Voronovo

Introduction

Voronovo is a relatively small town with a long history.

Geographic information

Voronovo is located 227 km away from Minsk and 145 km away from Grodno. The town is just one km away from a cognominal railway station (Lida-Vilnius railway line). M11 highway links Voronovo with Vilnius and Ivatsevichi.

History

Voronovo was first mentioned in chronicles in 1536 as a settlement that belonged to the Great Principality of Lithuania.

In the early 18^th century Voronovo became a piece of private property of A.Masevich, governor of Mstislavl. In 1705 he founded here the Cathedral of St Tadeusz. Later the town was handed over to the noble family of Scipio. One of its members, Ignatius Scipio del Campo opened here a school and a collegium.

In 1795 Voronovo became part of the Russian Empire.

The town was occupied by German troops from 1915 till 1918 (WWI), and from 1919 till 1939 it was part of Poland. After the formation of the Soviet Republic of Belarus Voronovo became the centre of a territorial division (January 15 1940).

From June 1941 till July 1944 Voronovo District was occupied by fascist invaders.

Attractions

Tourists are invited to see a synagogue (early 20^th cent.), the Cathedral of St Simeon and Tadeusz and the Church of St Alexander Nevski.

In addition, Voronovo has a very unusual attraction — a giant rubber plant (height over 6 metres) that is hosted by boiler house No.1.

Famous people

Adam Bernard Mickiewicz, one of the best-known poets and writers of the 19^th century, found his first love in Voronovo. The roots of his family are connected with Voronovo, too.

Many outstanding people were born in Voronovo District, including Vandalin Shukevich (archeologist, ethnographer, folk lore expert, historian, member of Krakow Science Academy), Teodor Narbut (military engineer), Liudwig narbut (associate of Kastus Kalinovski), Haim Hafetz (Judaism activist).

Landmark

The most peculiar characteristic of Voronovo is its multinational population. 83% of the residents of Voronovo District are Poles, while ethnic Belarusians account for 10.5%. In addition, there is a small Lithuanian community in the town of Pelyassy (2.5 hectares, a cathedral and a school). The total number of residents of the district is 32,800.

Events

Voronovo annually celebrates the Victory Day, Kupalle, the Independence Day (July 3), the harvest feast Dozhinki.

Tourist infrastructure

Since Voronovo is situated close to the state border, all guests of the town should have a special entrance permit.

Legend

Adam Mickiewich fell in love with beautiful Marylia Vereschako of local nobility.

Despite the girl was married, he met with her several times near the village of Bolteniki in which she resided with her husband. They stamped a cross on a huge stone in a forest and swore to remember each other during their whole lives. The stone survived to the present day. Many people come here to touch it and make a wish. The stone is believed to help all wishes come true.

Tours

Svyatovit travel agency organizes an excursion to the cathedrals of Lida, Ivye and Voronovo Districts.

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