Polatsk - is a big town of Vitebsk region of Belarus, the administrative center of Polatsk district. The city of Polatsk - the oldest city in Belarus. It was first mentioned in "The Tale of Bygone Years" in 862. But in reality, the city evidently even older. At the turn of the first and second millennia, as you know, city of Polatsk was the capital principality of the same name - the first Belarusian state. The city of Polatsk survived so many different landmarks and attractions. One of the main attractions of the city of Polatsk is the building of St. Sophia Cathedral.
Initially, St. Sophia Cathedral in Polatsk was built between 1044 and 1066 years. According to some reports, at the time of its construction St. Sophia Cathedral in Polatsk was the first and only high-grade stone building on the territory of modern Belarus. While there may be understood that it is the most ancient of the surviving stone buildings (though only fragments of the basement and a small wall elements preserved from the original).
Until the late 16th century, the temple functioned and was Orthodox. After the signing of the Union of Brest in 1596 moved to the cathedral Uniates. After the fire and the partial destruction of the cathedral in 1607 while was in ruins. But in 1618, the cathedral was restored and partially rebuilt. In 1642 the cathedral was damaged by fire again, but again was soon restored. During the Russian-Polish war of Polatsk was captured by Russian troops, so from 1654 to 1667 and St. Sophia Cathedral was Orthodox, and then re-passed to Uniates. However, during the Great Northern War of 1700-1721 in the vestibule of the church on the orders of Tsar Peter I placed the powder magazine, which is May 1, 1710 exploded, and then Sophia Cathedral was completely destroyed and lay in ruins until 1738.
Then, on the remaining foundations of St. Sophia Cathedral in Vilnius Baroque style built an entirely new temple, which represented the two-towered basilica. The construction of the new church was completed in 1750. The newly built church was Uniate. It is this temple, and survives today. During the Patriotic War of 1812, the temple was used as a stable by French troops. In the future, apparently empty. And in 1839 the church was returned to the Orthodox. In the years 1911-1914 was carried out major repairs of the cathedral. In 1924, within the framework of the policy of the Soviet atheistic church was closed and placed in her museum. During the German occupation from 1942 to July 1944 the St. Sophia Cathedral was acting, and then was closed again.
From late 1969 to 1983 in the cathedral carried out restoration, architectural and archaeological research. After their graduation in the church building, the history of the museum was open architecture of St. Sophia Cathedral and the concert hall of chamber and organ music. In 1985, the cathedral was built organ. The first concert was given May 2, 1985.
Today the cathedral is in perfect condition. This temple is also part of the Polatsk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. He visited a lot of tourists and travelers. However, once a year, on June 5, the feast day of Saint Euphrosyne, here goes Orthodox worship. Then, from Hagia Sophia to the Spaso-Euphrosyne procession passes.
But the original St. Sophia Cathedral of the 11th century, preserved elements of the foundation, which are available for inspection at the bottom (basement) of the cathedral, as well as the apse of a height of about nine meters on the right side of the cathedral. This apse - the most ancient building in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, the number of surviving. Next to the St. Sophia Cathedral in Polatsk, Boris stone also located a with inscriptions of the 12th century, which was brought here from the village Padkasteltsy. And the cathedral is very picturesquely situated on the high bank of the Western Dvina.
It is an important landmark in the city of Polatsk is a complex of buildings Spaso-Euphrosyne nunnery. This monastery was founded by the very Euphrosyne in 1125. The most important architectural, cultural and historical monument of the monastery is the Transfiguration Church was built between 1152 and 1161 years architect John. This small church was built under the direction of St. Euphrosyne of Polatsk. Up to now perfectly preserved original temple of the 12th century, inside which also preserved personal cell Reverend and the original frescoes of the 12th century. This temple is one of the oldest stone buildings in Belarus, also well preserved. The value of this temple just incredibly high. Also in the monastery includes other highly valuable architectural monuments. The central temple of the monastery - Holy Cross Cathedral was built here in 1897. Brahma-bell tower and another small church built here in the late 19th century. One of the monastery buildings erected here in the early 18th century. Other built later in 1902 and in the 1990s.
Briefly describe the history of the monastery. Thus, from its inception to the end of the 16th century, the monastery remained orthodox and current. In 1579 Polatsk was taken by Stefan Batory, and became a member of the Commonwealth. After this, in 1580 the monastery was given to the Jesuits. In 1654 he returned to Orthodoxy. In 1667, again fell into the hands of the Jesuits in charge stayed until 1820. Then the Jesuits left Polatsk. But for some time the monastery remained Catholic, he was transferred to the Order of Piarists. In 1832, after the defeat of the corresponding uprising, the monastery was returned to the Orthodox and in 1840 completely restored. Then the monastery continued to operate and expand until the early 20th century.
In 1915, during the First World War, the inmates of the monastery and church values were evacuated deep into Russia. In 1921, the monastery reopened in Polatsk, but soon was finally closed in 1925. However, in 1943, during the Second World War, the occupation authorities have given permission for the resumption of the work of the monastery. After that, the revival of the monastery was started. Even in Soviet times, in 1961, the monastery was again closed, and its central temple has become a regular parish, but continued to operate.
