Introduction

The town of Osveya is located on the shore of a cognominal lake — the second biggest lake in Belarus. The town boasts of numerous historic sights.

Geographic information

Osveya is situated 40 km away from Verkhnedvinsk and 37 km away from Verkhnedvinsk railway station (Polotsk-Daugavpis railway line).

History

Osveya was first mentioned in chronicles in 1503 as a town of the Great Principality of Lithuania.

Since 1695 the town had belonged to Polotsk Region. Osveya regularly hosted fairs that were attended by foreign merchants.

After the first division of Rzech Pospolita in 1772 the town became part of the Russian Empire, and in 1879 it received the status of the centre of an administrative unit.

Waywode of Minsk Jan August Gilzen built here a palace and a cathedral and laid a beautiful park. He also invited a number of Sisters of Charity to Osveya who founded here a charity hospital.

Osveya was officially granted the status of a town in 1938.

During the Great Patriotic War Osveya hosted several cells of the underground anti-fascist movement, including the cell of the unit headed by Petr Masherov.

In 1959 Osveya became part of Verkhnedvinsk District.

Attractions

The main attraction of Osveya is the mansion of the noble family of Shadurski (late 18^th cent., classicism).

Unfortunately, the mansion was ruined in 1914, but the magnificent park that surrounded in survived to the present day.

Another monument of architecture is a charity hospital that was built in 1759.

Landmark

Lake Osveya is the second biggest lake in Belarus. It is rich in fish, such as pikes, breams, pike-perches, carps, burbots. Beavers, water rats, swans and seagulls populate the lake area.

In addition, there are several ancient burial hills near the villages of Chapayevskaya, Uragovo and Sukali that have great archeological value.

Events

Osveya annually celebrates the Victory Day, the Day of the Republic, as well as many other national and international hilidays, such as Kupalle and Christmas.

Infrastructure

Accommodation available at a hotel in Verkhnedvinsk.

Tourist potential

Osveya is a perfect destination for environmental tourism, fishing and historic excursions.

Tours

Tourists are welcome to follow the following travel routes:

Minsk-Glubokoye-Disna-Verkhnedvinsk-Bigosovo-Rositsa-Sarya-Osveya-Minsk;

Postavy-Kamai-Vidzy-Slobodka-Sarya-Osveya-Disna.