Polotsk
50 places
Bogoyavlensky Cathedral, Polotsk
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 24
The Bogoyavlensky Cathedral in Polotsk - an 18th century Orthodox church situated on Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street. The building was constructed in the baroque style with classicism elements. During the Soviet period it served as a sports hall. In 2020 its premises housed the relics of Archdeacon Constantine Zhdanov. Previously it belonged to the Bogoilyavlensky male monastery whose extension was designed by architect Jacopo Quarenghi between 1780-1788.
Borisov's Stone in Polotsk
Polotsk, Zamkovaya Street, near Sophia's Cathedral
Borisov Stone is located in Polotsk near Sofiyskiy cathedral on Zamkovaya Street. It was raised from the Western Dvina River in 1981 with a diameter of about 3 meters. There is an inscribed four-sided cross with the inscription "Lord help thy servant Boris" and letters "IHS NIKA". Originally it was situated approximately five kilometers away from the city. The stone belongs to a group of medieval monuments associated with Prince Boris Vseslavich. Due to weathering of feldspar, the text is difficult to read.
Ivan the Terrible's Hill
Polotsk, Ulitsa Evfrosinii Polotskoy I Zamkovyy Dr
Val of Ivan the Terrible - a fragment of fortifications of the Lower Castle in Polotsk. It is an earthen mound with a wooden wall about 600 meters long, up to 30 meters wide at the base. The central part was occupied by a donjon tower. Fortifications date back to the time of the Livonian War and have been partially preserved. The total area of the Lower Castle was approximately 6 hectares.
Great Posad of Polotsk
Polotsk, historic centre at Nizhne-Pokrovskaya street
The Great Posad is situated in the historical center of Polotsk near Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street. It originated in the 12th century and was part of the unfortified area of the medieval city closely linked to its craft and trading life. Important trade routes passed through the Great Posad connecting the Baltic region with the interior lands of Rus. Today this territory is included in the protected historical complex of modern Polotsk.
Upper Polotsk Castle
Полоцк, Замковая гора у Софийского собора
The Upper Castle of Polotsk is situated on Castle Hill near the Sophian Cathedral. This ancient fortification occupied an elevated position at the mouth of the Pola River and was part of the city's defensive system. The castle featured wooden defenses and was an important element of urban development since ancient times. Today its grounds encompass the Sophian Cathedral, which testifies to the rich history of the place.
Geographical Center of Europe in Polotsk
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Ave
Memorial sign "Polotsk - Geographical Center of Europe" is situated on Francisk Skoryna Avenue in Polotsk. It was installed on May 31, 2008 and includes inscription with coordinates (55°30' N, 28°48' E). The composition features a wind rose and a map of Europe depicting Northern Hemisphere. Experts from Belarusian enterprise Belaerokosmogeodeziya and Russian CNIIGeodezii confirmed calculations. The sign marks calculated point rather than natural geodesic benchmark.
Greek-Catholic Church of Saint Paraskeva Polotskaya
Polotsk, Novosyolov St, 70
The Greek-Catholic Church of Saint Paraskeva Polotskaya is located at Novoselov Street, 70 in Polotsk. Built in 1996, it is part of the modern religious architecture of the city and included in the list of architectural attractions of Polotsk. The temple reflects the confessional diversity of Polotsk and belongs to the Greek-Catholic tradition dedicated to Saint Paraskeva Polotskaya.
Polotsk Children's Museum
Polotsk, historic centre
The Polotsk Children's Museum is situated in the historical center of the city. It was opened on May 28, 2004 and became the first institution of its kind in Belarus. The museum offers interactive programs for children utilizing over 650 exhibits from its collection. A distinctive feature is the sculpture "Schoolboy" created by Pavel Voynitskiy on the opening day. The exhibition helps children explore the world through various objects. The artistic concept was developed by Sergey Kletzov.
Pyotr I's Cottage in Polotsk
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 33
Pyotr I's Cottage in Polotsk - historical house of late 17th century associated with Tsar Pyotr I's stay during the Northern War in 1705. After reconstruction of 18th-19th centuries currently it houses a stationary exhibition "Walk along Lower-Pokrovskaya". Previously this building operated as Lev Tolstoy Children's Library. Located on Lower Pokrovskaya Street.
