{{text}}
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.
The First Belarusian Park of interactive history “Grand Duchy of Sula”
The master's estate, which is located on the picturesque shore of Lake Sula, offers a chance to travel back to the era of ancient people and follow the history of Belarusians from the temples to the majestic estates of the gentry. The Prophetic Stone, the Varangian pier and the castle with the Gothic quarter are adjacent here.
When coming here, be sure to see:
- the pottery workshop,
- the Jesuit College,
- the Royal Assembly building,
- the hall of knightly glory,
- the “Belarusian town” with 5 museums,
- a stable,
- brewery.
You can also look in an old pharmacy with a fascinating exhibition, a Jewish shop, a hat shop, a puppet theater, and the Lensky estate. It may take more than one day to get around all the objects. And this is provided for in Sula. It offers visitors four restaurants with local cuisine, mini-hotels, and spa treatments.
Excursions begin with a walk along the river on a real longship. Then you can get acquainted with the way of life of the ancient Scandinavians who settled on these lands, see the idols that the ancestors of the Belarusians worshiped and witness the development of culture to a distillery and a water mill.
The remains of ancient settlements, a weapons workshop, a family tomb, and even park paths are imbued with the historical spirit. The complex not only has collected unique objects that are interesting to study. Here you can have a pleasant time with your family and relax comfortably.
Park staff conduct excursions in Belarusian, which adds to the atmosphere. They regularly conduct master classes and invite guests to different tastings.
If you think Sula couldn't surprise you more, you're wrong. For those who like unusual sensations, there is a chance to look at the historical complex from a bird's eye view by booking a helicopter flight.
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.
1
2...
488