Sights of Braslav: description, history and interesting facts

Braslav is one of the oldest settlements in Belarus. A small town is part of the Vitebsk region. The historical sights of Braslav amaze with architectural magnificence, magnificence of ensembles and graceful beauty. Many travelers come here every year, because here all the necessary infrastructure is provided for. But Braslav is rich not only in historical and cultural objects. The city is famous for its charming nature. It has a huge number of lakes. There are so many that it seems that Braslav is on an island. But in fact, this is not so. The settlement is incredibly beautiful, and its history is just as stunning.

Historical Chronicle

Before exploring the sights of Braslav, it is important to get acquainted with the history of the city. In IX century on the place of Braslav there was a settlement of Krivichi and Latgal. Subsequently, it turned into the center of the settlement. Various historical chronicles indicate that for the first time the name of the city is mentioned in 1065. Then it sounded like Bryachislav and Bryachislavl - according to the name of the Polotsk prince, whose name was Bryachislav Izyaslavich.

In the XIV century, the sights of Braslav and, accordingly, the city itself are part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. First it was owned by Prince Gedimin, and then his heir Yavnut. In the autumn of 1500 Braslav was granted Magdeburg right, which 14 years later confirmed Sigismund I. Throughout the 17th-18th centuries numerous military operations were carried out on the territory of the settlement. As a result, the city was badly damaged and even completely destroyed several times.

In 1918, the city was occupied by the Kaiser troops, and from 1922 to 1939 he was part of Poland. In 1939, Braslav became part of the Belarusian SSR. Today the city is a part of the independent Republic of Belarus.

One of the best lakes

To study the sights of Braslav is best from objects created by nature. One of them is Lake Strusto. It is a pond near the city and is a part of the national park "Braslav Lakes". Here on vacation not only residents of the city come, but also tourists.

Lake Strusto is rightly called the pearl of the park. This is one of the largest and most beautiful reservoirs of the Braslav group. The area of Strusto is 13 km ² , and its length exceeds six kilometers. There are several islets on the pond. The glory of the lake was brought by his fish resources. Tourists like the pristine nature of this place and the stunning views that open from here. If you want to enjoy peace and tranquility, Lake Strusno is an ideal place for this.

Catholic temple on Castle Hill

Braslav (Belarus), whose attractions are described in our review, is known in the CIS countries as a city with many churches belonging to different faiths. The Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is one of such temples. This architectural monument was erected in 1824, and in 1897 it was expanded and rebuilt in accordance with the neo-Romanesque style.

An interesting fact about this landmark is that for the first time the Catholic church was mentioned as far back as the 15th century. It was a wooden cathedral located on Castle Hill. But the church was regularly destroyed and rebuilt, and in 1794 it was completely burnt to the ground. A new church made of stone was built in 1824.

Rebuild the building of the Catholic church was decided because it was too small to accommodate all parishioners on its territory. That is why at the end of the XIX century the cult structure was enlarged and expanded.

During the Soviet Union, the church was closed and even once converted into a grain storage warehouse. But thanks to the parishioners the cathedral still managed to be defended, and today it is used for its direct purpose.

Interesting fact about Braslav

In the city there is a hospital building, the history of which has a direct relation to Dr. Stanislaw Narbut. The city of Braslav in Belarus has always been considered one of the centers in which medical care is best developed in the country. The hospital, mentioned above, was one of the best at the time.

Of interest is the monument-obelisk, established in honor of Narbut, and the medical institution, and, in fact, the person of this gentleman. The white obelisk, equipped with a lantern, is set on the peak of the Castle Hill. In the history of the city Stanislav Narbut played a peculiar and bright role. This man was known as a talented doctor and an active public figure. The hospital, called Narbutovskaya, was built only thanks to him.

The building of the hospital is distinguished by its intricate architecture. A one-storey building is built of red bricks and is placed on a foundation erected from a hewn stone. The appearance of the clinic is equated with the fortress forts: in the center of the main facade there is a portal with a gable shield. It is decorated with small tetrahedral turrets. Today this building is not exploited. But tourists come here to admire its architecture and visit the neighboring apartment of the famous doctor.

Park of the Romantic era

The city of Braslav, whose attractions are of great interest to travelers, is also the place where the most beautiful parks in the world are. The Belmont homestead park was built at the end of the 18th century and is the largest in the country, among those belonging to the period of romanticism. The area of "Belmont" reaches almost 65 hectares. In the vicinity of the object is a chapel, dating from the XIX century. Many exotic plants grow on the park's territory.

Other attractions

Braslav (sights, history are described in the article) can boast of a number of objects that deserve to be told about them at least, if not visited. So, there is a well in the city Okmenica spring - a healing spring, which people have known since the beginning of the settlement. The source is pure sodium chloride water.

The Museum of Local Lore is an interesting institution with six exhibition halls.

The village of Moskoviště is also of interest, which is an archaeological site of the city and is a fortification dating back to the 17th century.