Sharkovschina

Come to our Apple Feast

Sharkovschina, Vitebsk Region

Introduction

Sharkovschina is located on the bank of River Disna. The town with a 500-year-long history has a lot of places of interest.

Geographic information

Sharkovschina is located on the bank of River Disna 210 km away from Vitebsk and 195 km away from Minsk. Shrarkovschina District borders on the districts of Braslav, Miory, Glubokoye, Postavy.

History

Sharkovschina was first mentioned in chronicles in 1503 as a small settlement that used to belong to the noble family of Zenkovich. Nevertheless, archeologists claim that the settlement might have been founded as early as in the 10^th century.

In various times of history the settlement used to belong to Sapieha, Dombrovski and Lopatinski families, in in 1793 it became part of the Russian Empire.

In 1919 (WWI) Sharkovschina was captured by Polish troop and two years later it was annexed to Poland in accordance with Riga Peace Treaty.

The Soviet regime was established in Sharkovschina in 1939. On January 15 1940 the town became the centre of a territorial unit (a district).

During WWII the town was occupied by German invaders. It was liberated by the troops of the 1^st Baltic Front on July 1 1944.

Famous people

Alexander Buyko (1885-1941) — one of the oldest members of the Communist Party who took part in three revolutions. He entered the party in 1904.

Mikhail Mashara (1902-1976) — poet, writer, public figure, member of the People’s Assembly of Western Belarus.

Attractions

One of the places of interest in Sharkovschina is the wooden Holy Assumption Church (1912) and a stone church built in the late 19^th century.

In addition, there are two mansions (19^th and 20^th cent.) that used to belong to the families of Lopatinski and Fedorovich respectively.

There is a common grave of over 200 Soviet warriors and underground fighters who perished here during the Great Patriotic War (Sharkovschina, Mayakovski St.). An obelisk was installed by the grave in 1960.

Landmarks

The land of Sharkovschina annually celebrates the birthday of her famous son — apple-tree breeder Ivan Sikora. A festival called Apple Feast is organized in the village of Malye Alashki every years in August.

Ivan Sikora created a sort of apple trees that can survive the lowest air temperatures in winter. This sort was named after him — the Memory of Sikora.

Events

Sharkovschina annually celebrates a traditional holiday called Wells on the Eve of June (late may — early June), Kupalle and the Victory Day.

Tourist infrastructure

Guests of the Sharkovschina may stay at a hotel in Sharkovschina (17, Komsomolskaya St., tel.: +375 2154 41-400). Daily accommodation fees there range from BYR 14,500 to BYR 19,850.

Meals available at Disna restaurant (Sharkovschina, 8, May 1^st Square).

There is a cinema called Rodina.

Tourist potential

Sharkovschina is a great destination for environmental tourism and active recreation. Fishing, boating available (River Disna).

Tours

Local authorities have elaborated the following cycling tour: Polotsk-Glubokoye-Sharkovschina-Braslav-Polotsk.

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