Former Orthodox Theological School Building
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Ave, 10
The former Orthodox theological school building in Polotsk is situated at Francisk Skaryna Avenue, 10. Built in the second half of the XIX century, today it serves as the premises for Polotsk City Executive Committee. It retains its historical appearance from that time and is an architectural monument of Polotsk.
Former Spaso-Eufrosinya Episcopal School Building
Polotsk, Evfrosinii Polotskoy St, 45
The former Spaso-Eufrosinya Episcopal School building is situated on Evfrosinya Polotskaya Street in Polotsk. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it retains historical ties to the monastic ensemble and serves as an educational architecture monument of the city. Currently, it houses Polotsk State Forestry College, continuing the tradition of the educational institution.
St Andrew Boboli Church
Polotsk, Dzerzhinskogo St, 54a
The Church of Saint Andrew Boboli is located in Polotsk on Dzerzhinskogo Street, 54a. This modern religious structure was built in 1997 after the revival of the Catholic parish in September of the same year. The temple is named after martyr Jesuit Andrew Boboli and is part of the official cultural attraction of Polotsk.
Polotsk Red Bridge
Polotsk, bridge over the river Polota
Red Bridge in Polotsk - an automobile road bridge over the Polduta River built in 1975; its name relates to the historical battle between Russian and French troops in October 1812. During reconstruction, decorative elements of the former wooden structure were reproduced. To commemorate events from 1812, a memorial plaque was installed near the bridge. In 1812, Russian troops led by Wittgenstein crossed the bridge entering the city.
Crestovozdvizhensky Cathedral of Polotsk
Polotsk, Evfrosinii Polotskoy St, 89
Crestovozdvizhensky Cathedral in Polotsk is situated on Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya Street. It is one of the main temples of Spaso-Yevfrosininsky Monastery built from 1893 to 1897. Inside the cathedral rest the relics of Saint Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya. It is included in the official list of sacred sites of the city and continues Orthodox traditions of the monastery. Nearby there is an ancient Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church dating back to the 12th century.
Immortality Mound of Polotsk
Polotsk, left bank of the Western Dvina
Memorial Complex Field of Immortality of Polotsk is situated on the left bank of the Western Dvina river in the southern part of the city. It was opened on July 3, 1966 by architect Nikolay Glazunov. In the mound there is soil from brotherly graves of Polotchina and other regions of Belarus, as well as earth from Brest Fortress, Vitebsk and Minsk. There is also an Eternal Flame at the base of the structure about 10 meters high.
Lutheran Church of Polotsk
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 11
The Lutheran Church of Polotsk is situated at Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street, 11. It is an historical building constructed in the neo-gothic style between 1905-1912. It has a rectangular plan with a four-sided apse, pointed portals and window openings on facades. The church arose following the decree on religious tolerance in 1905 and replaced a wooden structure. Since 1924, the building no longer operates as a place of worship.
Museum of Belarusian Printing
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 22
The Belarusian Book Printing Museum is situated in the historical building of the former Bogoyavlensky Monastery at Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street, 22. It was opened on September 8th, 1990 and occupies an exhibition area of 928 sq.m. More than 2500 exhibits covering the history of books from ancient times to present day can be found here. Visitors can explore displays spread over 15 rooms on two floors where the development of writing and writing tools is explained. The Brotherhood School building housing the museum is an architectural monument of the 18th century.
Simonov Library-Museum
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 22
The Simon Polotsk Museum-Library is located in the historical building of the Brotherhood School of the 18th century at Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street, 22. Here there is an exhibition dedicated to the life and works of the enlightener and poet of the 17th century Simon Polotsk, who was also a writer, dramatist and educator. The institution combines the functions of a memorial museum and scientific library, offering a reading room for researchers. It is part of the National Polotsk Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserve.
Polotsk War Glory Museum
Polotsk, historic centre
The Museum of Military Glory of Polotsk is situated in the historical center of the city. It is part of the National Historical-Cultural Reserve and houses a collection of weapons, documents, photographs and military uniforms. Special attention is given to materials about World War II, where visitors' personal stories are compared with the course of military actions. There is also an exhibition dedicated to the liberation of Polotsk in 1944. The museum introduces the military history of the region and belongs to state cultural institutions.
Sofiyskiy Cathedral Architecture History Museum
Polotsk, Zamkovaya St, 1
The Museum of History of Sophia Cathedral is located in the historical center of Polotsk on Zamkovaya Street. Its exhibits include archaeological finds and materials related to the architecture of the cathedral. The museum building is part of the complex of Sophia Cathedral, which after partial destruction in 1710 was reconstructed in the style of Vilnian Baroque in 1738. Visitors learn about the connection between the ancient walls of the cathedral and its current appearance, as well as follow the construction stages of the structure. Also, there is a concert hall for chamber and organ music in the museum.
