Mankovichi. Waterfall on the Myadelka river.

Imagine the perfect silence of the Belarusian countryside, which is broken only by the measured sound of falling water. It seems that in flat Belarus, where kilometers of fields are replaced by calm forest streams, a waterfall is an exotic thing to look for far beyond the borders of the country. However, in the Vitebsk region, in the Postavy district, there is a place where time seems to have stopped, and nature has created scenery worthy of a movie. This is a waterfall in the village of Mankovichi.

Geography and navigation.

The easiest way to get here is if you focus not on the name of the village, but on the picturesque ruins. On maps, the place is often labeled as "Ruins of a watermill". The object is located at coordinates: 55.04042, 26.8842.

Mankovichi is located in the Postavy district, about 15 kilometers from the city of Postavy itself. If you are driving along the highway, pay attention to the Myadelka River - 4who gives life to this hydrological monument.

History: a mechanism that has been grinding for centuries.

Before becoming a point of attraction for tourists and photographers, this place was an important center of the economic life of the surrounding area. The watermill in Mankovichi was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The building was built from a large boulder stone, which was typical for the western part of Belarus, where stone was a more affordable material than brick.

The mill was powered by the water of the Myadelka River. A specially constructed dam created the necessary level difference to rotate the massive wooden wheel. This place was hospitable: peasants from the surrounding villages brought grain here. The mill survived the revolution, the wars and the Soviet era, but, like thousands of similar buildings across the country, it stopped in the second half of the 20th century, when centralized elevators made small private mills unprofitable.

What to see now: aesthetics of ruins and the power of water.

Today, the waterfall in Mankovichi is an ideal example of how the industrial past is turning into a natural treasure. Unfortunately, the main building of the mill has come down to us in the form of picturesque ruins. Thick stone walls, covered with moss and young shoots of trees, create the feeling of a real medieval castle, lost in the thicket.

The main splendor lies behind them. The dam, although in a dilapidated state, still performs its function. The water of the Myadelka River falls noisily from a cascade of boulders, forming an artificial, but no less beautiful waterfall.

Why is this place unique:

1. The height of the drop. Unlike the tiny streams on the streams, here the water falls from a height of about 2-3 meters, which is an impressive sight for Belarus.

2. Cascade structure. The waterfall is not alone. Due to the destruction of the dam, the stream forms a whole system of small waterfalls and bubbling rapids.

3. Authenticity. This is not a newly built or rebuilt tourist complex. This is a real, slightly wild and therefore especially attractive aesthetic of ruins.

What to do and what to consider when visiting.

Mankovichi is a paradise for lovers of industrial tourism and non-standard photo shoots. The gray stonework of the old mill against a background of greenery or golden autumn foliage provides incredible shots. It is best to come here in spring, when the river is full after the snow melts, or in rainy summer - then the waterfall is the most powerful and spectacular. During the dry season, the flow of water may weaken, but the ruins remain impressive at any time of the year.

Important nuances:

· Security. Ruins are an object that carries a potential danger. The walls are cracked in places, the construction is old. It is not necessary to climb the upper tiers of the mill, especially in windy weather. Be careful near the water: the rocks at the bottom of the river and at the dam are slippery.

· Equipment. It is recommended to wear comfortable waterproof shoes. The road to the mill itself runs along a dirt road, and the area around the waterfall is often wet and marshy.

· Rest. This place is great for a picnic. There are fairly flat areas near the ruins where you can camp with a tent or just stop for lunch, enjoying the sound of the water.

Conclusion.

The waterfall in Mankovichi is a reminder that even what is destroyed by man can find a second life, becoming a creation of nature. This is an ideal weekend itinerary for those who are looking for privacy, beautiful photos and want to touch the history of Belarus in its most picturesque manifestation. Come to the Postavy district to see how centuries-old stacked stones meet with the element of water, creating one of the most romantic places in Vitebsk region.