What to see in Brest and the surrounding area?

During its history the city of Brest has become native to residents of many nationalities. Here you can meet Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, as well as representatives of many other nations. Everyone who visits this locality, always feel the hospitality of the inhabitants of the westernmost city of Belarus. Each of the tourists will find something to see in Brest, as this city is famous for its long history and heroic events.

The times when Brest was laid

The 1017th is considered the year of the foundation of Brest, and the first mention of it is in the Novgorod fortress. Before the foundation of this settlement, only such ancient cities as Polotsk and Vitebsk were built. In 2017, Brest will celebrate its millennial anniversary. The most important places, which are worth paying attention to tourists, are in the area of the Old Town.

The Brest Fortress - a place of heroic glory

The Brest Fortress is one of the most important historical monuments of the city. Undoubtedly, anyone who thinks about what to see in Brest in one day should include in the list a visit to this place of fame and heroism. This reinforcement was laid back in the 30s of the 19th century. In the development of the fortress took part such outstanding architects as Eduard Totleben, Dmitry Karbyshev.

It is known that the attack on the Brest Fortress during the Second World War began suddenly - at that time most of the border garrison on duty was in summer camps at a considerable distance from the fortification. Hitler's troops planned to capture the Brest Fortress in only 8 hours, but their plans were not to come true. The attack on the fortress began before sunrise - at 3:15 am Berlin time. On the fortress bombs were bombarded, attempts of tank attacks and attacks from the air were made.

How the Brest Fortress was protected

The defenders of the fortress heroically resisted the Hitlerite aggressors for a week. According to some reports, the centers of counteraction arose for another two weeks. After the 45th division attacking the fortress was defeated in the Eagle area, the Red Army seized its archive. It found a large number of confessions of German military leaders about the heroism, courage and amazing stability of the defenders of the Brest Fortress.

Now in its territory is a memorial. The Brest-Litovsk fortress is what every guest of the city needs to see in Brest. After all, it became a true symbol. In memory of her defense, a large number of documentary and feature films were filmed. There is a museum in the fortress.

The most famous Catholic church of Brest

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was built in 1845. However, originally in its place was built a Catholic church - back in the 1412th. Now the temple is considered an architectural monument dating back to the era of late classicism. In it there is an ancient Catholic icon under the name "Our Lady of Brest". The church itself is a modest basilica with regular geometric forms and is revered by local Catholics as a place of sacredness.

Excavations of an ancient city on the territory of the museum

Archaeological Museum "Berestye" has no equal throughout the world. Guests can be directly on the excavations, which are protected from bad weather by the roof and walls. The total area of the museum is about 2400 square meters. M, with most of it is for excavations. Their depth is about 4 meters. Here was once an ancient city, namely its artisan quarter. He consisted of 30 living quarters, as well as two streets. The ancient city has survived to this day due to the fact that during all the time before the archaeological excavations, it was under a swamp layer.

Now researchers can only assume that it was at one time that the inhabitants of the ancient city suddenly left their native places. The museum was opened in 1982, and now it is one of the mandatory places for visiting tourists. Especially for those who wonder what to see in Brest with children. After all, Berestye is one of the most ancient cities of Belarus: the first mention of it dates back to 1019 year.

The Belaya Vezha fortress is a place of legends

The fortress was built in the second half of the 13th century. It is located in the town of Kamenets, Brest region. The fortress was built as a defensive structure on the orders of the Galician-Volyn Prince Vladimir Vasilkovich. The building has a height of 30 meters, and the thickness of its walls is 2.5 meters. The tower-analogues of the White Tower existed in other ancient Belarusian cities: Polotsk, Grodno, Turov, Mstislavl, in Brest itself. But until our time there was only a fortification in the town of Kamenets. For those who are interested in what to see in Brest and the surrounding area, a visit to Belaya Vezha can be confidently included in the list of interesting places.

After all, many legends are associated with the ancient fortification. Some locals believe that the tower was not built for defense, but was erected as a symbol of honor to Prince Vasilkovych's merits. There is also an opinion that, on the contrary, it was created according to the decree of the prince with the aim of capturing his brother in Belaya Vezha. You can note the traditions of the fortress, which came from antiquity. For example, it was believed that the tower was not erected by people, but by giants. All these legends will be interesting and informative for those who are interested in what you can see in Brest and the surrounding area. So, we go further to explore the sights.

