The cozy compact town, planted with pyramidal poplars, is notable for historical sites. Many sights of Brest tell about its military history, so those who are interested in it have a direct route here. We will tell you what to see in Brest, how to spend time with benefits for the mind and body, so that the impressions of the visit remain the most pleasant. It is enough to look at photos of Brest with names and descriptions to understand how many interesting things this city has experienced.
What to see in Brest first of all
It does not look like a traditional European town in the usual sense, although, of course, clean streets, cultured population and developed infrastructure are impressive. We offer you to get acquainted with the best sights of Brest and make your own impression of this Belarusian border town.
1. Brest Fortress
The facade of the Kholm gate of the Brest Fortress
The place is a legend, the fortress is a hero… What to see in Brest in 1 day if you are passing through the city? Of course, the Brest Fortress. The ruins of fortifications, casemates, a moat and, of course, the memorial itself remind of the war days. I was impressed by the sound design: near the Stella with the Eternal Flame, music sounds, touching, penetrating “to goosebumps”. Competent organization of the exposition, providing easy perception of information. Otherwise, it is a pleasant place, a beautiful well–maintained park.
Official website: https://www.brest-fortress.by
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2. The monument “Courage”
The monument “Courage” is a huge concrete figure of a warrior on the background of a banner
No trip to Brest is complete without visiting the monument. A soldier with a banner is the main compositional element of the Brest fortress. The guides in Brest will tell you how technologically difficult the work on its creation was. Historical excerpts about individual episodes of heroic defense are carved on the back.
Official website: https://www.brest-fortress.by
3. The Thirst Monument
Sculptural composition “Thirst” in the Citadel on the left bank of the Mukhavets River arm
The 13 m long monument depicts an unknown soldier holding a helmet and trying to reach the source. The monument embodies one of the dramatic moments of defense – an acute shortage of water. The sculptor managed to convey the whole tragedy of the situation, the desperate need of the Brest soldiers. In 2004, the monument was restored by volunteers and concerned citizens.
Official website: https://www.brest-fortress.by
4. Brest Fortress Defense Museum
The 6th hall dedicated to the battles for the citadel in the Museum of Defense of the Brest fortress Christian Ganzer
There was a defensive barracks in the Brest fortress, part of which miraculously survived. Today, this place is equipped with a museum, at the exhibitions of which tourists can see personal belongings, photographs, documentary materials telling about the course of the defense. On the 2nd floor there is the main exhibition, located in 10 halls.
Official website: https://brest-fortress.by
5. St. Nicholas Garrison Cathedral
St. Nicholas Garrison Cathedral in the Brest Fortress at sunset
The cathedral on the territory of the legendary memorial was conceived as a garrison church. It was heavily destroyed during the war, restored at the beginning of the last century and receives believers. Be sure to enter and see the interior. The interior of the temple is very unusually cleaned, as restoration work continues in some places. A seven-tiered censer with 12 icons deserves special attention.
Official website: https://forts.by
6. The 5th Fort Museum
The 5th Fort Museum is one of the advanced fortifications of the Brest-Litovsk Fortress
Preserved since its construction in its original form, the museum is a landmark of Brest. The tour is emotionally impressive: the stories about the heroism of people and their difficult lives during the war are so “alive”. The exposition of military equipment in the courtyard of the museum is interesting.
Official website: https://www.brest-fortress.by
7. The archaeological exposition “Berestye”
The remains of buildings of the XIII century in the archaeological museum “Berestye”
The remains of the ancient settlement, from which the construction of Brest began, are the property of the country. When going on a trip, be sure to plan a visit here. From above, it is interesting to consider the excavation site with streets and wooden buildings of ancient Birch bark, household items and ornaments of the ancient Slavs.
Official website: https://berestje .brest.museum.by
8. Brest Millennium Monument
Pedestrian street in the city center with the monument of the Millennium of Brest
We will advise you what to see in Brest for those who are interested in the history of the city. The spectacular complex embodies the collective image of the townspeople and is represented by sculptures of prominent historical figures. The location on a pedestrian street in the center makes it a very visited place.
9. Sovetskaya Street
Lanterns and flower beds on Sovetskaya Street
Pedestrian street in the center of Brest. It was engulfed in fire more than once, then it was restored. Cafes, restaurants, and shops are located here. It is interesting to observe the ceremony of lighting and extinguishing lanterns by a lamplighter. Some recommendations relate to visiting the fraternal church located at the beginning of the street.
10. Trinity Church in Chernavchitsy
Holy Trinity Church with bell tower in Chernavchitsy Renessaince
Let’s tell you what to visit in Brest for connoisseurs of decent architecture. This church is a vivid representative of the architectural mix of Renaissance and Gothic styles. The temple was conceived not only as a religious, but also a defensive structure, as evidenced by narrow loopholes, massive walls and a high bell tower, which served as an excellent observation tower. The current Catholic Church.
11. Winter garden
The ripening fruits of lemons in the subtropical zone of the Winter Garden in Brest
The building, crowned with a dome, combines a greenhouse and a classroom. The garden is divided into 3 climatic zones – tropics, subtropics, desert. The entrance to the greenhouse is accessible to everyone, the study rooms are designed for students studying the subject in practice. Due to the number of guests, hotels in Brest never remain empty.
Official website: https://www.brsu.by
12. Railway station building
The station building and railway tracks at Brest Central Railway Station
Once it was a whole castle, built in a medieval manner. Parquet floors, arches, and a remote location from the hustle and bustle set up a romantic mood. In 1915, retreating, the Russian troops destroyed this beauty. The building was restored after 14 years, naturally, with the loss of its former greatness. Today, a comfortable atmosphere for passengers has been created here.
