When planning a trip to one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in Belarus, decide in advance which sights of Vitebsk you would like to see. An experienced guide will offer you unique sightseeing routes and provide a lot of opportunities for an exciting pastime. Or you can develop a cultural program for yourself by learning from our article what to see in Vitebsk. We will tell you about the sights that allow you to feel the atmosphere of this amazing city.
What to see in Vitebsk first of all
Even a short trip to these places will be a bright and unforgettable event if you treat your leisure activities correctly. Tourists planning excursions to Vitebsk include the following attractions in the program:
1. “Slavyansky bazaar in Vitebsk”
The International Festival of Arts “Slavic Bazaar” in Vitebsk Ivan Rudnev / Ivan Rudnev
Even a sophisticated tourist will enjoy visiting the International Art Festival called “Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk”, which is held every year in July. As part of the event, you will have the opportunity to watch a concert on the stage of the Summer Amphitheater or enjoy an enchanting circus show at the city Sports Palace. If you don’t know where to go in Vitebsk in the middle of summer, take a look at the Slavyansky Bazaar.
Official website: https://fest-sbv.by/
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2. Town Hall
A portico with two Marsonika columns has been built at the entrance to the Town Hall
Listing the most striking sights of Vitebsk, it is necessary to mention its Town Hall. This building was erected in the XVI century as a sign that the city received the right to self-government. Since then, it has been rebuilt and restored several times. Today, the town hall tops the rating of the city’s attractions and is its hallmark. Tourists may also be interested in the local history museum located nearby.
Official website: https://ratusha-vit.by
3. Assumption Cathedral
Orthodox church in the center of Vitebsk on the Assumption Mountain
Travelers interested in what to see in Vitebsk can be advised to visit the Holy Dormition Cathedral. This is an amazingly beautiful temple, located on the banks of the Western Dvina River. It is considered one of the most interesting architectural monuments of the Vilna Baroque and dates back to the XVIII century. During Soviet times, the cathedral was destroyed, but then it was restored.
Official website: https://vitprav.by
4. Suvorov Street
Suvorov Street – pedestrian zone for vacationers in Vitebsk Adam Jones
Another historical landmark that Vitebsk guests leave rave reviews about is Suvorov Street. It was built up in the XVIII – XIX centuries, and has hardly changed since then. Here you will definitely feel the atmosphere of the old town.
The street began to form in the XV century and was called Uzgorskaya for almost four hundred years. Then it was renamed the Officer’s and finally named after Suvorov. The street still bears this name today, although during the Soviet Union it was Volodarskaya Street for several years. Here, the past is intricately intertwined with the present, and every tourist will be able to feel its breath.
5. Victory Square
The main monument on Victory Square at night
Describing the most interesting places in Vitebsk, it is impossible to ignore Victory Square, which is one of the largest in Europe. In its central part there is a memorial dedicated to the Soviet soldiers-liberators, where the eternal flame burns. Also on the square you can see the monumental monument “Three Bayonets” dedicated to all those who died during the Great Patriotic War. And next to it there is an alley with military equipment, airplanes and helicopters.
Watch the wonderful views of Vitebsk in this fascinating video!
6. The Resurrection Church
The facade of the Holy Resurrection (Market) Church
If you are going to Vitebsk, do not miss the opportunity to take a look at the Resurrection Church. It is located on the Market Square and is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in the city. The Resurrection Church was built in the XVI century from wood. Then a stone temple was erected in its place, which was destroyed by the Bolsheviks after the revolution. The modern church was built on his model, as a result of which the architectural style of the building can be attributed to the XVIII century.
7. Church of the Annunciation
The recreated Annunciation Church on the left bank of the Western Dvina
Many sights of Vitebsk suffered from the October Revolution. This also applies to the Annunciation Church, which was blown up by the Soviet authorities and existed for several years in the form of ruins. It began to be restored at the end of the twentieth century, and now a new temple stands on this site. But at its foot you can still see the remains of ancient masonry (unpainted bricks). According to experts, these stones are about 8-10 centuries old. And you can touch them with your hand!
8. St. Barbara’s Church
St. Barbara’s Church is a small Catholic cathedral made of red brick
The majestic and grandiose Catholic church of St. Barbara’s Church impresses with its strict beauty, which can be appreciated even by photos. Elements of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Romanesque style were used in its architecture, which made this building a unique work of art. The church was built in the XVIII century next to the Catholic cemetery and was located outside the city. But due to the large influx of parishioners, in the XIX century it was decided to rebuild and expand it. The temple survived the revolution and the Second World War, from which it was seriously damaged. But at the end of the last century it was restored, and today the guides, listing the best sights of Vitebsk, necessarily mention it.
Official website: https://svbarbara.by
9. Yakub Kolas Theatre
View of the Yakub Kolas National State Academic Drama Theater Jurasikt
Fans of culture and art will appreciate the Yakub Kolas Theater, which was opened in 1926, and has not changed much so far. The first performance staged on his stage was “In the Old Days” by I. Ben. The theater is still open today – if you are a fan of Melpomene, be sure to buy a ticket to the performance.
