Excursion to Belarusian villages: getting to know rural life and crafts

One can understand the history and culture of a nation by getting acquainted with its traditional crafts, way of life, and cuisine. Excursions around Belarus will help you do this in an accessible and interesting way. Let's talk about popular routes that have long won the love of tourists.

The Museum of Architecture and Life in Strochitsy

Not far from the capital, in the village of Ozertso, there is a museum-skansen dedicated to the culture and life of Belarusians of the 19th–20th centuries. The main feature of the complex is that it’s one large exhibition. Houses and buildings were brought here from all over the country, so everything that is on the territory of the museum is authentic, and the windmills are still working.

The museum's exposition is expanding and includes more than 30 collections of household items, photographs, clothing, and books.

The complex is divided by historical regions of the country: the central part, Poozerye and the Dnieper region. Each sector is characterized by its unique features and buildings.

Museum employees wear national costumes and speak Belarusian. Thanks to such authenticity, movie studios often come to Strochitsy to make historical films.

Tourists will be especially interested in visiting the stables, bathhouse, and forge of the 20th century. The national puppet theater “Batleyka” will help you feel the true spirit of the Belarusian village. And if you're hungry, check out the local tavern which was built at the beginning of the 19th century, where dishes prepared according to national recipes are served.

The museum especially transforms during the holidays. During Maslenitsa or Kupala, employees conduct free excursions and invite visitors to take part in ancient festivities. 

Ancient city of Zaslavl

If you are looking for new impressions, visit Izyaslavl, which is located in the Minsk region. Founded in 985, the city is one of the oldest in Belarus and has collected many unique objects on its territory.

The central part of Zaslavl is a museum-reserve, which includes:

• Zaslavsky castle,
• “Zamechek” settlement,
• Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

For connoisseurs of Belarusian ethnicity and everyday life, the ethnographic complex “Mlyn” is of particular value, including the “House of Delivery Workers”, a working steam mill, a barn and a forge. Here you can get acquainted with crafts that were once popular in Belarus.

Numerous museums are also of no less interest, for example, of musical instruments or tapestries. And for a close acquaintance with local colorful folklore, we recommend visiting Children's Museum of Mythology and Forests.

Zaslavl especially comes alive during the City Days. Knight tournaments are held here, and other thematic events are organized, where you can hear medieval music and appreciate national Belarusian cuisine.

The museum complex of Dudutki 

Speaking about the cultural heritage of Belarus, the first thing that comes to mind is perhaps  the open-air ethnographic museum. And it’s no wonder. After all, this is a unique complex that invites you to try on the role of both an apprentice blacksmith and a representative of the nobility, get acquainted with the traditional way of life of Belarusians of the 19th century, and touch the secrets of the crafts of the past.

The complex successfully recreates the spirit of a prosperous village. The interior of the houses reflects the life of wealthy peasants, and the establishments serve national dishes.

Ride in a carriage, try freshly baked bread with honey from a local apiary, forge a horseshoe with your own hands — and that’s not all you can do on the territory of Dudutki, because there are as many as 9 workshops for every taste.

We recommend visiting:

• The farm. You can see the entire process of making products that will then end up on your table.
• The stable. Look at different breeds of horses and even ride them.
• Zoo. Not only exotic animals and birds are represented here, but also domestic ones.

Theme days and holidays are a special occasion to visit Dudutki. Medieval festivals are held here, fairs are held, knightly tournaments and shooting competitions are organized.

Getting to know the culture and way of life of Belarus is not only interesting, but also fun. An excursion to the village will be a great weekend for the whole family, it will give you a lot of positive emotions and allow you to take a break from the bustle of the city.