Our route passes through one of the most legendary places in Belarus, where many ancient and architectural monuments have been preserved - the Oshmyany district of the Grodno region.There are many well-preserved religious buildings of various faiths (churches, synagogues).There is also an ancient castle with its own legend, and even a UNESCO monument stretching across the territory of 10 countries for more than 2,820 kilometers from the city of Hammerfest (Norway) to the coast of the Black Sea (Ukraine).In a good way!

Murovanaya Oshmyanka is an unusual place, which has interesting sights and a rich history.
This is where our tour begins.

Murovanaya Oshmyanka is an unusual place with interesting sights and a rich history.

Murovanaya Oshmyanka. The Church of the Virgin Mary.

When traveling, we are always looking for something beautiful and unique, something that can surprise us. 
You will have such an opportunity in Oshmyany! 
If you visit the Oshmyan center, you will have a unique opportunity to visit temples of three faiths at once: a Catholic church, an Orthodox church, and a Jewish synagogue.
It is unique in that it has preserved the ancient interior and murals. 

Oshmyany. Synagogue.

If you want to explore the history of these places in more detail, go to this museum.

Oshmyany. Regional Museum of History and Local Lore.

The majestic Church of the Archangel Michael dominates the historical center and is still the tallest building in the city.

Oshmyany. Church of Archangel Michael.

The temple has been located here for 150 years and peacefully adjoins the synagogue and the church, which testifies to the tolerance of Belarusians who have lived and coexisted with representatives of various faiths and nationalities for centuries.

Oshmyany. Holy Resurrection Church.

An ancient temple with a rich history that could not survive in the turbulent 20th century.
A great place for routine therapy!

Oshmyany. Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Zhuprany is known in Belarus as the village where the famous Belarusian poet Frantishek Bogushevich (1840-1900) is buried.
The majestic Neo-Gothic church of Peter and Paul towers over the town as an architectural dominant.
An atmospheric place with a rich history.

Zhuprany. Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

In terms of importance for geodesy, the Struve Arc can be compared to the periodic table for chemistry. It became the basis for the most important terrestrial measurements and accurate cartography, and the triangulation method was used until the end of the 20th century, until space satellites appeared. 

Geodetic point “Tupishki” by Struve Arc

Struve arc (item “Tyupishki”)

The old church has been restored and is now operational.
An Orthodox church can be visited if desired.

Golshany. Church of St. George.

For some time, Golshany was the residence of the influential Sapieha magnate family in Belarus. 
They had their own castle and their own church, as befits magnates. Fortunately for us, the church has been preserved, as well as the rich interior decoration.
I recommend visiting this beautiful temple!

Golshany. Church of John the Baptist.

The Renaissance-style palace and castle architectural complex is somewhat reminiscent of the castles and palaces of Holland.
The castle in Golshany, like every self-respecting castle, has its own legend... The legend of the Black Monk.
Part of the castle has been renovated in recent years and now welcomes visitors. The museum in Golshany is a branch of the Oshmyansky Regional Museum of Local Lore. You can pay for a ticket and buy souvenirs near the parking lot, where there is a ticket office and a toilet.

Oshmyany district: Murovanaya Oshmyanka-Oshmyany-Zhuprany-Boruny-Tupishki-Golshany.

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