General information

The town of Beshenkovichi is rich in historic sights. There is a palace where Russian emperors used to stay and an oak by which Napoleon posed for an artist. Beshenkovichi was visited by Peter I, Alexander I and Napoleon.

Geographic data

Beshenkovichi is located 51 km away from Vitebsk on the bank of River Zapadnaya Dvina. The town has a river port. Motorways connect it with Vitebsk, Shumilino, Ulla, Lepel, Chashniki and Senno.

History

Beshenkovichi was founded in the 15^th century as a small settlement. The settlement used to belong to the noble families of Sapega, Oginski and Khreptovichi at various times of history between the 16^th and the 18^th century. Some when in this period the town received Magdebourg Right (the right to self-government).

During the war between Russia and Sweden Beshenkovichi served as a base for Russian troops. Peter I paid several visits to the town at that period. A wooden church was built here in honor of the Russian emperor.

In the middle of the 18^th century the town regularly hosted fairs that gathered 4-5 thousand guests from neighbor towns and villages, as well as from Russia and Poland.

In 1775 Beshenkovichi became the property of Joachim Khreptovich, Chancellor of the Great Principality of Lithuania, who decided to build here a palace. Today the palace is the main attraction of the town.

On July 12 1812 Napoleon and Joachim Murat, King of Naples, arrived in Beshenkovichi. The French emperor spent several days at Khreptovich’s palace.

In 1821 Russian Tsar Alexander I arrived in Beshenkovichi to examine the troops stationed here.

During the Great Patriotic War the town was occupied by fascist invaders who killed over 10,000 local residents. In 1944 Beshenkovichi was liberated by the troops of the first Baltic front.

Famous people

Solomov Yudovin — artist, representative of the Jewish Revival movement

Mikhail Tkachenko — Hero of the Soviet Union

Attractions

The highest building in the town is the Church of St Elijah (mid-19^th cent.).

The oak by which Napoleon posed for an artist can still be found in Beshenkovichi.

Tourists may also take interest in the museum of local history, lore and culture that has a big collection of weapons, jewelry, kitchenware (120 items) and coins. Most of the items are related to the Great Patriotic War.

Landmark

The major attraction of Beshenkovichi is the two-storey Khreptovich palace (late 18^th cent.).

The palace is surrounded by a picturesque park with several alleys and ponds. There is an artificial island in the middle of one of the ponds.

Events

The administration of Beshenkovichi District and VitarTour travel company annually arrange the celebration of Kupalle (the Day of John the Baptist), the Pancake Week and the Potato Feast.

In addition, the Day of Beshenkovichi is marked every year on July 3.

Tourist infrastructure

Accommodation services provided by the local hotel.

Beshenkovichi District is a perfect destination for excursions. The sights of the town might interest both Belarusians who would like to learn more about the history of their Motherland and foreign tourists.

Beshenkovichi District Administration

The Department of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism