Kamenets - is a city of Brest region of Belarus, an administrative center of Kamenets district. In the town of Kamenets perfectly preserved a truly unique monument of Belarusian architecture and defensive architecture - Kamenets tower. This Tower - the only one of its kind in Belarus. It is widely known, this architectural landmark not only in Belarus but also far beyond its borders. Defensive tower in the town of Kamenets is one of the oldest surviving stone structures on the territory of Belarus.

Built Kamenets tower was in the years 1276-1288, simultaneously with the foundation and construction of the city Kamenets. This town was built as a frontier outpost as part of Volyn principality, and in addition to the tower have wooden castle with high ramparts surrounded by water. Accordingly, this tower is a tower Volyn type and has a direct resemblance to the keep-towers, is very common in the Middle Ages in Western Europe.

Since Kamenets tower was built, and has always remained defensive works, no decorative elements not seen in its architecture. Kamenets tower is very impressive with its size: its height of 30 meters (this is still the tallest building in the city of Kamenets and architectural dominant throughout the contiguous areas), the thickness of the walls up to 2.5 meters, while the outer diameter of the tower is 13.5 meters at the base. From the roof of the tower (which officially allowed access to tourists) offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Particularly well seen small river, which was once a very affluent and even ran around the Kamenets tower and the adjacent wooden castle. It was as though they were on the islands.

From the time of its construction until the end of the 17th century Kamenets tower used in many wars. However, it was significantly damaged, but always quickly rebuilt and restored several times. After the loss of its strategic importance (it's hard to say exactly when it happened) tower in the city of Kamenets long time I stood in ruins. However, brick by many centuries have passed since the construction of the tower is so compacted that turned as if in a single stone. For this reason, Kamenets tower is not actually affected by the time, trying to disassemble it into bricks were thrown.

In 1903, Kamenets tower was well restored and renovated. Namely, it was excavated by the lower tier of the tower, which was previously considered a basement, the remains of a wooden castle and embankments were destroyed and around the tower was reinforced with stones and poured a little "not original" earth mound. As such, the Kamenets tower and preserved to this day. We must say that all this work did not affect the main thing: the tower itself looks virtually the same as in the 13th century.

Today in the Kamenets tower is a museum. Visit Kamenets tower comes in a variety of tourist and excursion routes. Individual tourists and travelers from around the world are also actively visit this valuable monument of Belarusian architecture. Kamenets tower is one of the most famous attractions of Belarus, and in some ways even a hallmark of the country.

In Soviet times, it was believed that the ancient Kamenets tower was painted white. Therefore, in the 1950s, she even gave the "original" look and whitewashed. Then for Kamenets tower got the name "White Tower". However, subsequent studies have shown that the color of the brick tower has always remained. In particular, it was the fact that on a white background much better than would be visible damage to the tower, which would give the attacker an advantage when fighting.

As a result, at the end of the 20th century Kamenets tower back its historic brick color and get rid of every kind of lining. However, the name "White Tower" for the period of time until the Kamenets tower was considered and was white, has become such a strong brand that is still the Kamenets tower so often called. Moreover, this phrase is so deeply embedded in the Belarusian culture and, one might even say, in the mentality that now the word "White Tower" can be found in Belarus, not only in songs, poems, and other works of art, in the names of festivals, events, competitions, children's clubs, historical clubs, art groups, but even in the names of various cafes, restaurants, travel agencies, resorts, food, alcohol and so on.

And now, when the name "White Tower" has become almost a national symbol, discard it, no one is going. Some, including a very authoritative sources indicated that the Kamenets tower mistakenly so called. In this formulation, the impression that somewhere there is a "real" white tower, and the Kamenets tower so called by mistake. But this is correct to say that only the Kamenets tower and called the "White Tower", and the name of it was stuck behind it, although in error.

However, the list of attractions of the city Kamenets is not limited to only one tower. For example, in the town of Kamenets also preserved the building gymnasium, built in 1931. This building has some very successful architecture and is very beautiful. However, it did not have to separate values, if not for the fact that the building of the gymnasium is located directly next to the tower, and, strangely enough, this very high school decorates the place, creating a tower with very contrasting but remarkable and memorable architectural ensemble.

Another important attraction of the city Kamenets is a majestic and beautiful temple, very picturesquely situated on one of the highest hills in the entire city and the adjacent areas. This temple was built in 1914 and consecrated in honor of St. Simeon. Today, the temple is in excellent condition and is open to believers. This Orthodox church in the town of Kamenets, of course, is an interesting attraction of Belarus, an important architectural monument, cultural and historical value.

Another attraction of the city Kamenets is the Catholic church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1925. At the moment, this temple is located in a strong condition, but in need of repair and restoration. Also a special mention deserves the monument to the founder of the Kamenets fortress Volyn Prince Vladimir, located in front of the church, just on the way from the tower to the church. This monument was erected in our time.

Another attraction of the city Kamenets may be considered a former mill, working on liquid fuel. This building is now used for the needs of one of the local businesses, but it was originally built in the early 20th century. The mill operates on liquid fuel were kind of exotic for Belarus (mainly water, wind and less work for a couple of mills were common), but because this architectural monument has a certain value.

Finally, in the town of Kamenets there are several other residential, commercial and office buildings constructed in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. These buildings form several very attractive neighborhoods, and may well be attributed to the historical building of the city. Most of the buildings are part of this historic city Kamenets terraced houses are in good condition. Also on one of the local cemeteries in recent times a small Catholic chapel was built. Summarizing, we can say that the city of Kamenets is a very interesting tourist destination, and really it is very popular to go solo travelers as well as tourists in the tour group. Here it is one of the key attractions throughout Belarus, which, moreover, is firmly in the national consciousness and has become one of Belarus symbols. The pleasant atmosphere of the city complement the tourist are also several other interesting attractions, which are mainly in good condition and delight their visitors.

Sketches of Napoleon Orda, Kamenets: