Volkovysk

Introduction

Volkovysk is one of the oldest towns in Belarus. In 2005 it celebrated the 1000^th anniversary. Today Volkovysk is characterized by a unique combination of ancient monuments of architecture and modern enterprises and dwelling blocks. In 2004 Volkovysk won the honor of hosting Belarus’ annual harvest feast Dozhinki.

Geographic information

Volkovysk is located in Grodno Region on the bank of River Ross 18 km away from the border between Belarus and Poland. Railways connect the town with Baranovichi, Mosty, Berestovitsa, Svisloch and motorways link it with Mosty, Slonim, Ruzhany and Berestovitsa.

History

Volkovysk was first mentioned in Turov Chronicle in 1005. In the 12^th century it became the center of a small principality.

In 1410 the town was captured and burnt down by knights of the Teutonic Order. However, that did not prevent Volkovysk military unit from taking part in the Grunwald Battle the sane year.

In 1430 Prince Vitovt of the Great Principality of Lithuania founded the Cathedral of St Nicholas in Volkovysk.

In 1503 the town received the right to self-government — the so-called Magdebourg Right. Prechistenskaya Church was founded here in 1536, and Jesuit Cathedral was built in 1598.

Many ancient buildings of Volkovysk were destroyed during the war between Russia and Rzech Pospolita (1654-1667).

In autumn 1915 (WWI) the town was occupied by German troops. Later, in February 1919 it was captured by Polish troops and liberated by the Red Army in July 1920.

In September 10 Polish troops again entered the town and annexed it to Poland. Only in 39 Volkovysk became part of the Soviet Republic of Belarus. In January 40 the town got the status of the center of an administrative division (a district).

Famous people

Yanina Zheymo, a famous actress (1909-1987) was born in Volkovysk. Before she became a film star in 1925, she had been known as a jockey, an athlete and a ballerina. Yanina Zheymo played her most famous role — the Cinderella — at the age of 37.

Alexander Dedyushko, also a film star (“The Doll”, “The Thief”), was born in Volkovysk in 1962.

Attractions

One of the main attractions of the town is a mansion (late 18^th cent.) that used to host the staff of outstanding Russian military commander P. Bagration (1812).

Tourists are also delighted to see Waclaw Cathedral (mid-19^th cent.) and St Nicholas’ Church.

Another place of interest is the archeological complex that embraces three hills — the Swedish Hill, the Castle Hill and Muravelnik.

There are ten burial grounds of ancient Lithuanian tribes in Volkovysk District. In addition, there are old silicon mines, craft shops and ruins of settlements that date back to the Stone Age and the Bronze Age near the town of Krasnoselski.

Landmarks

Volkovysk has a museum of military history named after P. Bagration. A monument to the famous commander stands in front of the museum.

Tourist infrastructure

There is a cinema called Yunost, a restaurant called Volkovysk, Rosinka café and Maiskiye Zori canteen.

Accommodation available at Berezka hotel.

Tourist potential

Volkovysk is a perfect destination for travelers interested in excursions, history and sport.

The town boasts of a great motocross track that has hosted several world championships in motorcycling.

Legends and traditions

According to a legend, a prince of Volkovysk was in love with the beautiful Marina, a daughter of a local farmer. Unfortunately, the prince’s castle fell underground, burying Marina under its ruins, and the grief-stricken prince turned into a werewolf.

Another legend says that the Swedish Hill was made by the Swedish troops that were stationed near Volkovysk during the Russian-Swedish War. Each soldier brought a capful of earth to make the hill.

Tours

Gorizont tourist club under the Belarusian State Pedagogical University organizes the following cycling tour: Ivatsevichi-Ruzhany-Volkovysk-Baranovicgi-Polotsk-Mir-Nesvizh-Grodno Region-Baranovichi.

Volkovysk is one of the destinations of the Stone Chronicles of Neman excursion (Grodno-Volkovysk-Gnezno-Zelva-Synkovichi-Solnim-Zhirovichi).

Tourists can also travel around Volkovysk District on their own (by bus, car, motorcycle or on foot).

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