Osipovichi

Introduction

Despite being a relatively young town (135 years old), Osipovichi annually attracts many tourists.

Geographic information

Osipovichi is located on the bank of River Sinyaya (a tributary of the Svisloch) 136 km away from Mogilev and 3 km away from Mogilev-Gomel highway. Railways connect the town with Minsk, Gomel, Mogilev and Baranovichi.

History

Osipovichi was founded on November 17, 1872, when a cognominal railway station was built on Libavo-Romenskaya railway line.

After the economic reform of 1861 that coincided with the further construction of the railway line the town received a great development impetus. In 1890 it ranked third among local railway stations in terms of freight turnover, and in 1896 Osipovichi moved to the second position in the rank.

On October 25 1917 the telegraph office of Osipovichi railway station received a message about the October Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet regime.

In 1924 Osipovichi officially received the status of a town and became the centre of a district.

On June 22 1941 German planes bombed Osipovichi’s railway line, and on June 30 fascist invaders entered the town. By July 2 Osipovichi District had been occupied by Nazis.

During the occupation period (1,093 days) over 62,000 local residents were killed and one-third of the population of the district was transported to Germany. Over 50 villages were destroyed, around 3,000 dwelling homes and 800 public facilities were burned down.

An underground anti-fascist cell was formed in Osipovichi (Rossokha settlement) in July 1941.

On July 30 1943 local underground fighter Fedor Krylovich destroyed four German trains that carried weapons, fuel and tanks to Nazi troops that took part in the battle by Kursk.

Famous people

Osipovichi is the birthplace of two Heroes of the Soviet Union — Z. S.  Gorelik and B. A.  Maystrenko.

Attractions

These include the Svyato Krestovozdvizhenskaya Church (1826), old dwelling homes (early 20^th cent.), a water tower and the administrative facilities of Osipovichi railway station.

Landmark

The landmark of Osipovichi is the railway line that divides the town in two parts. The symbol of the town is a monument to a steam-engine train.

Events

The day of Osipovichi is celebrated in late September. The town also annually marks the Day of the Railway Worker.

Infrastructure

· Hotel of Raiservis unitary enterprise;

· Hotel of Osipovichi Automobile Aggregates Plant;

· Praleska restaurant;

· Yubileyny restaurant;

· Tryavna café;

· Navigator café;

· Piramida café;

· Rodina cinema;

· Park of the 50^th Anniversary of October Revolution;

· Park.

Tourist potential

The lake of Osipovichi is a perfect recreation site for families and groups of friends. The recreation area can accommodate around 25,000 tourists at a time. There is a beach and a picturesque pinewood. There are several recreation centres and health rehabilitation camps for children, too.

Tours

Travelers are invited to follow an excursion route developed by local authorities (Vyazye-Svisloch-Yelizovo) or explore local rivers by boat.

• Accomodation
  • Hotels
• Rehabilitation and recreation
  • Recreation centers
• Architecture
  • Castles and fortresses
  • Museums and art galleries
• Food
• Nature
  • Rivers