Polotsk. Geographical center of Europe.

At the beginning of the 21st century, Belarusian scientists Alexey Solomonov and Valery Anoshko conducted research, the results of which aroused interest even among the media. The surveyors used the methods of aerospace surveying for their calculations. According to the data obtained, the center of Europe is located 48 km southwest of Polotsk, near Lake Sho. In the calculations, England and Ireland were taken into account as the mainland.

Russian scientists from the Central Scientific Research Institute of Geodesy, Aerial Photography and Cartography confirmed the accuracy of the data of their Belarusian colleagues after verification.

The local authorities of Polotsk decided to perpetuate the point of the geographical center of Europe on the territory of Belarus by erecting a monument. This led to a slight shift in coordinates, but the idea remained unchanged. The monument was created thanks to architect Ivan Borovik and sculptor Alexander Prokhorov. The base of the sculpture is the wind rose, the next part is a model of the Northern Hemisphere with a map of Europe. Meridian arcs intersect above the map, supporting a three-masted boat, the symbol of Polotsk. Inscriptions in Swedish, Russian, Greek, English and Belarusian indicate the name of the monument — "Geographical Center of Europe".

The monument "Geographical Center of Europe" was solemnly presented to the residents of the city on the last day of spring 2008, during the celebration of Polotsk's birthday. The sculpture is very popular among tourists, because the photo on its background allows you to proudly declare a touch to the very center of Europe. That is why sightseeing tours in Belarus, such as the Patriarch of the Belarusian Land sightseeing tour, are especially popular.