Mogilev (Belarus)

general information

The third largest city of Belarus stretches along the banks of the Dnieper in the Middle Ages. The founder of the city, Prince Leo Danilovich Mogui built in 1267 Mogilev Castle with a triple system of defensive fortifications. One of the versions about the origin of the name of Mogilev connects it with the name of Prince Mogia, who was called the "Mighty Lion". In another version, the city name came from the "lion's grave". This lion was the Polotsk prince Lev Vladimirovich. There is also a third version, inclined towards the Finno-Ugrian word for graves - "mountains above the water". So it turns out that the city either relates to the lion, or to the flooded mountains. By the way, there is enough hills and the fortress was also built on the hills.

Written sources tell us about the construction of the Mogilev Castle on a high hill, located on the bend of the Dnieper, where the Dubrovnik River flows. There and then was a fishing village, but the castle gave impetus to the development of the city around the fortress. Archaeological work on the territory of the castle confirms the fact that there is an earlier fortified settlement on this site. Remains of the church of the 12th century were found. Scientists believe that it would be more correct to consider the construction of this church the foundation date. On this, incidentally, indicates a commemorative book of 1861 issue. Initially being a Russian city, Mogilev from the 14th century came under the rule of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, and later the Commonwealth. Strong blow to the city were the Russo-Polish wars iofthe 17th century. The Northern War further exacerbated the situation of the city, which changed from Russians to Swedes and back.

The further fate of Mogilev was connected with the most important events:

• In 1812, 12 kilometers from the city, General Raevsky's army fought with French troops.

• In 1915, Mogilev was in charge of the supreme commander-in-chief under the leadership of Nicholas II.

• After the February Revolution of 1917 there were all the supreme commanders in chief and the Belarusian National Committee was established.

• In 1938, the idea to move the capital of Belarus to Mogilev was born. Later, the idea fell away after the annexation of the Western regions to the republic.

• The defense of Mogilev in 1941 helped to delay the advance of the Germans deep into the country.

The cultural and economic center of the Mogilev region has enterprises of light, chemical and petrochemical industries on its territory. Metal processing and mechanical engineering occupy more than a third of all production facilities in the city, and Mogilevkhimvolokno is the largest plant in Europe producing polyester fibers.

How to get there:

For several years the reconstruction of the Mogilev airport has been underway. Perhaps soon here will begin to take aircraft. Meanwhile, the most reliable transport is the train. The railway connects Mogilev with many cities of Belarus , Russia, Ukraine. There are trains to Lithuania and Moldova.

Became an alternative to trains, buses connected with Mogilev Russia, the Baltic states and Ukraine. Especially it is convenient, that distances are not such and big: to Moscow 520 kilometers; Kiev is at a distance of 380 kilometers. And to Minsk and even less - 200 kilometers. Such a kilometer and good roads make it possible to travel on your own transport.

sights:

Unfortunately, during the long life of the city, he was subjected to a lot of destructive wars. This circumstance has developed not in the best way with respect to its historical objects. Therefore, one of the main tourist places is not the fortress, but the Town Hall building. The Town Hall itself was destroyed in 1957 and completely re-created only in 2008. The Town Hall itself is still a novelty interesting for tourists only by its viewing platform. From the height of the 46 meter tower, you can easily see the panorama of the city with a view of the river and the surrounding area. Under the dome of the tower, huge hours are being beaten up.

The church of St. Stanislaus was built in the 18th century. His walls were painted with frescoes depicting stories from the Gospels. Inside the temple there are ancient icons. The entrance to the building is something like a theater or a museum - a portico with four columns makes it look like this. And even the turrets in the corners make it look like a mansion. But the dramatic theater has a similarity with the temple, and with the Kremlin at the same time. On the stairs of the central entrance there is a statue of a lady with a dog. The building, made of red brick, was built on the donations of the city's residents in 1888.

In the picturesque area near the Dnieper stands the St. Nicholas' nunnery. The monastic complex is fenced with a high fence and includes the St. Nicholas Cathedral, the chapel and the temple of St. Onuphrius the Great. Restoration of the monastery was carried out on the donation of citizens. From the historical heritage, the 17th century iconostasis with carvings and gilding is preserved here. One of the icons depicts the last Russian Tsar.

As part of the excursion, it is not superfluous to walk along the pedestrian street of the city; go to the station to admire the building of the 19th century; visit the bridge across the Dnieper and the local zoo. Not far from the zoo is an ethnic village with craft workshops and souvenir shops.

Currency:

In all trade points and services, only Belarusian rubles are accepted, for which it is possible to exchange the currency brought with them. In exchangers and banks of the city all known currencies are changed, including Russian rubles, Ukrainian hryvnia, Kazakh tenge, etc., but you can change nothing if you have a bank card with a multi-currency account.

Food:

Find a decent institution, where you can eat in Mogilev - not a problem. But the trouble is that all of them or most, are concentrated in the center of the city. That is, being in the outlying areas, you will spend enough effort to find a cafe. Another thing pedestrian Leninskaya street: there are such institutions are found at every step.

In the Lubuzhsky Forest Park, on the second kilometer of the Orsha Highway, there is a nice cafe called "Lubuzhsky Castle". There you can sit comfortably in a circle of family and friends, book a table for a celebration, hold a business meeting. In the holiday complex "Korchma" (next to the zoo) in the summer, a cafe with tables on the street and a children's playground was opened. In the cold season, the doors of the restaurant are always open to visitors of the ethnic village and the zoo.

Where to stay:

Mogilev has seven dozens of different options for a night's lodging. The most expensive hotels are located on Leninskaya street. There, the price for a double room can go up to 50-80 euros per night. But all other apartments and hotels provide accommodation much cheaper. For example, "Apartment on prospekt Mira" and "Apartment on Leninskaya Street" are also located in the center of the city. But these fully equipped apartments for living are suitable for a family of 3-4 people and also will save money. Cheaper than here (22 euros) housing is not found. All other apartments and hotel rooms within the city will be more expensive in half, which also fits into a budget vacation.

Precautionary measures;

Security on the streets of the city is provided by law enforcement forces. In the summer, places of large crowds are patrolled by additional police forces. But despite this, it is still worthwhile to monitor your things and not walk at night in the forest parks. Pay special attention to the behavior on the water, if you do not know what to expect from the Dnieper.