Braslav is one of the most ancient settlements of Belarus. The small town is part of the Vitebsk region. The historical sights of Braslav are striking in their architectural grandeur, the splendor of ensembles and graceful beauty. Many travelers come here every year, because here all the necessary infrastructure is provided for this. But Braslav is rich not only in historical and cultural objects. The city is famous for its charming nature. It has a huge number of lakes. There are so many of them that it seems as if Braslav is located on an island. But actually it is not so at all. The village is incredibly beautiful, and its history is equally amazing.
Historical chronicle
Before exploring the sights of Braslav, it is important to familiarize yourself with the history of the city. In the IX century, on the site of Braslav there was a settlement of Krivichs and Latgals. Subsequently, it turned into the center of the village. Various historical chronicles indicate that the name of the city was first mentioned in 1065. Then it sounded like Bryachislav and Bryachislavl - according to the name of the Prince of Polotsk, whose name was Bryachislav Izyaslavich.
In the XIV century, the sights of Braslav and, accordingly, the city itself are part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. First, it was owned by Prince Gediminas, and then his heir Yavnut. In the fall of 1500, Braslav was granted Magdeburg Law, which Sigismund I confirmed 14 years later. During the XVII-XVIII centuries, numerous military operations were carried out on the territory of the settlement. As a result, the city was badly damaged and even several times was completely destroyed.
In 1918, the city was occupied by Kaiser troops, and from 1922 to 1939 it was part of Poland. In 1939, Braslav became part of the Byelorussian SSR. Today the city is listed as an independent Republic of Belarus.
One of the best lakes
Explore the sights of Braslav best with objects created by nature. One of them is Strusto Lake. There is a reservoir near the city and is part of the Braslav Lakes National Park. Not only residents of the city come here to rest, but also tourists.
Strusto Lake is rightly called the pearl of the park. This is one of the largest and most beautiful reservoirs in the Braslav group. The area of ​​Strusto is 13 km 2 , and its length exceeds six kilometers. There are several islands on the pond. Glory to the lake brought its fish resources. Tourists love the pristine nature of this place and the stunning views that open from here. If you want to enjoy peace and tranquility, then Lake Strusno is an ideal place for this.
Catholic Church on Castle Hill
Braslav (Belarus), the attractions of which are described in our review, is known in the CIS countries as a city with many churches belonging to different faiths. The Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of these temples. This architectural monument was erected in 1824, and in 1897 it was expanded and rebuilt in accordance with the Neo-Romanesque style.
An interesting fact about this attraction is that the first Catholic church was mentioned in the XV century. It was a wooden cathedral located on Castle Hill. But the church was regularly destroyed and rebuilt, and in 1794 it was completely burned to the ground. A new stone church was built just in 1824.
They decided to rebuild the building of the Catholic Church because it was too small to accommodate all parishioners on its territory. That is why at the end of the XIX century the religious building was enlarged and expanded.
During the Soviet Union, the church was closed and even once converted into a warehouse for storing grain. But thanks to the parishioners, the cathedral still managed to be defended, and today it is used for its intended purpose.
An interesting fact about Braslaw
The city has a hospital building, the history of which is directly related to Dr. Stanislav Narbut. The city of Braslav in Belarus has always been considered one of the centers in which medical services are best developed in the country. The hospital, which was mentioned above, at one time was one of the best.
Of interest is the obelisk monument erected in honor of Narbut, and the medical institution, and, in fact, the person of this gentleman. The white obelisk, equipped with a lantern, is installed on the peak of Castle Hill. In the history of the city, Stanislav Narbut played a peculiar and vibrant role. This man was known as a talented doctor and an active public figure. The hospital, called Narbutovskaya, was erected only thanks to him.
The hospital building has an intricate architecture. One-story building erected from red bricks and placed on a foundation erected from ashlar. The appearance of the hospital is equated with fortresses: in the center of the main facade there is a portal with a gable shield. It is decorated with small tetrahedral turrets. Today this building is not exploited. But tourists come here to admire its architecture and visit the famous doctor’s apartment next door.
Romantic Park
The city of Braslav, whose attractions cause considerable interest among travelers, is also the place where the most beautiful parks in the world are located. Belmont Manor Park was built at the end of the 18th century and is the largest in the country, among those belonging to the period of Romanticism. The Belmont area reaches nearly 65 hectares. In the vicinity of the object is a chapel dating from the 19th century. There are many exotic plants growing in the park.
Other attractions
Braslav (attractions, history are described in the article) can boast of a number of objects that deserve to be told at least if not visited. So, there is a spring in the city of Okmenitsa - a healing source that people have known about since the foundation of the village. Pure sodium chloride water flows from the source.
The Museum of Local Lore is an interesting institution with six exhibition halls.
Of interest is the village of Moskovische, which is the archaeological heritage of the city and is a settlement dating back to the 17th century.