The Church of the Annunciation in Vitebsk was built in the 1130s and is one of the oldest surviving stone buildings in Belarus. In 1992, it was restored to reflect its original historical appearance; today, it serves as a church. The Church of Saint Barbara was built in 1785. It is an important architectural monument of the 18th century and the only surviving historic Catholic church in Vitebsk. The Church of the Resurrection has been documented since the 16th century and was rebuilt in 2009. When comparing their timelines, distinguish between the original construction and the later rebuilding: the Church of the Annunciation dates from the 1130s, while the Church of the Resurrection was rebuilt in 2009.
The Dormition Cathedral stands on Lysaja, also known as Pretschistenskaja Hill, at the confluence of the Vitba and the Western Dvina. It was consecrated on 30 September 2011. Its location adds a specific topographical reference to the history of religious architecture: here, the building’s history and the precise setting of a religious structure in the landscape can be considered together.
Art and City History
The Vitebsk Centre for Contemporary Art was founded to preserve the traditions of the Vitebsk art school and the heritage of Marc Chagall, Kazimir Malevich and UNOVIS. The Marc Chagall Museum Complex consists of an art centre and a house museum. The interior of the house museum was reconstructed using archival documents; the art centre displays around 200 original paintings by the artist. The exhibition may change.
The Vitebsk Regional Museum of Local Lore presents archaeological material on ancient Vitebsk, an exhibition on the nature of Vitebsk Oblast, as well as temporary exhibitions and academic programmes. The main museum is located in the town hall. The range of subjects therefore extends from archaeological material about the city to the natural environment of the wider oblast; dates for temporary programmes may vary.
City Tour, Concert and Seasonal Activities
Duhovsky Kruglik is a reconstructed, stylised medieval tower and part of a city tour. Check whether the tour is available before travelling. The Summer Amphitheatre is a concert venue where the Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk arts festival takes place. Check the dates and programme before travelling.
Roller skates, skateboards, bicycles for excursions and skis are available for seasonal hire in the Park of the Soviet Army. Since availability depends on the season, it is advisable to check which equipment is available before your visit.
The Vitebsk leg of the “Two Sisters—Belarus and Russia” route can be travelled by bus, minibus, car or on foot; actual arrangements may vary. When looking for a holiday apartment in Vitebsk, it is worth deciding first what you would like to focus on during your stay: the history of church architecture, art and museums, or a date around an event at the Summer Amphitheatre.
Discover more destinations: Miory, Vuscie, Kryvoje 2, Drykollie, Lepel District, Lyntupy, Polotsk, Verkhnedvinsk
See the overview of the wider region: Vitebsk Oblast.
