A Journey Through the Centuries: VSMU Staff Visit Belarusian Historical Landmarks

On 28 August 2026, a sightseeing and educational trip for VSMU staff was organized by the University’s primary trade union organization “Heritage of the Ages” along the route Vitebsk – Ger­vyaty – Kreva – Zalesye – Vitebsk.

The agricultural town of Gervyaty welcomed the participants with one of Belarus’s most beautiful churches, the Church of the Holy Trinity. Built more than two centuries ago, the church impressed everyone with its unique architecture and well-maintained grounds. During the excursion, the visitors learned about the history of the church and admired the exceptionally rare decorative statues of the apostles surrounding it. The magnificent views and peaceful atmosphere left everyone with warm impressions. Many participants admitted that Gervyaty is a place they would like to visit again.

The next stop was Kreva Castle. Although it has not survived in its entirety, its ancient walls, dating back to the 13th century, aroused genuine interest among the visitors. The tour of the castle did not take long, but the historical significance of the site speaks for itself.

The participants saw firsthand the place where the Union of Krewo was concluded, where the struggle for the Grand Duke’s throne took place, and where the wedding of the Grand Duke of Lithuania and the Queen of Poland was held. Both adults and children listened to the guide with interest. Everyone had the opportunity to literally touch history.

The final stop was the Mikhail Kleofas Oginski Museum-Estate in the agricultural town of Zalesye. This 19th-century manor and park complex is rightfully known as the “Northern Athens”. It was here that the renowned composer and statesman wrote his immortal polonaise “Farewell to the Homeland”. The visitors walked through the historic park, learned fascinating details about Oginski’s life and work, and enjoyed the atmosphere in which music once filled the estate and cultural life flourished.

The excursion left everyone with a sense of connection to the history and culture of Belarus.

On the way back, the group stopped in Smorgon to visit a memorial dedicated to Maria Bochkareva’s Women’s Battalion of Death. The site commemorates the remarkable women who, in 1917, at the height of the First World War, joined the ranks alongside men. The battalion, composed of female volunteers, was distinguished by strict discipline and courage. They received their baptism of fire near Smorgon, close to the village of Novospassk, demonstrating exceptional heroism and devotion to their homeland.

The tourists thanked the trade union organization for the interesting trip and the opportunity to connect with the history and culture of their country.