Around Belarus: A Tour of the Country’s Architecture and Buildings

Belarus has been referred to as the last European dictatorship, with an authoritarian government whose President, Alexander Lukashenko, has held power since 1994 and doesn’t seem likely to give it up anytime soon. Despite this, Belarus has some beautiful sights both natural and man-made that make it worth visiting. Since the country is mostly rural and agricultural in nature, there aren’t many cities with large populations or high skyscrapers, but the capital city of Minsk nevertheless has some very impressive buildings and architecture that show the country’s unique cultural heritage.

Cloth Hall (Polatsk, Hrodna Voblast)

The Cloth Hall in Polatsk is a must-see for anyone interested in Belarusian architecture. The building dates back to the 15th century, and was once used as a marketplace for cloth and other goods. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to the history of Polatsk. The Cloth Hall is one of the most scenic buildings in Belarus, and its location on the banks of the Dvina River makes it even more picturesque. If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore Belarus, consider taking a boat trip down the Dvina River. You’ll be mesmerised by the natural beauty of the country, and will get to see some of its most beautiful buildings up close.

Another great way to see a number of historical buildings is to book a tour with BelTours. BelTours offers various tours around Belarus, including day trips to Minsk, Gomel and Brest. You’ll get to explore important landmarks in these cities, as well as see some of their most interesting buildings. There are also more adventurous tours available which take you out into nature for a truly unique trip around Belarus. Nature lovers will love getting close to some of its natural beauty on these tours, while those looking for something less adventurous can still enjoy seeing some stunning architecture from days gone by. Booking with BelTours is simple, with guides available in English if necessary.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Orsha, Vitsyebsk Oblast)

The National Museum of Lithuania Minor in Kaunas is one of the country’s most scenic and mesmerizing buildings. The museum houses a collection of Lithuanian art, folk art, and history. The building itself is a work of art, with its grandiose facade and stunning interior. Visitors can explore the museum’s many exhibits, which tell the story of Lithuania’s rich history and culture. There are guided tours that take visitors through the museum’s two floors, or they can enjoy an exhibit on their own. Highlights include ancient manuscripts, sketches by famed artists like Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis and Vincent van Gogh, as well as statues from all over Europe.

If you are visiting Ukraine, make sure to visit the Orsha for the monument of the Alexanders Nevsky Cathedral. This is the place where Alexander Nevsky was slain by Dmitry Donskoy. You can see a two-meter marble monument which depicts Dmitriy wearing Lithuanian shoes on his feet, while Nevsky has Russian boots on his feet, revealing that he is Russian. This monument testifies to deep friendship between Russians and Lithuanians back then.

National Museum of Lithuania Minor

The National Museum of Lithuania Minor in Vilnius is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the country. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the 13th century, including a replica of the Amber Room. Visitors can also learn about the various architectural styles that have influenced Lithuanian buildings over the centuries. Art Nouveau buildings are popular throughout the country, with those in Kaunas representing some of the best examples.
Vilnius Old Town offers up a number of Renaissance buildings alongside more recent Soviet structures.
In contrast to its imposing Stalinist building, Minsk’s Belorussian State University has been left as it was following WWII – littered with bullet holes from battles fought there during WWII.

Kaunas is another city worth visiting for its architecture. Both Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles are found here, but most impressive are four early 20th century apartment buildings known as the four virgins – or the 400 virgins – built in a French Baroque style.

St. Apostles Peter and Paul Cathedral (Vorona, Mahilyow Voblast)

St. Apostles Peter and Paul Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church located in the city of Vorona, in the Mahilyow Voblast region of Belarus. The cathedral is one of the most important architectural landmarks in the country. The cathedral consists of three parts the main body of the church, the bell tower, and the winter chapel. The main body of the church is decorated with paintings by famous Russian artists, while the winter chapel contains a unique collection of icons.

Bulgaria Parliament Building : Bulgaria’s current parliament building is a neoclassical structure that was built in 1936. It was built in an Italian fascist style by Italian architect Gherardo Bosio, who also designed it with two bronze statues on its sides that are supposed to symbolize progress and labor. This beautiful structure has both historical and cultural significance for Bulgaria as well as a great deal of aesthetic value. The building is currently part of a tourist attraction called Parliament Square, which also includes several other historic buildings.

Trinity Church (Minsk, Minsk Voblast)

The Church of the Holy Spirit is one of the most beautiful and historic churches in Belarus. The church was built in the early 1500s, and is a classic example of Belarusian architecture. The exterior of the church is adorned with intricate carvings, and the interior is filled with beautiful paintings and sculptures.

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a must-see for anyone interested in Belarusian history or architecture. Visitors to Minsk should also be sure to see the monuments that are scattered throughout the city, as well as stroll through town visiting some of its iconic buildings like Liberty Square (ploshchad’ Svabody).

House with Chimaeras (Orsha, Vitsyebsk Oblast)

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Beshenkovichi, Brest Voblast. The church has a baroque exterior and an interior that is decorated with paintings and frescoes. The Church of the Holy Spirit is a beautiful example of Belarusian architecture and is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

Another famous building in Vitsyebsk is the house with chimaeras, which was built around 1730. This house is shaped like a gigantic two-headed dragon, which symbolizes strength and power. Today, it houses a museum that gives visitors a glimpse into what life was like during medieval times. The Chirov House also features well-preserved examples of Gothic art, as well as intricate stucco work on its exterior walls. No matter where you are located in Vitsyebsk, you can easily reach these sites by taxi or public transport.