13. Railway Museum
The exposition at the Brest Railway Museum alinco_fan
An interesting collection of railway equipment is presented near the Brest Fortress. Reviews mention the possibility of access to the cabins of some steam locomotives. Despite the power of modern technology, the greatness of steam engines is truly impressive.
Official website: https://brest.rw.by
14. The Museum “Saved art treasures”
The exhibit of the museum “Saved art treasures” Unknown
This museum is called the Brest Louvre. In addition to paintings by famous artists (Vrubel, Aivazovsky, Leger), there are talented paintings by less famous masters. In addition to the collection of paintings, the museum exhibits antique furniture. An interesting fact: all the items of the exhibition were confiscated by customs officers when trying to illegally export them abroad, although it remains unclear how they could have tried to smuggle such a size without proper documents.
Official website: https://values .brest.museum.by
15. Museum of the History of the city of Brest
The Museum of the history of the city of Brest is located in a mansion of the beginning of the XX century
The museum was established at the end of the last century. The main place in the reviews is given to a map of Brest depicting the chronological development of the city. The visitors are presented with 4 halls on 2 floors, each dedicated to the history of a separate period. Models of Bernardine monasteries and other archaeological finds are also interesting.
Official website: https://history .brest.museum.by
16. Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
An architectural monument, the oldest of the Brest churches. The Catholic church is a laconic rectangular structure, modestly decorated. The building’s severity is given by a triangular pediment with towers and a rectangular porch. Many people come here to venerate the shrine – the miraculous icon of the Mother of God.
17. Brest Regional Museum of Local Lore
Compact at the end of the XIX-beginning of the XX century. in the Museum of local lore Unknown
Some excursions in Brest offer guests of the city to visit the exposition of this relatively young museum. His extensive collection of 160 thousand exhibits is interesting. By the way, most of the above museums are affiliated with this institution. The expositions tell about the history of the region and its natural resources.
Official website: https://brokm.by
18. St. Nicholas Fraternal Church
St. Nicholas Fraternal Church on a sunny summer day
The striking building in the Russian-Byzantine style is visible from afar. The bright exterior design is not inferior to the interior decoration. The interior is lavishly decorated with murals, the three-tiered iconostasis is beautifully made of wood. Believers come here to venerate the relics of saints and part of the Tree of the Life-Giving Cross of Christ.
Official website: https://stnikolas.hram.by
19. St. Simeon’s Cathedral
The five-domed Orthodox Brest St. Simeon Cathedral in the Russian-Byzantine style
The main Orthodox church of the city with a high attendance rating was built in the second half of the XIX century. It is decorated without unnecessary pomp, in white and green tones. The relics of the saints are kept in it. An interesting fact: 5 gilded domes were donated by the mayor of Moscow. Thanks to the accent lighting, the cathedral looks especially beautiful in the evening.
Official website: https://soborbrest.by
20. Holy Resurrection Cathedral
Holy Resurrection Cathedral with a free-standing bell tower of the temple
This is perhaps the most majestic temple in Brest, 41 m high without a cross. It is impossible not to notice him when entering the city. It consists of an upper and lower building, with a bell tower located separately. The interior is decorated with modern frescoes. The temple is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Official website: https://voskresenskiy.by
Brest sights: what else to visit in Brest?
Not all the objects here tell about the war. Let’s list the main sights of Brest briefly, which were not directly related to military operations and were created, rather, for the soul.
21. Belovezhskaya Pushcha
Magnificent natural landscape of Belovezhskaya Pushcha
An absolute landmark of Belarus, its pride. An independent walk will not impress much, but a guided tour will give interesting information about the history of the forest, vegetation and animals that live here in aviaries and in nature. In the museum you can see stuffed representatives of the local fauna. Only here there is an opportunity to enjoy the view of the relict forest, preserved untouched by civilization.
Official website: https://npbp.by
22. Brest Academic Drama Theatre
Entrance to the Brest Academic Drama Theater named after Lenin Komsomol of Belarus Gleb “Static” Timoshuk
The theater, located in the city center, has its own symphony orchestra and is known for original productions of famous works. Live acting, talented directors, unbroken plots and a wide panorama of genres contribute to the growth of popularity. Musicians and singers often perform here.
Official website: https://bresttheatre.info
23. Alley of forged lanterns
Forged Lantern Treble Clef User:Oleg Kosovtsev
There are interesting places in Brest that have nothing to do with military history. Opened in 2013, the alley has 30 wrought-iron lanterns. Some depict the heroes of famous works, others were commissioned by investors who sponsored the creation of the alley. Further replenishment of the collection with thematic objects is expected.
24. Nemtsevich Manor
Modern view of the Nemtsevich Palace – historical and memorial museum “Nemtsevich Manor” Begez2014
It is located near Brest, in the village of Skoki. The 18th century manor is its landmark. The exposition of the historical and memorial complex of the same name on the territory of the estate tells about the interesting and difficult fate of this family today. This is the only ancient building of a secular format that can be seen in the vicinity of the city.
Official website: https://nemtsevichi.by
25. Brest Park of Culture and Recreation
Upper lake in the Brest Park of culture and recreation Yogi555
The original area of the park, opened in the early twentieth century, has increased over the years from 4 to 20 hectares. This is a comfortable, well-groomed place for citizens and guests of the city to relax with attractions, cafes, shops. There are many trees, there is a mini zoo, you can ride a donkey or a horse.
Official website: https://brestpark.by
And although Brest is not an object of tourist dreams, everyone who has been here takes with them pleasant impressions of it. Read also about the sights of Vitebsk and be inspired to travel further around Belarus.
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