We visit Polotsk - the oldest city in Belarus

Hi Steemit people ツ Today I will tell you about my hometown.

The oldest city on the territory of the Republic of Belarus is the city of Polotsk - built on one of the routes of the famous trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", on the way of which the Polota River flows into the Western Dvina River. Polotsk along with Kiev and Novgorod is also one of the oldest cities that are located on the Slavic lands. In history, Polotsk was first mentioned in the "Tale of Bygone Years" with a mark of 862 under the names Poltesk, Polotsk, Polotsk.

In the Middle Ages, according to historical data, the city of Polotsk was one of the largest cities that were part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (GDL). The city of Polotsk survived many wars and attacks, frequent changes of power and all this because of its advantageous trading location. The final period of prosperity and wealth in the city of Polotse came after the end of the Livonian War, during which the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible was able to capture the city. But despite everything that this city has experienced, today it still has noteworthy sights, so I suggest you do not go into the historical details, but look at everything with your own eyes.

The main attraction of the city is - Polotsk Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral in the city of Polotsk is one of the oldest stone structures erected on the territory of the Republic of Belarus between 1030-1060, after the construction of the Novgorod and Kiev Sophia's Councils and is the symbol of the adoption of the Polotsk by Christianity.

Approximately in 1710 the Polotsk Sophia Cathedral was blown up by the Russian Tsar Peter I, but already in the 18th century it was restored in the style of the Venetian Baroque. Now inside the Polotsk Sophia Cathedral there is a museum that is regularly visited by visiting tourists, and if you are lucky, then perhaps you can get to a concert or organ music festival inside the cathedral.

Opposite the cathedral itself, more precisely below the Western Dvina river flows, which can be seen from the shore near the St. Sophia Cathedral.

View from the shore near the St. Sophia Cathedral - along the river Zapadnaya Dvina a barge loaded with sand floats.

Borisov stone near the St. Sophia Cathedral

As history knows, to date only four such stones have survived, one of which was found near the village of Podkastel'tsy, which is five kilometers from Polotsk and was set opposite the Sofia Cathedral. According to one of the versions, these stones served as a designation of trade routes.

The building of the Polotsk Jesuit College

The Polotsk Jesuit Collegium was founded in 1580 by the decree of Stefan Batory, and in 1812 was transformed into the Jesuit Academy. To date, the Polotsk State University is located in the building of the Polotsk Jesuit Collegium.

Polotsk Museum of Local Lore - Lutheran Church of the XIX-XX centuries

The museum works to this day, as well as from the day of its opening in 1926.

Spaso-Efrosinjevsky Monastery

The Spaso-Efrosinjevsky Monastery is also one of the main sights of the city, He is regularly visited by pilgrims, he is also considered the center of the spiritual life of the city.

If you come closer, you will see a sign on which it is written that here you can go through the registration process as a pilgrim (ordinary tourists do not need to register).

Geographic center of Europe

In the place indicated on the photo is located - the geographical center of Europe, as evidenced by the inscriptions on the monuments themselves. If you have a desire, then you can also purchase a certificate that you visited the geographical center of Europe.

The Cathedral of the Epiphany Cathedral of the XVIII century

Freedom Square

There are several monuments on the Freedom Square, including a recently erected monument dedicated to the war of 1812.

I also advise you to take a walk along the lower street, which is on the road to the St. Sophia Cathedral, where you will also find a lot of interesting things, in particular the very history of Belarus and the city of Polotsk right on the fences.

And here is the view of the city of Polotsk from the left bank of the river Zapadnaya Dvina.

That's basically all I wanted to share with you. In fact, in this article I showed you only a small part of what is available in the city. Therefore, it is easier for you to come to us in this wonderful city on vacation and see everything with your own eyes.