Many travelers are attracted to Belarus. Lida is a provincial city located in the western part of the country, it is also a large industrial center of the Grodno region and a regional center. The village is located in the central part of the Grodno region, at the intersection of railways and highways (Vilnius-Slonim and Minsk-Grodno). From the city to Poland - 120 km, to Lithuania - 35 km, to Vilnius - 100, to Grodno - 110 km. The population of the city is about 99,086 people.
Historical essay
The city of Lida was founded in 1323 on the marshy bank of the river of the same name by the Lithuanian prince Gediminas. This locality developed quite quickly and already in 1590 gained Magdeburg law and the corresponding emblem.
The Russian-Polish and Northern war caused serious damage to Lida. The city was ravaged a couple of times and rebuilt again. After the third division of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (united Poland and Lithuania) in 1795, Lida became part of Russia. Significant industrial growth was observed after the construction of the railway at the end of the 19th century.
sights
Many historical monuments have been preserved here that attract tourists to visit the city of Lida (Belarus). The sights of this settlement are primarily the Holy Cross Exaltation Church (XVII century) and the castle built by the Lithuanian prince. All the other outstanding buildings of the city were founded in our time.
Lida Castle
Lida Castle was built in the XIV-XV centuries by Prince Gediminas. In those days, this settlement was a border town of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was constantly subjected to aggression from neighboring peoples. In those rebellious times, the city badly needed the walls to survive the war and return to a full-fledged peaceful life.
In 1323, the Lithuanian prince ordered the construction of a large stone fortress in order to stop the destructive invasion of enemies. By about 1325, the fortification was completely ready. It stood on a 6-meter-high loose sand hill surrounded by a swampy lowland. The impenetrable walls of the castle were built of brick and stone. At the base, their thickness reached two meters. An artificial lake was located on one side of the fortress, and a deep moat on the other.
After the death of Gediminas, Lida Castle was inherited by Prince Olgerd, and after him - by Jagiel. Later, wars broke out between the heirs of Jagiel.
Over the entire period of its existence, this protective structure has survived many battles and wars. In 1700 it was destroyed by the Swedes. The ruins of the castle survived another battle - in 1794 there was a clash between Russian troops and the rebels of the detachment of Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
In 1891 there was a big fire, as a result of which the whole city burned out. To restore the building, people began to dismantle everything that remains of the already destroyed castle.
Second wind
It is no secret that the city of Lida (Belarus) attracts tourists mainly because of the fortress. The castle was actively restored in 2000. Restoration work was carried out on the basis of historical materials and archaeological excavations. Towers and ramparts, farm buildings and internal structures were recreated. In 2005, chivalrous performances are held here, which have gained popularity in recent years. Near the castle on the banks of a picturesque artificial lake, festivals of medieval and ethnic music are held. And the castle itself is very impressive and attracts more and more tourists to Belarus. Lida certainly deserves the attention of travelers. In addition, the city has something to boast in addition to the ancient fortress.
Shrines of the city
The visit card of Lida can also be called the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, which was built from 1797 to 1825. Before him at this place was a small church. Later, after the expansion of the monastery of public relations, the temple was demolished and the Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph was built here. However, in 1848 it burned down. The shrine was restored in 1863, but since then the temple has already become the Orthodox Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. This temple was built in the form of a rotunda with a hemispherical dome, and near it there is a single-tier bell tower.
From 1866 to 1919, Joseph Koyalovich served in the Cathedral, who was killed by fanatical Roman Catholics. In 1919, the building was re-consecrated to the church, and in 1939 it was completely closed. And only in 1996 the church began to function again.
Planning to visit the city of Lida (Belarus)? The sights of this place are really worth seeing firsthand. It is especially worth highlighting the Church of St. George the Victorious. It was built in the Orthodox cemetery of the XIX century in 1875. The construction is a single-tier bell tower that ends with a poppy. However, not so long ago it was rebuilt into a large church. In the city you can also see the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is considered an architectural monument. It was founded in 1770 in the style of Vilnius Barroco.
Ancient quarters
How many beautiful places Belarus can show you! Lida is a city where the buildings of the late XIX - early XX century were preserved. Such buildings are located in different areas of the city. During World War II, the central part of Lida was badly damaged. However, there are several places where you can see the pre-war buildings.
On Sovetskaya Street (the oldest city street), 4 ancient houses have been preserved, which were erected before the arrival of Polish power. It is especially worth highlighting House No. 31 (1912). Here lived the merchant Gurevich. The structure was built in the form of the letter P in the neoclassical style. Due to the attic roof, it seems quite voluminous. On the sides are two-columned porticos, emphasizing the symmetry of the structure. This mansion is perfectly preserved and is considered an architectural monument of regional significance.
What else to see if you come to the city of Lida? Be sure to look at the house of the German commissioner Hermann Von Hanweg. It was erected in 1935 and is a three-story building. The style of the house is geometrically regular planes, straight window openings, side terraces.
The city also preserved an old house, which belonged to the director of the plow factory. It is a symmetrical two-story composition, underlined by two rezalitami on the sides. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the house has not changed its appearance.
What other beautiful buildings can Lida (Belarus) show? The sights of the city are also house number 23, where the German veterinarian Ranertu lived, and mansions with a complex facade of the early 20th century along Zamkova Street (near the fortress).
The monumental buildings of the Polish time focused on a section of Mickiewicz Street and in the surrounding areas. From this building, the King Hatkevich gymnasium and the post office building should be distinguished.
Where to stay?
The city has very comfortable hotels. Lida (Belarus) offers to stay in such hotels as "Equator", "Lida", "Continent". Tourists also have the opportunity to live in nearby sanatoriums, agricultural estates or rent an apartment. In addition to food and comfortable rooms, hotels offer the following services: correspondence delivery, Internet (Wi-Fi), taxi service, laundry, dry cleaning, etc. The average price of a double room is $ 20. You can reserve a room without any problems by e-mail or by phone. Usually there are empty seats all year round.
Recreation and entertainment
You should definitely visit Belarus. Lida is a place where many interesting events take place. On the city's day, concerts, fairs, theatrical performances, jousting tournaments, festivities and festive fireworks are held here.
The city also hosts Beer Day. The castle hosts amazing animated excursions that will certainly interest both adults and children. In the courtyard of the fortress you can try on knightly armor, shoot from a catapult and bow. In the culture park, children can ride on a variety of attractions. There are several cinemas, bowling, discos. All the most exciting events take place in the city in the summer. To find Lida, you will need a map of Belarus with cities, and forward, towards adventures!
Sporting events
In Lida, excellent conditions for sports are created. There is an ice palace, sports complexes, fitness clubs, a football stadium, swimming pools, shooting ranges, etc. Various sporting events are held every year.
Be sure to come to this wonderful city. Just in case, we will remind you the address: Belarus, Grodno region, Lida.