Belarus, Lida - attractions

Many travelers are attracted by Belarus. Lida is a provincial city located in the western part of the country, it is also a large industrial center in the Grodno region and a district center. The settlement is located in the central part of Grodno region, at the intersection of railway and automobile routes (Vilnius-Slonim and Minsk-Grodno). From the city to Poland - 120 km, to Lithuania - 35 km, to Vilnius - 100, to Grodno - 110 km. The population of the city is about 99,086 people.

Historical essay

The city of Lida was founded in 1323 on the marshy shore of the river of the same name by the Lithuanian prince Gedimin. This settlement developed quickly enough and already in 1590 won the Magdeburg Law and the corresponding coat of arms.

Serious damage to Lida caused the Russo-Polish and Northern War. The city was ruined a couple of times and rebuilt again. After the third partition of Rzeczpospolita (united Poland and Lithuania) in 1795 Lida became a part of Russia. Significant growth in industry was observed after the construction of the railway at the end of the XIX century.

sights

Many historical monuments have survived here, which attract tourists to visit the city of Lida (Belarus). The sights of this settlement are first of all the Krestovozdvizhensky church (17th century) and the castle built by the Lithuanian prince. Still other outstanding constructions of the city were founded already in our time.

Lida Castle

Lida Castle was built in the XIV-XV centuries by Prince Gedimin. In those days, this settlement was a border town of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and was constantly subjected to aggression from neighboring peoples. In those rebellious times the city badly needed fortress walls to survive the wars and return to a full-fledged peaceful life.

In 1323 the Lithuanian prince ordered to erect a large stone fortress in order to stop the destructive invasions of the enemies. By about 1325 the fortification was completely ready. It stood on a 6-meter massive sandy hill surrounded by a marshy lowland. Inaccessible walls of the castle were built of brick and stone. At the base, their thickness reached two meters. On one side of the fortress was located an artificial lake, and on the other - a deep ditch.

After Gedimin's death, the Lida castle passed into the inheritance of Prince Olgerd, and after it - to Jagiello. Later, for the fortress, wars began between the heirs of Jagiello.

For all of its existence, this protective structure has survived many battles and wars. In 1700 it was destroyed by the Swedes. The ruins of the castle survived another battle - in 1794 there was a clash between the Russian troops and the rebels of the detachment Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

In 1891 there was a big fire, as a result of which the whole city burned out. To rebuild the buildings, people began to disassemble everything that was left from the already destroyed castle.

Second wind

It's no secret that the city of Lida (Belarus) attracts tourists mainly because of the fortress. Restoration of the castle began in 2000. Restoration work was carried out on the basis of historical materials and archaeological excavations. The towers and fortress walls, economic buildings and internal buildings were reconstructed. In 2005, there are knightly performances, which in recent years are gaining popularity. Near the castle on the shores of a picturesque artificial lake, there are festivals of medieval and ethnic music. And the castle itself is very impressive and attracts more and more tourists to Belarus. Lida, of course, deserves the attention of travelers. In addition, the city has something to boast in addition to the ancient fortress.

Shrines of the city

The visiting card of Lida can also be called the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, which was erected from 1797 to 1825. Before him there was a small church in this place. Later, after the expansion of the monastery of PR, the church was demolished and the Catholic Cathedral of St. Joseph was built here. However, in 1848 he burned down. Restored shrine in 1863, but from this time the temple has become an Orthodox cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel. This temple is built in the form of a rotunda with a hemispherical dome, and near it there is a single-tiered bell tower.

From 1866 to 1919 in the Cathedral was Joseph Koyalovich, who was murdered by fanatical Roman Catholics. In 1919 the building was rebuilt into a church, and in 1939 it was completely closed. And only in 1996 the church began to function again.

Have you planned to visit the city of Lida (Belarus)? The sights of this place are really worth seeing. Especially worth highlight is the Church of St. George the Victorious. It was built in the Orthodox cemetery of the XIX century in 1875. The structure is a single-tiered bell tower, which ends with a poppy. However, not so long ago it was rebuilt into a large church. In the city you can also see the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is considered an architectural monument. It was founded in 1770 in the style of the Vilno baroque.

Old Quarters

How many beautiful places you can see Belarus! Lida is a city where the building of the late XIX - early XX century was preserved. Such buildings are located in different parts of the city. During the Second World War, the central part of Lida was badly damaged. However, there are several places where you can see pre-war development.

On the street Sovetskaya (the oldest street in the city) there are 4 old houses that were built before the arrival of the Polish authorities. Particularly worthy of note is House No. 31 (1912). Here lived a merchant Gurevich. The structure is constructed in the form of the letter P in the neoclassical style. Because of the mansard roof, it seems quite bulky. On the sides there are two-columned porticoes, emphasizing the symmetry of the structure. This mansion is perfectly preserved and is considered an architectural monument of regional importance.

What else to see if you come to the city of Lida? Be sure to look at the house of the German commissar Herman Von Hanveg. It was erected in 1935 and is a three-story building. The style of the house is geometrically regular planes, straight window openings, side terraces.

The city also has an old house, which belonged to the director of the tobacco factory. It is a symmetrical two-story composition, underlined by two resalits on the sides. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the house has hardly changed its appearance.

What other beautiful buildings can Lida (Belarus) show? The sights of the city are also home number 23, where the German veterinarian Ranertu lived, and mansions with a complex facade of the early 20th century along Zamkova Street (near the fortress).

Monumental buildings of Polish time focused on the cutting of the street Mickiewicz and in the surrounding areas. From this building it is necessary to highlight the gymnasium of King Khatkevich and the post office building.

Where to stay?

In the city there are very comfortable hotels. Lida (Belarus) offers to stay in such hotels as Equator, Lida, Continent. Tourists also have the opportunity to live in nearby sanatoriums, agrohounds or rent an apartment. In addition to food and cozy rooms, hotels offer such services: delivery of correspondence, Internet (Wi-Fi), taxi order, laundry, dry cleaning, etc. On average, the price for a double room is 20 dollars. You can book a room without problems by e-mail or by phone. Usually free places are available all year round.

Recreation and entertainment

You should definitely visit Belarus. Lida is a place where many interesting events take place. On the day of the city, concerts, fairs, theatrical performances, knight tournaments, festivities and festive fireworks are held here.

The city also hosts the Beer Day. The castle hosts amazing animation tours, which are sure to interest both adults and children. In the courtyard of the fortress, you can try on knightly armor, shoot from the catapult and bow. In the park of culture, children can ride on a variety of attractions. There are several cinemas, bowling, discos. All the most exciting events take place in the city in the summer. To find Lida, you will need a map of Belarus with the cities, and forward, towards adventure!

Sporting events

Excellent conditions for sports were created in Lida. There is an ice palace, sports complexes, fitness clubs, a football stadium, swimming pools, shooting galleries, etc. Every year, various sporting events are held.

Be sure to come to this wonderful city. Just in case, we will remind you the address: Belarus, Grodno region, Lida.