During eleven centuries of its history Polotsk has seen elevations and depressions. In X – XII centuries Polotsk was the capital of the biggest principality in Eastern Europe, a part of Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Russia and Zhemaytiya from 1307 till 1569, for more than two centuries the city was included in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; from the end of XVIII century Polotsk has formed Russia. The city of Polotsk has changed his status many times, beginning with the capital of Polotsk principality it became the city of Vitebskiy region submission. But its historical and spiritual value sets Polotsk in one line with ancient Slavic cities of the same age: Pskov, Novgorod and Smolensk. Fortunately, Polotsk has saved its greatness as a capital and rich heritage.

Nowadays Polotsk is the city of Vitebskiy region submission and district center of sovereign Belarus. It is also the fourth city of Vitebskiy region in population and economic development after Vitebsk, Orsha and Novopolotsk. The population of the city is about 83,000 people called polotchane. More than 70% consider themselves as belarusian and 23% - russian by nationality. More than 40 nationalities and cultures live here. That’s why within the whole historical experience of the city one can see mutual influence of Belarusian, Russian, Baltic, Jewish and Polish elements; contact of different religions namely Orthodoxy and Catholicism.

Euphrosyne of Polotsk is the first belarusian and, according to several sources, western-slavic enlightener. The duchess of Polotsk was the first woman in Rus, who was sainted.

Frantsisk Skorina is a belarusian humanist of the first half of the ÕVI century, academic of medical science, writer, translator, artist, enlightener, first western-slavic printer.

One of the first orthodox defense church - Siant Sophia Cathedral. This monument of architecture was constructed for five building seasons.

Spaso-Euphrosyne monastery makes an impression by its architectural shapes and miraculous escaped wall paintings of XII century.