Shumilino

The town of nightingales

Shumilino, Vitebsk Region

Introduction

Shumilino is a relatively young town. The lack of historical attractions is fairly well compensated for by marvelous landscapes and crystal clear lakes.

Geographic information

Shumilino is located 40 km away from Vitebsk. Railways connect the town with Vitebsk and Polotsk, and motorways link it with Vitebsk, Polotsk, Beshenkovichi and Gorodok.

History

In the 19^th century Shumilino was a village with as few as 38 residents. However, after the construction of Riga-Orlov railway line in 1886 it grew into a small town, and in 1926 Shumilino became the centre of an administrative unit.

Famous people

Shumilino is the birthplace of several Heroes of the Soviet Union — P. A.  Akutsionok, N. A.  LOskunov, D. M.  Minchugov, N. K.  Spiridonenko.

Attractions

There only monuments of architecture in Shumilino are the railway station (early 20^th cent.) and St Afanasy Church.

Another attraction is the museum of local history, culture and lore (14a, Korotkin St.) founded in 1984. The museum has over 10,000 exhibits, including a mammoth jew, stone tools, footwear and clothes (19-20^th cent.) and numerous items related to the Great Patriotic War, as well as a collection of pictures and other art objects.

Landmark

Shumilino is one of the four “nightingale towns” of Belarus. Each of these towns has a population of 224-270 male nightingale species.

Events

Shumilino biannually hosts a humor festival called Laughing Is No Sin. The town also celebrates national Belarusian holidays every year, such as the Victory Day (May 9) and Kupalle.

Infrastructure

Accommodation available at a local hotel (33, Yubileynaya St., tel.: +375 2130 41-271). The daily accommodation fee there makes BYR 5,890 (no single rooms).

Meals available at the following cafes:

· Metan (28, Yubileynaya St.);

· Blues (28, Leninskaya St.);

· Belorusskoye Bistro (36, Leninskaya St.);

· Klyaksa (10, Korotkin St.).

Tourist potential

Shumilino is a perfect destination for active recreation. Fishing, camping available.

Legends and traditions

The name of the town comes from the Russian word “øóì” — roar. It reminds us of a roaring battle between Napoleon army and local warriors in the years of the Patriotic War (1812).

Tours

Shumilino is a part of the tour called The Golden Ring of Vitebsk Region (Vitebsk-Gorodok-Shumilino-Beshenkovichi-Liozno-Senno).

Tourists are welcome to explore the sights of Shumilino District on their own — the Grand Stone (in the village of Gorki) and numerous picturesque lakes (Shumilino-Gorki-Krivoye Selo-Pyatnitskoye-Ivonino-Staroye Selo).

• Accomodation
  • Hotels
• Nature
  • Rivers