Mozyr

The town is located in the southern part of Belarus 133 kilometers away from Grodno. A railway station situated 7 kilometers away from Mozyr connects the town with Kainkovichi and Ovruch, and motorways link it with Gomel, Bobruisk and Ovruch. Mozyr is Belarus’ largest river port. In addition, there is an airport in the town.

The town was first mentioned in chronicles in 1155 when Prince of Kyiv Yuri Dolgoruki annexed it to Chernihiv district. In the middle of the 14^th century Mozyr became part of the Great Principality of Lithuania. It survived several sieges organized by Crimean Tartars.

On January 28, 1577, king Stephan Batory granted Mozyr Magdebourg Right (the right to self-government).

During the Great Patriotic War Mozyr was occupied by fascists who founded here a death camp. Over one thousand local residents were driven to Germany for backbreaking labor. The town was liberated on January 14, 1944.

Most of the town’s old buildings were destroyed in the war. The only monuments of ancient architecture that survived to the present day are the Bernardine Monastery (1645), the Cisterian Monastery (1745) and the gymnasium (late 19^th century).

Mozyr has a rich cultural life. In 1949 there opened a museum of local history, culture and lore. There is a drama theatre, a museum of crafts, an exhibition hall, six culture clubs, 38 libraries and 24 amateur bands in Mozyr.

Every autumn rock music fans gather in Mozyr to take part in an international rock festival. In addition, the town annually hosts an international song and dance festival.

A nature reserve called Mozyr Ravines is situated in Mozyr outskirts. The reserve may soon have a new attraction — the residence of Ded Moroz (the Slavic Santa Claus).

A restored copy of the old Mozyr castle that once stood on the Castle Hill hosts regularly hosts various fests and other interesting events.

A sports center located hear Mozyr has a ski track, and tobogganing track, a hockey facility, mini-football ground and two tennis grounds.

In addition, there soon will be built several hostels, a facility for sports games and an amusement park.

Mozyr festival takes place every September. The town has several hotels — Pripyat, Ellada, Dinamo, and Euro. There are several restaurants, cafes and bars in Mozyr.

The local amusement center called CITY has a restaurant, a billiards club, a gambling hall and Number One night club.

• Tourism
  • Tourfirms
• Accomodation
  • Hotels
• Architecture
  • Castles and fortresses
• Food
• Nature
  • National parks and preserves
  • Reserves