The Museum of Saved Values is what to see in Brest is mandatory

The next attractive point for all guests of the city is the Museum of Saved Values. It is believed that this museum also has no analogues in the whole world. Very interesting is the story of his discovery. Since Brest is a city located on the border, it was customary for customs to constantly confiscate illegally transportable valuables. Over time, there were so many that it was decided to establish for them a special museum.

At first it consisted of only ten rooms, and in its exposition there were about 300 subjects. But since the customs performed its duties carefully, then after a while this number increased literally several times. Here you can see a large number of interesting items: icon painting, antiques, various works of art. Also, a separate room is dedicated to the Brest customs office, which is working properly. After all, it was her employees who prevented the export of many valuable items from the country.

Ostrich farm

What else brings to the attention of the city of Brest? What to see in it an ordinary tourist? Near the city there is another interesting place for visitors - the ostrich farm. Those who are limited in time and are wondering what to see in Brest in 2 days, you can include this place in your list. The ostrich farm in the Brest region is the largest in the whole of Europe. Guests like to visit the farm - it is here that you can chat with unusual birds.

The behavior of ostriches does not differ from how they manifest themselves in ordinary natural conditions. Birds run after each other, they engage in fights, and with guests they flirt with the guests. What to see in Brest with children or with your girlfriend? This place will not leave anyone without emotions. After all, there live about 200 representatives of the ostrich world. The farm is clean and tidy, and if you wish, you can book a tour of its territory.

Sovetskaya Street - all the best buildings in one place

For those who do not plan to leave the city or who have very little time, the famous Soviet street may be of interest. It extends from Ordzhonikidze Street and up to the very embankment of the Mukhavets River. Throughout its history, the street has changed many names - it was Millionnaya, and Generalstrasse, and since 1944 it has been called the Soviet one. Here in the 30s of the XX century there were Jewish markets. The street burned many times, but it was rebuilt again and again.

In 1863 a synagogue was built here. During the Soviet era, its premises were rebuilt, and it turned into a cinema, and by 1970 the building was again transformed. The present cinema has survived from those times. And at the beginning of Sovietskaya Street there is the St. Nicholas Brotherly Fortress.

Legend of "Happy Boots"

What interesting things to see in Brest yet? Here, on Sovetskaya Street, there is a small monument called "Happy Boot", which brings luck and wealth. It appeared not so long ago - a small sculpture was installed in 2013. Everyone who wants to bring luck and money into their lives can try on "Happy Boot".

According to legend, in the late 19th century Anna Levitskaya was born in Brest. The girl received a huge fortune from her grandfather, as well as a pair of boots that bring happiness. There were rumors that anyone who succeeded in trying on Levitskaya's boots would be fabulously rich and would be taken to all financial matters. It was a terrible war time, and Anna lost all her possessions. But after the end of the war, things quickly went uphill. Anna Levitskaya was sure - it's all about the magic boots. One boot was lost even during the First World War in Lviv. But the second Levitskaya handed over to her son, and he found in it seven gold pieces. The lost boot, which is the most valuable, is searched to this day.

Lantern street in Brest

What to see in Brest for 1 day? Undoubtedly, if there is time after visiting other sights, the evening can be spent in one of the most romantic places of the city. Once the usual street, which exists since 1909, now became known as the Street of Lanterns. The alley itself is surrounded by huge picturesque chestnuts. It was created by designers and forging masters as a present for the City Day in 2013. All the lanterns are made of metal, and their coating is made with the effect of aging. Also on the street is a large number of sculptural compositions and various art objects.

Among all forty lanterns there are no two identical ones - each of them is made in a certain form. For those who do not know what to see in Brest with a girl or where to spend a romantic date, the Alley of Lanterns will be one of the best solutions. Most of the lanterns are made in the form of a certain object. They reflect the specifics of the activity of companies-patrons who invested money in the opening of the Mall. However, there are also lanterns reflecting the moments from the creativity of N.V. Gogol.