The republic of Belarus is situated in the heart of
Europe at the crossroads of trade routes. The territory of the Republic is 207 thousand
square kilometers. On that territory there are numerous rivers and lakes, best
known of them are the Neman, The Berezina, The Zapadnaya Dvina, Lake Naroch,
Lake Svitiaz and Braslav Lakes. Of course, all those lakes and rivers make our
country prone to frequent precipitations that`s why Belarus has a moderate continental climate, with cool humid winters and
warm summers.
The population of the Republic is about 10 million
citizens. About one sixth of the population lives in Minsk, the capital of
Belarus. Minsk, or Menesk, was founded on the banks of the Svisloch and the
Niamiha Rivers at the beginning of the 11th century. Having joined
to the Great Lithuanian Duchy, Minsk turned out to be among 15 largest towns of
the state, so in 1499 it was granted the Magdeburg Right. Unfortunately,
practically nothing preserved from those days, but Minsk is still interesting
to visit, because of its tremendous history.
Except Minsk, visitors should see Brest, with its
Memorial “Brest Fortress”, Grodna, were they can look at the ancient Kolozha
Chirch and the Old Castle. In Mir there is one of UNESCO World Heritage list`s Castles
– Mir Castle, and in Niasvizh there is a unique architectural masterpiece –
Niasvizh Castle. The list won`t be full without Belarussian museum towns of
great historical value – Polotsk, Pinsk and Navahrudok.
Also, Belarus is a country of outstanding natural
beauty. Take for example Prypiats National Park or Berezina Biosphere Reserve,
they are an illustration of the virginal nature and an ideal habitat for
endangered animals such as golden eagle, black-grouse, black stork and others.
I can`t help telling about Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, which is a
closed area with unique flora and fauna.
I would say that the best season to see the beauty of Belarus
is either winter, when you can participate in a national celebration – Koliady –
people go from home to home dressed like animals or
other fairy characters, sing songs and dance and also take part in active
winter sports like biathlon in Raubichi; or in summer when there is another
traditional celebration – Kupalle – a holiday of nature with its roots deep in
ancient times, which won`t let you cold, and a festival of national culture
held annually in Grodna.
To sum everything up we can highlight that
Belarus is not only the country of great history, but also of natural beauty, a
unique country that is full of traditions and tolerant hospitable people.
