General information

In the early 20^th century the town of Zheludok hosted the princely family of Svyatopolk―Cetvertinski, whose ancestor was legendary Prince Ryurik. Their palace suffered great damage during WWI and WWII and was practically ruined by local residents in the past decade.

Geographic information

The town of Zheludok is located in Schuchin District, Grodno Region, 12 km away from Skribovtsy railway station (Mosty-Lida rail line) and 22 km away from Schuchin. P141 motorway connects the town with Belitsa and Rozhanka.

History

Zheludok was first mentioned in the papers of Crusaders in 1385. In 1486 it received the status of a small town, and since 1536 it had regularly hosted commercial operations.

The town used to belong to the noble families of Latski, sapega, Frantskevich, Tizengauz.

In 1795 Zheludok became part of the Russian Empire. From 1921 to 1939 it belonged to Poland, and in 1939 the town and the adjacent territories were annexed to the Soviet Union.

During WWI Zheludok was occupied by fascists from June 27 1941 to July 9 1944. Nazi troops shot over two thousand local residents.

Famous people

Actress Olga Galina-Aleksandrovskaya, who received the title of the People’s Artist of Belarus, was born in Zheludok. Valery Vrublevski, an associate of Kastus kalinovski, who commanded an army of Paris Commune (buried in Paris), was born here, too.

Attractions

The major attraction of Zheludok is the Ascension Cathedral that was built in 1854 (late classicism). The cathedral hosts the crypt of the Tizengauz family.

Landmarks

Zheludok used to be the home of the princely family of Svyatopolk―Chetvertinski. Initially their assets included a park and a cottage, and in 1907 famous Italian architect Marconi built a luxurious two-storey mansion for the princely family (neo-baroque).

Today the dilapidated mansion is the property of the State Security Committee. The descendants of the former owners who reside in the EU are ready to raise funds for restoration, provided Belarus covers 20―30% of the expenses.

Events

Zheludok annually celebrates Dozhinki harvest feast, the New Year and the Victory Day (may 9).

Tourist infrastructure

Accommodation services and meals available in the nearby located town of Schuchin.

Tourist potential

Excursions, traveling by car, exploring history and nature.

Legends

According to a legend, an ancient treasure was discovered in Zheludok in 1915―1916. A local resident found in his garden a ceramic pot full of silver coins. Historian Vasily Lyaskoronski, who obtained two of the coins, said that they both had been minted in the Roman Empire.

Tours

Zheludok is part of several excursions and tours developed by Belarusian travel agencies. For instance, MayakTour travel company has a tour called Masterpieces of the Neman Region (Lida―Murovanka―Ivye―Zheludok―Schuchin).