10 Best Places to Visit in Belarus

 10 Best Places to Visit in Belarus

As over 40% of the country is forest, expect lush vegetation and picturesque countryside, as well as an abundance of local wildlife including rare European bison.

You can take a trip back in time at the numerous forts and castles in Belarus, as well as keeping up with the more modern side of things in the buzzing capital city of Minsk.

1. Minsk

The capital city of Belarus has a lot to offer visitors. Head to Independence Square which at 7 hectares is one of the largest public squares in all of Europe, and is perfect for an evening stroll to take in the pretty water fountains and dancing lights.

Also not to be missed is Independence Avenue that acts as the main artery of the city, and has cafes, restaurants, and shopping opportunitiess, as well as clubs and music events.

Minsk is also known for its parks and gardens, so don’t miss a trip to the Gorky Central Children’s Park that features fairground rides as well as an observation wheel that provides stunning views over the city. Dive into Belarusian history at the National History Museum, or take in the cultural sights at the National Art Museum.

                  
2. Braslav Lakes

If you want to explore what is left of an ancient glacier then a visit to Braslav Lake Area is something that you can’t miss. There are approximately 300 lakes in the region that are known as the ‘Blue Necklace’ of Belarus due to their azure waters.

       

3. Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park

Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park covers both Belarus and neighbouring Poland, and is a protected area of land as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is famous for its lush landscapes and flora and fauna, the most notable of which is the European Bison, and is one of the few places in the world where these majestic animals can be viewed in their natural habitat.

     

4. Mir Castle

One of the premium attractions in Belarus, Mir Castle lies in the Grodno region and dates from the 16th century. This mighty architectural feat is built in the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, and is heavily surrounded by fortification walls.
The castle offers a spectacular look at some of the best architecture in Belarus, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    

5. Brest Hero Fortress Memorial Complex

A memorial complex erected in the city of Brest that stands on the site of the original fortress, Brest Fortress is dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
The site features conserved parts of the original ruins of the fortress as well as ramparts, and there are also modern art installations including memorial structures that stand on site.

            

6. National Park Pripyatsky

National Park Pripyatsky lies in a valley that is also known as the Belarus Amazon, due to the amazing number of forests and swamps found here. Visitors to the region flock here for the sheer diversity of wildlife present, and photography safaris are a popular activity. There are 51 species of mammals in the park including deer, elk, racoons, and beavers.

                          

7. Polotsk

Known for being the oldest city in Belarus, having first been mentioned in the year 862, Polotsk is a place of significance historical and architectural importance and has a whole host of heritage buildings for visitors to explore.

The Cathedral of Saint Sophia dates from the medieval period and was restored over the years in the Baroque style, and there are several cultural museums of note in the city. For those interested in the rich textile industry in Belarus, there is the Museum of Traditional Weaving, as well as the Museum of Belarusian Printing that has examples of works that date from the 16th century.

                                              
 

8. Grodno

Found on the western border of Belarus, come to the city of Grodno in particular for the Kalozha Church, a nominee as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is still in working order and is a place of worship for Orthodox Christians in Belarus, and is said to have been built in the 12th century.

Other attractions in Grodno include the Old Grodno Castle that is built from local stone and features a stone arch bridge that is still intact.
 
     

9. Dudutki

If you fancy a day trip from Minsk, then head to Dudutki Ethnological Museum Complex to go back in time and take in the history and folklore of Belarus.

10. Nesvizh

The city of Nesvizh is famous for its medieval castle, also known as Nesvizh Castle. The building is a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles, and was completed in the 17th century.

The former home of the Radziwill family, the castle is now open to the public who can explore the building as well as the sprawling gardens that are modelled on traditional English rose gardens.

The castle was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, and from there visitors can move on to Corpus Christi Church, one of the oldest Jesuit churches in the world outside of Italy, that houses the tombs of the Radziwill family.



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