Vitebsk. Warehouses.

The word Labaz ("warehouse") is well known among the people and means a barn or storehouse. In ancient times, this was the name of flour warehouses, which were key to the commercial life of any city.

In Vitebsk, the warehouses were built in 1774 to store a valuable product at that time – salt. Since wooden buildings often burned, merchants faced heavy losses and the creation of stone warehouses became a real salvation. These buildings served as a shopping complex, where large transactions were carried out and retail trade developed, mainly in flour, salt and grain.

Architecturally, Vitebsk warehouses were one-story structures consisting of three parts connected by arched arches, with a system of basements and underground passages. The buildings were built in a line with a total length of almost 150 meters. The central building had two floors, and the side buildings had one floor each. The vast courtyard was intended for the arrival of wagons. The design of the buildings reflected their functionality, which is a characteristic feature of the eclectic style.

Over the centuries, the warehouses have been reconstructed more than once, including during the war, when they were adapted to store military supplies.

Despite the loss of its original appearance, the holistic style has been preserved, and the two buildings on Tchaikovsky Street remain in good condition.

Recently, a project was adopted to recreate the architecture of the 18th century in the cultural and historical complex "Zadvinye", where examples of local art and national cuisine are presented.

Visitors can also try their hand at crafts such as sculpting clay objects or basket weaving, and the Zadvinye complex has become part of many tourist routes in Vitebsk region.

In addition, there are other interesting places near the warehouses, ideal for relaxing on the banks of the Dvina River with magnificent views of the city.