ancient city, with its rich history. He had a lot to see and experience in his lifetime.
Already in the IX century, the first settlement was formed here. The first written mention of Braslav dates from 1065. In the XIV century, the city became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and in 1500 received the Magdeburg Law.
XVII and XVIII centuries were difficult for the city and its inhabitants. As a result of numerous wars, Braslav was repeatedly destroyed. In 1795, the city became part of the Russian Empire, and in 1922 it again came under Polish rule. In 1944, Soviet troops ousted the Germans from Braslav and occupied the town.
What interesting can today's visitor Braslav show to a visiting tourist? Sights of the city are not only historical and architectural objects, but also natural monuments.
In addition, the real highlight of this settlement is its coat of arms, which many associate with Masons. On it you can really see the image of the eye in a blue triangle. However, it is a symbol of "divine observation" and in this case protects the city and its inhabitants from various troubles and misfortunes.
Braslav: attractions and interesting places
The city in the Vitebsk region today is an important recreational and tourist center of Belarus. The mild climate, clean air and lakes full of fish attract thousands of vacationers here annually.
What may be interesting for Braslav himself? The attractions that are worth visiting for every tourist are listed below:
- Castle Hillfort;
- Church of the Nativity;
- Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
- water mill early twentieth century;
- Narbut Hospital building;
- museum of local lore;
- Museum of Culture and Traditions;
- Belmont Park;
- healing spring Okmenitsa;
- Old Christian cemetery of the XIX-XX centuries.
Castle Hill - a place of legends and mysteries
On a low 14-meter hill between the Novyata and Drivyaty lakes there is an ancient settlement. Here you can still see the remains of the fortifications of the IX-XII century. With this place is associated the emergence of Braslav itself.
Castle Hill impresses not so much with preserved fragments of earthen ramparts and fortifications as with the stunning views that open from its gentle top. There are small wooden houses-gazebos designed for outdoor recreation.
On the top of the Castle Hill, a memorial block has been established that reports that it was here that Braslav began. Nearby is the grave of a local doctor and philanthropist Stanislav Narbut, indicated by a high obelisk. He built and opened the first public hospital in the city with his own money.
Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary
Immediately beneath the Castle Hill you can see other sights of Braslav. Among them is the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, built in the 1820s.
The sacred building was built in the Neo-Romanesque style, using the technique of alternating red bricks and stone boulders in masonry, traditional for the Baltic region. Inside the temple, a valuable relic is stored - an icon of the Mother of God of Braslav, which is shown to visitors exclusively on holidays.
It is known that during the Nazi occupation of the city by the Germans, the rector of the temple, Mechislav Akreits, was shot. In the 50s the church was turned into a grain warehouse, but two years later it was returned to the parishioners.
Mill and Hospital Narbut
In the historical part of Braslav, several old beautiful buildings have been preserved. One of them is a massive brick and stone water mill . It was built in the early twentieth century, and now serves as a museum.
Another interesting building you can see in the city is the Narbut hospital, which was already discussed above. A talented doctor Stanislav Narbut built a hospital in Braslav that meets all the requirements of European medicine. Within its walls, he conducted dozens of complex operations, saving the lives of both adults and children. The red hospital building is located directly under Castle Hill and is characterized by a restrained, but rather refined brick wall decor. Now this building houses an Orthodox monastery.
Pristine purity and idyll of Braslav lakes
In the story about the tourist sites of the Belarusian city, one cannot fail to mention the reservoirs that surround it. Braslav Lakes is a group of reservoirs and a national park with a total area of 130 square kilometers. A great place to relax and observe wildlife. In total, there are 70 reservoirs of various sizes. The largest of them are Drivyaty, Snudy, Tsno, as well as Lake Strusto. On the shore of the latter, by the way, is located the Okmenitsa spring with healing mineral water.
Braslav lakes attract a large number of tourists and vacationers, especially in the summer. On their banks are modern recreation centers, campsites and cottages, parking for tents. You can enjoy the picturesque panoramas of lakes to the fullest by climbing Mount Mayak, where a wooden observation deck is specially equipped for tourists.
Finally
Braslav is a small town in the northwestern part of Belarus, which is surrounded on all sides by coniferous forests and lakes with crystal clear water. Thanks to these natural resources, it has become a popular resort center.
In the city itself, you must visit several interesting places and attractions. Among them are Castle Hill with the remains of ancient ramparts, the Neo-Romanesque Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, a water mill and the hospital of Stansislav Narbut, a museum of local lore. After exploring all these objects, you can have a wonderful rest on the shore of one of the Braslav lakes.