Top 3 Cities in Belarus
Belarus' most beautiful cities
With its fascinating variety of unforgettable travel experiences, Belarus, also known as Belarus, has attracted numerous visitors from all over the world in recent years. From impressive fortresses to charming old towns, the Eastern European country inspires with its unique beauty.
This article invites you to discover our Top 3 cities and sights in Belarus. Experience the world of Belarusian culture and nature as we offer you an insight into the unrivalled diversity of this country - a facet of Europe worth seeing that we would like to bring closer to you.
Good to know
- The "Bela" in Belarus stands for "white"
- The country is landlocked and borders Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Ukraine
- Around 40 % of Belarus is covered by forest
- There are 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belarus
- Inflation in Belarus was over 100% in 2011
- The Belaveshskaya Pushcha National Park is one of the oldest and best protected forest complexes in Europe
Top 3 Cities in Belarus
Minsk
Minsk is the capital of Belarus and the cultural and economic centre of the country. The city has a fascinating mix of modern architecture and Soviet history. Attractions include Independence Boulevard, an impressive street with wide avenues, monuments and government buildings.
The Island of Tears is a heartbreaking memorial dedicated to the victims of the Afghan war. Minsk is also home to the National Art Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artworks from different eras and offers an insight into the creative diversity of the region.
One of Minsk's outstanding architectural landmarks is the Roman Catholic Church of St Simon and St Helena, also known as the Red Church. Lovers of historical sites should also visit the imposing Nesvizh Castle, once the seat of the noble Radziwill family, which is located 120 kilometres southwest of Minsk.
To summarise: the capital Minsk impresses with its modern and Soviet architecture, including the imposing Independence Avenue, the poignant Island of Tears memorial and a lively art scene.
Brest
The historic city of Brest is located in the south-west of Belarus, close to the Polish border. Here, numerous museums and churches provide exciting insights into the cultural heritage.
The Museum of the History of Brest, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Local History tell the story of Brest's development. The living Brest Fortress is dedicated to history and focuses in particular on the events of the war in 1941.
Art and culture flourish in the halls of the Art Museum and the Museum of Rescued Art Treasures. Restored churches such as St. Nicholas and the Cathedral of St. Simeon as well as the charming old town with its cobbled streets and cosy cafés complete the experience of this city.
To summarise: the city of Brest is characterised by its numerous museums, the Brest Fortress and restored churches. This fascinating mix of culture and history gives the city its unmistakable flair.
Vizebsk
The town of Vizebsk, one of the oldest in Belarus, is characterised by its western atmosphere. During a walk, you can admire the town hall, built in 1775, which now serves as a regional history museum and viewing platform.
The riverside promenade runs along the Dvina River, inviting both locals and tourists to enjoy nature and relax on the riverbank. Further on, the Duna flows through the northern part of the country, accompanied by a picturesque landscape of birch, pine and spruce trees, on its way to the Baltic Sea.
This region is also home to the unique Belarusian national park "Braslavski ozera", which impresses with over 30 lakes of exceptional beauty. Also idyllically situated on the banks of the river is the three-storey summer house of the painter Ilya Repin, just a few kilometres outside of Vitebsk. Many of his paintings were created here and the building now serves as a museum
To summarise: Vitebsk, one of the oldest towns in Belarus, not only fascinates visitors with its impressive buildings and sights, but also offers picturesque nature with an inviting riverside promenade.
Conclusion
The Belarusian cities of Minsk, Brest and Vitebsk offer an impressive variety of cultural, historical and architectural treasures. From the modern architecture and moving memorials in Minsk, to the historic fortress and charm of the old town in Brest, to the rich cultural history and picturesque banks of the Dvina River in Vitebsk, Belarus presents a diverse range of unforgettable sights and travel experiences. Each of these cities tells the story and diversity of this fascinating country in its own way.
Curious and ready to get to know the cultural heritage and diverse sights of Belarus?
Find out here about the toll regulations in Belarus to be optimally prepared for your journey.