Polotsk. Monument to Francis Skaryna

Francis Skaryna was one of the outstanding figures of the Renaissance, a true "universal genius" of his time. He was a contemporary of such great personalities as Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. Skaryna was a philosopher, scientist, inventor and physician. He was born in Polotsk, but the family trading business did not attract him; instead, he was hungry for knowledge and aspired to new discoveries. After leaving his native place, Francis went to study at the universities of Krakow and Padua, where he received degrees of Doctor of Medicine and free sciences.

The greatest contribution of Francysk Skaryna, for which he is especially revered in his homeland, is the foundation of the first printing workshop in Belarus. He made a significant contribution to book printing and became the first to translate the Bible into Belarusian, making 23 translations and reprints of this sacred book. An important feature of his works is that some of the prefaces to the editions of books contain rhymed prefaces written by Skorin himself. This makes him one of the founders of written poetry in Belarus.

Another significant innovation of Francis Skaryna was the illustration of books with engravings, which, unfortunately, was not accepted by the churchmen. However, his innovative ideas have left a significant mark on the history of Belarusian culture and literature, and his works continue to inspire today.

Despite all the vicissitudes of life, Skaryna never forgot his hometown and in letters called it "glorious Polotsk". A 5.5-meter-high bronze statue stands on a 7-meter pedestal. The muscular hand of the great worker rests on a book, which may be the "Apostle" or "Little Travel Book" — the faithful companions of many Slavic merchants and artisans. His gaze is directed into the distance, as if he sees through the fog of time all the difficulties that await his people on the path to knowledge and freedom.