Another decision to resume the work of the monastery was re-adopted in 1989. In 1990, after some reconstruction and restoration works, the monastery was re-opened. Since then and up to now it is continuously operational. Here comes a lot of tourists and pilgrims. All buildings, churches and other architectural monuments belonging to the monastery recently been completely beautifully restored and are now in excellent condition.
With Spaso-Euphrosyne convent in Polatsk linked two large Orthodox shrines. First, the power of the Holy Euphrosyne now kept in this monastery. From the end of the 12th century to the early 20th century, the power of the Holy stored in Kiev. However, in 1910, it was transferred to Polatsk. Then, in the period from 1920 and until 1943 the power of the Holy frequently opened, moved, exhibited in a variety of churches and museums, including the Vitebsk anti-religious museum. Finally, in 1943, simultaneously with the resumption of the work of the monastery, where the relics were returned and St. Euphrosyne of Polatsk. Since then and to the present time they remain in Polatsk.
Secondly, at the monastery of St. Euphrosyne in 1161 he donated a gilded altar cross, which was later called - Cross of Saint Euphrosyne. This cross included the relics of many saints and the Holy Cross of Christ. Cross was carved by local goldsmith Lazar Bogsha. This cross is not only a religious relic, but also very valuable monument of Belarusian culture. In the 13th century the cross was removed from Polatsk in Russia, but again returned to the monastery by Ivan the Terrible in 1563 after a successful siege of the city. In 1925, the cross was removed from the monastery by the Soviet authorities. In 1941, during World War II Cross of Saint Euphrosyne disappeared and has not yet been found. In 1997 he was made a replica of the cross Euphrosyne. Recreated cross is now in a convent in Polatsk.
Another important attraction of the city of Polatsk is a complex of buildings of the Epiphany Monastery. The central temple of the monastery - Church of the Epiphany. This church was built in 1779. In our time, this temple is well restored. Monastic body relating to this monastery, even more ancient, they were built in the 17th century, and today are also in excellent condition. According to some reports it is in one of the buildings of the monastery for some time lived Symeon of Polatsk.
The city of Polatsk there are several churches of different Christian denominations, which must be mentioned. For example, the Church of St. Andrew Bobola was built as recently as 1997. Another temple - the Church of the Intercession, also was erected not so long ago - in 1990. There in the city of Polatsk and the temple is not quite typical for Belarus - namely, the Lutheran church, built in 1888. Now the church building located museum.
Another interesting attraction of the city of Polatsk is a complex of buildings of the former Jesuit monastery and collegium. The buildings are part of this architectural complex erected in Polatsk 1750 to 1835. Until recently, most of the buildings included in the complex is a ruin. But for the moment they have already restored. Also included in this architectural complex once included a huge and beautiful church - The Church of St. Stephen (from 1830 - Nicholas Cathedral), which was erected in 1738, and in 1964 it was blown up and completely destroyed. From this temple was only a picture on the facade of a building of Polatsk, who was standing in front of the destroyed temple.
In the city of Polatsk was many other monasteries and temples. Unfortunately, not all of them survived. Some of them today are ruins, others razed. In place of such completely destroyed monasteries and churches, can now be seen only small memorial sign.
A notable landmark in the city of Polatsk is a stone house built in 1694. The building as we see very old. From an architectural point of view, yet it is not very remarkable. Nevertheless, some value to this building add the assumption that it is here during his visits to Polatsk located Tsar Peter I.
In the city of Polatsk there are many interesting monuments. In one of the central squares of the city of Polatsk located stele in honor of the heroes of the War of 1812. This 24-meter-high iron monument - a restored copy of the monument, which was built in 1850 and dismantled in 1932. The city of Polatsk according to some estimates is the geographical center of Europe, after which there is also a beautiful monument. Also, the city Polatsk are monuments to Vseslav of Polatsk, Symeon of Polatsk, Krivichs, Euphrosyne of Polatsk and Francysk Skaryna. Finally in Polatsk there is a very interesting monument letter "Ў" - a unique letter of the Belarusian alphabet.
As already mentioned city of Polatsk is very old, it has a rich history. So, of course, in addition to the listed attractions in the city of Polatsk there are many other interesting buildings and landmarks. Most of these buildings were built from the 18th to the early 20th century. The city of Polatsk is in the place where the river Palata empties into Western Dvina. Many architectural monuments of Polatsk is picturesquely located on the beautiful banks of these rivers. The historic center of the city of Polatsk is beautifully landscaped. The city of Polatsk has all the necessary tourist facilities. All these factors complement the tourist atmosphere of the city, and together with the already mentioned the most valuable objects of historical and cultural heritage of Belarus Polatsk make very attractive and one of the most important tourist destinations for travelers by Belarus.
Sketches of Napoleon Orda, Polatsk:
