BSTU foreign students explored Grodno

On May 11 and 12, 2024, foreign students of the preparatory department and master's students of the Belarusian State Technological University from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar made a two-day trip along the route Novogrudok - Dyatlovo - Zheludok - Starye Vasilishki - Grodno.

Chronicles first mention Novogrudok in 1044 in the chronicle of the campaign of Prince Yaroslav the Wise against Lithuania. Archaeologists have confirmed that a settlement appeared in these places at the end of the 10th century.

Today it is a beautiful, colorful city that invites guests to immerse themselves in history and learn about its amazing past. From Castle Hill - which is 320 meters above sea level - there is a beautiful panoramic view of the city. The surviving towers have been preserved, and tourists are sure to visit this iconic place, although they can only imagine its former grandeur from reconstruction drawings.

Novogrudok land is the birthplace of the outstanding poet of the Romantic era Adam Mickiewicz, and his house-museum houses rare artifacts.

Dyatlovo is the administrative center of the Dyatlovo district of the Grodno region. The first mention of the city of Dyatlovo dates back to 1498, when the place of Zdecholo was presented to Hetman Konstantin Ostrogsky from the Grand Duke of Lithuania Alexander. Then Dyatlovo passed from one owner to another. Under the Sapiehas in 1646, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was built in the town, which has survived to this day.

A haunted castle, a family nest of aristocratic vampires, an abandoned psychiatric hospital from the beginning of the last century: such associations arise when looking at the Svyatopolk-Chetvertinsky estate in Zheludok.

In 2010, a museum dedicated to Czeslaw Niemen, a Polish poet, composer, and musician, opened in Starye Wasiliski.

The interior of the house was restored from photographs and memories of childhood friends. The exhibition features rare exhibits: children's and youth photographs of Czeslaw Wydzicki in Starye Vasilishki, photographs taken during Czeslaw Niemen's tour in Belarus, a collection of vinyl records, video and audio recordings of the musician, many of which are dedicated to this house and small homeland, household items returned, formerly owned by the Wydrzycki family.

One of the most beautiful churches in the Grodno region was built in Starye Vasilishki and it is called the first miracle of the village.

Stained glass, frescoes, sculpture, embossing, wood carving, and ceramics add artistic value to the interior.

Inside the picturesquely decorated majestic temple, to the left of the altar, in the chapel, a unique grotto was created - a rare work of Art Nouveau art.

Then the excursion continued in Grodno - one of the most beautiful cities in Belarus. It is often called royal for its rich historical past and European for its modern appearance. The ancient layout and a huge number of architectural masterpieces of different styles and eras have been preserved here - from medieval buildings to buildings of the early 20th century in the style of modernism and constructivism.

The guys walked around the courtyards of the city and visited the main attractions:

Borisoglebskaya (Kolozha) Church is the oldest shrine in Belarus. The temple was built in the 12th century, and three centuries later, Prince Vitovt placed captive defenders of the Pskov Kolozha in it, which gave the church its name. The walls of the building are made of plinth and decorated with majolica slabs.

The synagogue building, which was erected at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries and today belongs to the Jewish community of Grodno.

The Old or Upper Castle, built in the XIV-XV centuries by Prince Vytautas. Medieval builders connected the hills of Castle Hill with fortifications and created a unique architectural ensemble.

Soviet Square with its layout, which has not changed since the Middle Ages. Here is the city's first stone tavern (the Ratushny store) and the house of the merchant Muravyov, built in 1914.

Grodno Pharmacy Museum, which was built in 1709 as a Jesuit medical school. Today a pharmaceutical museum is opened here.

Church in honor of St. Francis Xavier. This temple was built in the 18th century and is considered an example of Baroque architecture. The bright interiors of this Catholic church contain a lot of decorations and paintings that amaze with their beauty and sophistication.

Monastery and church of the Grodno Brigittes. The ensemble consists of the church and monastery of St. Brigid, and was founded in the 17th century. The order was known for its strictness and spirituality, and many of the nuns who lived in the monastery were involved in charity work and helping those in need.

The Church and Monastery of the Brigittes is not only a cultural and religious center, but also an important object of historical heritage of Grodno and the whole of Belarus.

Grodno Holy Protection Cathedral is one of the main Orthodox attractions, built at the very beginning of the 20th century. The church is considered literally a pearl of Russian-style architecture, striking in its beauty and sophistication. Inside the cathedral there are many decorations and icons that tell about the rich history of Belarus and this temple.

In addition, the excursionists listened to an organ concert in the Lutheran Church.

The streets, courtyards and unique mysterious atmosphere of Grodno made a great impression on foreign students of BSTU, and the sunny weather and hospitality of the townspeople made this trip unforgettable.