Grodno - Augustowski Canal (2 days)

Having seen it, you hardly learn in the cathedral is mute. Before you the beautiful palace will be. However, having thumbed through pages of the past of Sacred and Mikhaylovsky church, you learn in what a secret of its shape and history. How fate of the temple existing since the time of Public relations of the 17th century up to now was?

Long time in Lida attempts construction of Catholic temples anyway became. However all of them came to the end extremely tragically – pagan aggression, disapproval of the prince, the fires of crusaders. So was to the middle of the 18th century. In 1770 in the city the Roman Catholic Parish Church of Erection of the Sacred Cross appeared. The outstanding architect, the founder of refined architectural style, after called "vilensky baroque" - Johann Christoph Glaubits became the architect of the project.

In 1323 the prince Gedimin gave the order to put the stone lock to cover to knights the road to the center of lands of the principality Lithuanian. In 5 years the kostel was built. Time the lock was besieged by the English, German, French knights. The Lidsky lock is "time machine" and a fascinating travel to the Middle Ages where continually there is a place to romanticism and knightly valor. Here everyone will be able to feel as the ancient soldier, having tried on an armor and to like the mystical atmosphere, having learned what ghost protects a citadel.

In the 18th century Anthony Tizengauz has planned replacement of small-scale handicraft trade with manufactory. For this purpose he has also constructed Gorodnitsu which became the administrative, cultural and industrial center of Grodno. The grandiose complex from 85 buildings has absorbed in itself absolutely new design methods and constructions – for the first time in the history of town planning of Belarus. The baroque ensemble in Grodno will be seen also by you.

According to most of judges of art, he has won a rank of the "richest" and beautiful church in all territory of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. And really, his ubraniye and shape, both in interiors, and in an exterior, impress that is peculiar to Baroque style. A set of distinguished details, sculptures, gilding – the embodiment of the ideas of Stefan Batory the unknown, unfortunately, architect. The Grodno church of Francis Csaverija – one of three temples of Belarus carrying an honourable title a small basilica.

On the high hill, in the downtown, the church of Finding of the Sacred Cross and a complex of the monastery of bernardines have taken the place of honor. It is unique cult ensemble and the most ancient Catholic shrine of Grodno. The baroque silhouette of a church and a high tower with a spike solemnly towers on the bank of Neman and is visible from all points of the historic center. As well as today, in days of old he drew attention to himself with noble and graceful shape – here, for example, Elisa Ozheshko got married, and in 1990 the Highest Roman Catholic seminary was placed.

In the 12th century, on a high slope of Neman, one of the first churches of Eastern Europe has been built. For unique shape and unique technology, she was entitled the historical and architectural reserve. Why most of people name her Kolozhska? The church in honor of Saints Boris and Gleb is lit. For what numerous jugs are walled in walls? In what a secret of the centuries-old temple and whether his destiny is so simple? After the excursion you with confidence will be able to answer these questions.

The August channel - the first artificial waterway in Europe. He connects directly two big rivers – Vistula and Neman and in due time provided communication with the Black Sea. 102,2 km. a water smooth surface, including 22 in the territory of Belarus, include numerous locks and movable bridges that attracts a great number of tourists. It is possible to learn history of a grandiose construction here and to inhale fresh air of the nature, to admire picturesque types and to make fine photos. But if you want to feel all charm of the August channel – surely specify about desire to walk by motor ship with locking – unforgettable impressions are guaranteed. The way will pass across the channel course among the untouched bewitching woods of the August dense forest.

Old and New locks in Grodno are located absolutely nearby. It is a big rarity, even considering that in the territory of Belarus, in the Middle Ages, locks it was possible to meet through each 40 km. And both locks – royal. Powerful defensive system, high abrupt shaft, waters of Neman and Gorodnichanki – the residence under reliable protection. The unusual shape raises the mass of questions – the answer one: before you examples of the Belarusian defensive architecture. And today, the stone chronicle opens for «the amator ў» all new pages of historical reality.

Quite often the fate of locks and palaces are shrouded in legends and mystical stories. And in a case with the royal residence - it is inevitable. One of 2 locks in Grodno – the summer residence of the grand duke Lithuanian and the king Polish Augustus III has received glory of the damned place. And, nevertheless, exactly there passed general diets of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the agreement on her section in 1793 and here, in 1795 has been signed here, Augustus Ponyatovsky has appended the signature under the act of renunciation.

To your attention the most beautiful synagogue in Europe, the biggest in Belarus and the oldest in the former Soviet Union. Her long story begins in the 16th century. Constructed on the project of the architect Santi Gucci, more than once suffering from the fires and destructions, it nevertheless has informed of solemn vernal shape and well remained interior up to now.