Official website: https://kolastheatre.by
10. Belarusian theater “Lyalka”
The facade of the building of the Belarusian theater “Lyalka” in the city of Vitebsk Vyacheslav Shainurov
Speaking of what to visit in Vitebsk to get the most out of your stay in this city, it is worth mentioning the Lyalka puppet theater. It was founded in 1985 and wonderful performances for audiences of all ages are still staged on its stage. The theater is located on a hill with a beautiful view of the river in the heart of the city.
11. Marc Chagall House Museum
A monument to the artist and an ancient cart in the backyard of the Marc Chagall Paju House Museum
This is a small building located on Pokrovskaya Street, where the famous artist spent his early years. After visiting here, you can find out how the master’s family lived and visit an exhibition of his works. Many guides in Vitebsk organize trips to the Chagall House Museum. And if you come here yourself, book an excursion – otherwise, acquaintance with the attraction will turn out to be incomplete.
Official website: https://chagal-vitebsk.com
12. Museum of the History of the Vitebsk tram
The X-series tram car at the Museum of the tram in Vitebsk Serge Serebro
It is necessary to mention this museum, listing the most original sights of Vitebsk. It is considered one of the “highlights” of the city. It was in Vitebsk that the first tram in Belarus appeared. And it happened at the end of the XIX century. You can learn about how the first trams were built, how they worked after the revolution and during the Second World War, how they develop and function today by visiting the museum.
Official website: https://www.vttu.by
13. Art Museum
Replenishment of the collection of the Art Museum with the works of V. Akulov Yaygeniy Ksyanevich
Continuing the review of the best museums in the city, it is necessary to focus on the Artistic One. It was founded in 1992 as one of the branches of the Museum of Local Lore (located near the Town Hall). It houses paintings by many Russian and Belarusian artists, sculptures and other art objects, regularly hosts various exhibitions, and organizes interesting expositions.
14. I. E. Repin’s Estate Museum “Zdravnevo”
The main building in the museum-estate of I. E. Repin “Zdravnevo”
Tourists who are interested in what to visit in Vitebsk can also recommend the Ilya Repin Museum-estate. It was opened in 1988 on the territory where the artist once lived. The museum complex includes the main manor house, the house of the estate manager with an exhibition hall, a cellar and a garden. Inside the buildings, you can see furniture from the 19th century, household items used by the artist’s family, and his paintings. And plants planted by Repin’s hand are still growing in the garden.
15. Governor’s Palace
The Governor’s Palace among the greenery on the left bank of the Western Dvina HighAley
A real work of architectural art, the Governor’s Palace traces its history back to the XVIII century. This elegant building, consisting of two buildings, was built for the Kudinovich gentry, but then acquired the status of a governor’s residence. If you are primarily interested in the historical sights of Vitebsk, pay attention to it. These walls were seen by many representatives of the nobility (according to rumors, even Napoleon Bonaparte visited here).
Vitebsk sights: what else to visit in Vitebsk
We have already told you about the main attractions so that you know what to see in Vitebsk in 1 day. But, if the time spent in the city is not limited, the excursion program can be expanded. Professional guides usually give tourists recommendations about the following places:
16. The spiritual circle
Dukhovskoy kruglik – exhibition hall and branch of the Vitebsk Cultural Center Youdjin
This is a small round tower erected in 1984 at the site of the excavations of the Upper and Lower castles of Prince Algirdas. It exactly repeats the Spiritual circle, built here by order of the ruler and is directly related to the Spiritual Church. The modern tower consists of five tiers: at the very top there is an observation deck, and below it there is a museum.
Official website: https://www.gck.by
17. Botanical Garden
A picturesque corner of the Botanical Garden
Listing the main sights of Vitebsk, the botanical garden should also be mentioned. It was founded in the XVIII century, which makes it a cultural and historical value. This is a picturesque park located on the right bank of the Vitba River. Here you can see plants from Belarus and other countries of the world.
Official website: https://lions-guides.ru
18. Pushkin Bridge
Panorama of the Pushkin Bridge over the Vitba Alexandrov River
While walking around the city, be sure to take a look at the Pushkin Bridge over the Vitba River. It was built in 1961 and stretches for 28 m. Lovers and newlyweds often walk along it… as well as tourists choosing hotels in Vitebsk on Pushkin and Tolstoy streets, which are connected by this bridge. It is beautiful, picturesque, and offers stunning views.
19. Frunze Park
Vitba River in the Frunze Park Vladimir Zhurov
Continuing the story about what to see in Vitebsk, it is worth mentioning the Frunze Park. Once it was called the Bishop’s, but after the revolution it was renamed. Frunze Park is famous for its beauty. The Vitba River flows through its territory, and the Vitebsk Concert Hall is located in the very center.
20. The Western Dvina River
Summer landscape of the Western Dvina River in Vitebsk
Many historians mention this picturesque river, listing the sights of Belarus. But it has a special significance for the residents of Vitebsk. Once the Varangians and Greeks sailed along the river on ships, later they mined pearls here. The Western Dvina is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country, with a length of 1,000 km. While vacationing in Vitebsk, visit its shores at least once – you will get a lot of vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions.
This is the end of the description of the sights of Vitebsk. We are sure that from the many options offered above, you will be able to choose the ones that you like. Read also about the sights of Grodno and be inspired to travel further around Belarus.
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