Zinaida Tusnolobova-Markonchik Apartment-Museum
Polotsk, Voykova St, 1
The Zinaida Tusnolobova-Marchenko Museum-Apartment is situated in Polotsk on Voykov Street. It is a memorial institution within the National Polotsk Historical-Cultural Reserve. Personal belongings, documents and photos of the heroine who participated in World War II are exhibited here. The museum's exhibition tells about her life and heroism, she was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for saving wounded soldiers and displaying bravery.
Peipsi Edz Museum
Polotsk, historic centre
The Museum of Traditional Hand Weaving of Pohozer'e is situated in the historical center of Polotsk. Visitors here learn about local weaving traditions of northeastern Belarus through exhibits showing the connection between patterns and culture and lifestyle of the region. The museum displays ancient tools and weaving techniques, traditional fabrics and products. It is part of the ethnographic collection of the National Polotsk Historical-Cultural Reserve-Museum.
Western Dvina Embankment in Polotsk
Polotsk, bank of Western Dvina at Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street
The Embankment of Western Dvina in Polotsk is part of the public space of the historical city center. It is situated at the point where the river Polota flows into the Western Dvina, where the historical development of Polotsk began. From here you can see the old town's architecture. There are archaeological and architectural monuments related to the ancient settlement and trade. The embankment connects with Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street and leads to the Sophiyskiy Cathedral.
Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St
Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street in Polotsk runs along the historical bank of the Western Dvina. There are Pyotr I's Cottage, printing house museum and Lutheran church here. In 2008 it got back its original name - Velikaya. Nearby there is a monument to twenty-three guardsmen. Formation of the street was linked with regular city planning, while its current shape took form in late XVIII century. Earlier it was called Lenina Street.
Memorial Chapel for Warriors who Served Overseas
Polotsk, historic centre
Chasovnya soldiers-internationalists in Polotsk, opened in 2004, is situated in the historical center of the city. It is designed as a small stylized chapel intended for holding commemorative events and laying flowers in memory of those who died during the Afghan War. This structure is part of memorials related to modern military history of Polotsk and included in the official list of city attractions.
23rd Guards Memorial
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St
The Monument to the 23rd Guardsmen is located in Polotsk on Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street between houses 34 and 38. It honors heroes who died while holding an important section of the Western Dvina bank during the city's liberation in July 1944. Established in 1975, it is part of the city's route dedicated to military achievements.
Memorial to Letter Uumlaut
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Ave
The monument to the letter "U" is located on Francisk Skaryna Avenue in Polotsk. The sculpture depicts an open book cover and honors the 22nd letter of the Belarusian alphabet. It was installed in 2003 by artist Igor Kurzhalov. The monument was restored in 2016 after damage. The opening took place during the festival Belorussian Writing Day.
Wseslaw the Wizard Monument
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St
The monument to Vseslav the Sorcerer was installed in Polotsk on Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street. It was created by architect Dmitry Sokolov and unveiled in 2007. The first horse statue of the prince in Belarus honors Polotsk prince Vseslav Bricslavich who ruled from 1044 to 1101. The monument reflects early history of the Polotsk principality and the period of political rise of the region under Vseslav.
Euphrasia of Polotsk Monument
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Sq
The monument to Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk created by Igor Golubev is installed on Francisk Skaryna Square in Polotsk. It honors princess-abbesses from the 12th century who founded female and male monasteries and was a cultural figure of Polotsk land. Her remembrance day is celebrated annually on June 5. The bronze sculpture was unveiled in 2000.
Monument to Liberators of Polotsk
Polotsk, historic centre
The monument "Liberators of Polotsk" is situated in the historical center of Polotsk city. It was installed in 1981 to commemorate Soviet troops who freed the city from German occupation during World War II. The sculpture was created by artist Genadiy Muromtsev, while architect Vladimir Aladov designed it. The monument is part of the memorial series dedicated to the liberation of Polotsk and constitutes a component of the military era's cultural heritage.
Polotsk — Cradle of Belarusian Statehood Monument
Полоцк, у Софийского собора
Monument "Polotsk - Cradle of Belarusian Statehood" opened in 2017 near the Sophia Cathedral. It symbolizes the historical significance of the Polotsk Principality and its connection to literacy and spirituality of the region. The composition includes images of the Sophia Cathedral, Spaso-Efrosinine Monastery, Efrosini's cross, and figures of historical personalities: Rogvolod, Rogneda, Vseslav the Sorcerer, and Efrosinia of Polotsk. The sculpture was created by Vladimir Pipin.
Simeon Polotsk Monument
Polotsk, historic centre
The monument to Simon Polotsky is located in the historical center of Polotsk and was installed in 2004. Sculptor Alexander Finsky depicted a monk-educator, poet and dramatist who was born in this city in 1629 and later became a tutor to tsar's children in Moscow. Simon Polotsky played an important role in the development of book and theatrical culture in Russia in the 17th century. The monument symbolizes the polotsk tradition of education and literacy.
Francis Skaryna Monument
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Sq
Francisk Skoryna Monument Is Located On His Name Square In Polotsk. The Sculpture Was Installed In 1974 And Created By Artists Aleksey, Igor Glebovy And Andrey Zaspitskiy. Skoryna, Born Around 1490 In Polotsk, Became A Famous First Printer, Physician, Philosopher And Enlightener Who Published Books Of The Old Testament In Church Slavonic Language. The Monument Is Listed As A State Historical-and-Cultural Value Of Belarus. Regular Events Are Held Here Honoring Belarusian Literacy.
War Heroes 1812 Monument-Chapel
Polotsk, historic centre
The monument-chantry dedicated to heroes of the 1812 war is situated in the historical center of Polotsk. It was built in 1850 in memory of battles for the city and recovery after crossing the river Polota. Restored in 2010, it is part of tourist routes commemorating the 1812 war. The architectural project belongs to Antonio Adami and Fixen.
Memorial Sign in Honor of the 4th Shock Army
Polotsk, historic centre
Memorial sign in honor of the 4th Shock Army is located in the historical center of Polotsk. It commemorates the feat of soldiers who liberated the city during World War II. The sign is among the official historical monuments of the city and featured on the official tourist portal.
Freedom Square, Polotsk
Polotsk, Svobody Sq
Freedom Square - the main square of Polotsk's historical center, situated at the start of Francis Skaryna Avenue. It is part of the city's protected area and serves as the beginning point for routes to Sophia Cathedral and Lower Pokrovskaya Street. On its western side previously stood a church and Jesuit college. The architecture of the buildings reflects Polotsk's transition to regular planning of the late 18th century.
Polotsk Railway Station
Polotsk, Zheleznodorozhnogo Vokzala Sq
Polotsk Railway Station opened in 1866 upon launching the Dvina-Vitebsk Railway Line. Over time it became a key transportation hub in northern Belarus, facilitating intense passenger and cargo traffic between Polotsk and other regions of the country. The station played an important role in the city's trade development, serving as one of two railway nodes handling different directions.
Polotsk Jesuit College
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Ave, 2
Polotsk Jesuit College — historical building on Francisk Skaryna Avenue, 2. Founded in 1580 under Stefan Batory. In 1750 a new three-story stone building was constructed. Considered the first higher educational institution on the territory of modern Belarus. There was a school with its own theater. In the 19th century it was transformed into an academy. Today part of the building houses an art gallery.
Polotsk Regional Museum
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 11
Polotsk Regional Museum is situated in the historical part of the city on Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street. The building is executed in neo-gothic style and represents former Lutheran church closed in 1924. Since 1948 it has been a museum within National Historical-Cultural Reserve. The main building features a two-tiered tower on its main facade. The museum's exhibition tells about the history of ancient city and its region.
Polotsk Theatre Pilgrim
Polotsk, Sverdlova St
The "Pilgrim" Theatre in Polotsk is situated on Sverdlova Street. It is a venue for hosting cultural events in the city. Its activities contribute to the development of local stage culture. The name reflects the idea of wandering and exploratory theatrical art. The theatre's ensemble has been awarded the status of honorary amateur ensemble of Belarus. The repertoire predominantly features dramatic productions and stage projects.
Polotsk Fortress and Settlement
Polotsk, Upper Castle area
Polotsk Fortress is situated on an elevation near the Polota River and serves as a fortified center of early Polotsk. Its height is about 13.5 meters. Archaeological layers of the fortress date back to the 8th-9th centuries and relate to the formation of the Polotsk Principality. Unfortified settlements developed nearby. By the 11th century, Polotsk grew into a major socio-economic and cultural hub of the region. The site is included in the tourist route of historical and archaeological monuments of the city.
