Vitebsk. Cradle For The Artist.

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Typically assigned a founding date of 974, Vitebsk has long been an important cultural and commercial hub for the numerous occupiers in its long history. It is still an important centre of arts and culture for the Republic of Belarus and is surrounded by stunning countryside. Vitebsk developed from a river harbor where the Vitba River, which flows into the larger Western Dvina, which is spanned in the city by the Kirov Bridge. Archaeological research indicates that at the mouth of Vitba there were settlements by Baltic tribes, which were replaced in the 9th century by Slavic tribes Krivichs.

Vitebsk is a city of contrasts. This is an amazing place where traditions of the bygone eras and the fashions of today unusually harmoniously blend. You can talk about the sights of Vitebsk indefinitely long. Every corner of Vitebsk is imbued with the spirit of history, a sense of comfort and warmth. In the history of the city there were both tragic and joyful moments. To uncover the mystery of unique Vitebsk and get acquainted with its attractions it is enough to leisurely walk through the city.

Vitebsk is often referred to as the "Cultural Capital" of Belarus. It is best known as the birthplace of the Jewish painter Marc Chagall, and his home has been preserved and operates as a museum. It is located near the railway station and costs 5000 rubles to get in. There is also a museum dedicated to his works that also frequently hosts exhibitions by the city's large modernist/post-modernist/avant garde artist community.

Vitebsk is also home to the National Academic Dramatic Theatre named for Yakub Kolas. This company has seen considerable success internationally. It is especially notable for being one of the last two professional theatres in the world performing exclusively in the Belarusian language. Foreign travellers unable to understand Belarusian should not be afraid of attending a performance — you can appreciate it without an understanding of the language.

In November, the city holds the International Festival of Modern Choreography, which plays host to dance companies from around the world. Finally, Vitebsk is the home of the "Slaviansky Bazaar" - a huge festival of music from across the Slavic-speaking world. It is hosted in a stunning amphitheatre near the center.

Sights of Vitebsk:

• The "Ratusha" (city hall), with its renowned clock tower, it's a beautiful piece of 19th century architecture, a firm symbol of freedom and prosperity.
• The Old Cathedral of St. Barbara and St. Paul. The church was built as a cemetery in 1785. In the years 1884–1885 was rebuilt in neo-Romanesque style.
• Monastery of the Holy Spirit is a female Eastern Orthodox monastery. The monastery was founded in the 1380s by Duchess Uliana of Tver, wife of Algirdas, Grand Duke of Lithuania. At present, the monastery owns one building.
• The Cathedral of the Merciful Jesus. The laying of the first stone took place in 2004. The church, dedicated to Merciful Jesus in October 2009, was elevated to the cathedral by Pope Benedict XVI on 18 June 2011.
• Kirov Bridge (stems across the Dzvina river).
• The building of the Veterinary Academy (former Land-Peasant Bank) is one of the most interesting architectural constructions in Vitebsk. Built in 1917 by architect Tarasov, it perfectly combines the classic and modern styles. 
• Tolstoy Street. The remarkable street occupies a remarkable place - the historic center of Vitebsk.Tolstoy Street stretches from Resurrection Square and Suvorov Street up to the coast of the Western Dvina River.
• «Three bayonets» it's a memorial complex, which chronicled the immortal feat of the people. Vitebsk residents gave another name to the complex - «triple». What does it mean? Perhaps, you should visit the complex to uncover the secret.
• The Botanical Garden occupies a special place among the number of the most beautiful parks of Vitebsk. The garden located on the right bank of the Vitba River and has a lot of amazing plants.

Museums:

• A tram museum (5-Frunze str., 7). The entrance is free, but you have to contact the administration in advance.
• A museum and a park at Zdravnevo, former residence of a famous Russian painter Ilya Repin not far from Vitebsk.
• The Marc Chagall Museum. The artist's father built the house on Pokrovskaia street in the beginning of the 20th century, and Marc Chagall spent his childhood there (Pokrovskaya str., 11).
• Exhibition Hall «Dukhovskoy Kruglik» (Frunze ave., 11A).
• Museum of Local History (Lenina str., 36).
• Literary Museum (Frunze ave., 13).
• Contemporary Arts Centre (Music Room) (Frunze ave., 11).

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