Polotsk Natural Ecological Museum
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Ave
The Nature and Ecological Museum of Polotsk is situated in an historical water tower built in 1953. The building stands about 32.7 meters tall and retains its original architecture. Inside there are displays on four levels covering approximately 300 square meters, open since 2006. The museum continues to preserve the significance of the tower as an engineering structure.
Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk
Polotsk, Zamkovaya St, 1
Sophian Cathedral in Polotsk is situated on Zamkovaya Street. It is an ancient cathedral church built between 1044 and 1066. The cathedral is known for using a special type of brick called plintha during construction. The current appearance of the building was influenced by Vilnian Baroque style. Inside the cathedral there is an architecture history museum and concert hall. An organ from Rieger-Kloss with 48 registers and over 3 thousand pipes has been installed here.
Spaso-Efrosiniev Monastery
Polotsk, Evfrosinii Polotskoy St, 89
Spaso-Eufrosinievsky Monastery in Polotsk - Orthodox monastery associated with Saint Euphrosinia of Polotsk. It features Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church, Krestovozdvizheny Cathedral and Euphrusinia's "warm" church. The monastery is known for its centers of literacy and spiritual education founded by her. After being closed in 1921, monastic life was revived in the late 20th century. It is one of the oldest Orthodox centers in Belarus and an important historical and cultural monument of the region.
Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church of Polotsk
Polotsk, Evfrosinii Polotskoy St, 89
Spaso-Preobrazhenskaya Church in Polotsk - a unique architectural monument of the 12th century, situated on Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya Street. This fully preserved pre-Mongolian temple was built around 1161 by masters under the guidance of Ioann. Inside the church there are valuable frescoes and a famous reliquary cross created by Lazarem Bogosha in the same year. The temple is the main attraction of Spaso-Yevfrosinevsky Monastery.
Walk Through Lower Pokrovsky Exhibition
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St, 33
The stationary exhibition "Walk through Nizhne-Pokrovskaya" is located at Pyotr I's Little House on Nizhne-Pokrovskaya Street, 33 in Polotsk. It recreates the atmosphere of urban environment from early 20th century, reflecting the history of merchants' and residential houses of the city. Visitors can learn about the old buildings along the street and see it as a sequence of architectural and everyday life scenes. Pyotr I's Little House, an architectural monument from late 17th century, is part of Polotsk's museum reserve.
T-34 Tank at Minsk Ring
Polotsk, Minskoe Tselko
T-34 tank on Minsk Ring in Polotsk - military monument dedicated to Soviet tankers, particularly Halev's crew who entered the city in 1944. The monument symbolizes liberation of Polotsk and associated with Hero of the Soviet Union Lieutenant Vladimir Halev. It is one of the recognizable memorial objects of the city included in the list of historical monuments on the official portal.
Tyoplaya Evfrosinievskaya Church
Polotsk, Evfrosinii Polotskoy St, 89
Warm Eufrosinia Church is situated in Polotsk on Eufrosinia Polotskaya Street. It is part of the historical monastic ensemble including the Krestovozdvizhensky Cathedral and residential buildings. The temple is intended for winter services and associated with Saint Eufrosinia Polotskaya's name. It belongs to Spaso-Eufrosininsky Monastery and is a significant sacred attraction of the city.
Holy Protection Cathedral
Polotsk, Nizhne-Pokrovskaya St
The Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Polotsk was restored after a fire in 1900 and closure in the 1930s by Soviet authorities. Dedicated in 2004, it stands on its original foundation where an earlier wooden church once stood. Initially it was a cemetery chapel of the Bogoyavlensky Monastery, later becoming parish in 1833. The building suffered significant damage in a fire in the 1960s.
Polotsk Art Gallery
Polotsk, Frantsiska Skoriny Ave, 2
The Polotsk Art Gallery is situated in the former Jesuit College buildings on Francisk Skaryna Avenue, 2. It showcases Belarusian visual art of the 20th century as well as secular portrait painting from the 18th century. Since 1985 it has been part of the Polotsk Historical-Cultural Reserve and since 2002 operates within the historical college building. Previously, the gallery was housed in the Bogoyavlensky Cathedral until 1991 and then moved to the Museum of Belarusian Book Printing.
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