During the formation of the Old Russian state, the territory of modern Belarus became part of the first Slavic state. A trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks" passed through these lands, which naturally contributed to the emergence and growth of cities. So, the urban settlements of these places are quite old, and today in the Republic of Belarus there are 115 settlements with city status. We will go to this beautiful country and visit the largest cities of Belarus, both in size and population. Our review is built as you grow, and in the end we will find out what is the largest city in the Republic of Belarus.
The largest cities of Belarus:
20
Slutsk
Area: 30.5 km²
The first mention of Slutsk dates back to the end of the 11th century, when after the congress of the princes in Lubicz, this city, along with the lands, went to Svyatoslav Izyaslavich.
Today, a city in the Minsk region with a population of just over 61 thousand people is famous in the world for the production of unique Slutsk belts. Under the new development program, the Slutsk Belts production and cultural complex was created, which included a museum, cafe and a large souvenir shop.
Of the sights, it is worth noting the building of the oldest gymnasium in Europe, founded in 1617.
19
Kobrin
Area 31.6 km²
According to the “Tale of Bygone Years”, the settlement on the banks of the Mukhavets River was founded in 1287, and the city received its name from the small rivulet Kobrinka.
The city has a glorious history. It is worth noting that in 1812, in the vicinity of Kobrin, the Russian army for the first time celebrated success in the battle with the Napoleonic army.
In terms of industrial production, Kobrin occupies a leading position among the cities of the Brest region. Residents can also be proud of the unique architectural monuments of the 16th – 18th centuries preserved in the old part of the city.
18
Лобlobin
Area 32.92 km²
It is not yet possible to determine the exact date of the foundation of Zhlobin, but for the first time it is mentioned in connection with the events of the Russian-Polish war under 1654.
The city played an important role in the economy of the Commonwealth, and then the Russian Empire. Before the revolution of 1917, a city marina operated here, river ships were built. And today industrial production is highly developed in Zhlobin.
The town has its own zoo, there is a water park, two swimming pools and many other cultural and entertainment facilities.
17
Molodechno
Area 33.49 km²
The name of the city, founded in 1388, most likely comes from the Molodechanka River, which disappeared as a result of reclamation work. But there is a version that the settlement comes from the word "well done", as in Russia they called the younger soldiers in the squad.
Molodechno is very popular among tourists, as historical monuments of architecture have been preserved on its territory. In addition, the museum of local lore has collected rare artifacts and objects of national life.
In addition to large industrial enterprises, factories for the production of ceramics and perfumery work in the city.
16
Orsha
Area 42.90 km²
A beautiful ancient city is located on the banks of the Dnieper, and today it is a city of regional subordination with a population of 115 thousand people. But the history of the settlement began in the distant 1067.
Orsha today is the largest railway and automobile junction connecting the country with Europe, Russia and Ukraine. In addition, 25 industrial enterprises are operating in the city, including the largest aircraft repair plant.
Museums of Orsha, as well as the fortress walls and towers of the medieval Orsha Castle are popular among tourists.
15
Lida
Area 40.57 km²
In order to build a fortress, it was necessary to cut down forests, therefore, researchers derive the name of the city from the Baltic word “lida”, which means “a place liberated from the forest”.
The city is rich in sights of various historical eras, because every year it is visited by tens of thousands of tourists. Among the main historical monuments, it is worth highlighting the remains of Lida Castle, as well as the religious buildings of Orthodoxy and Catholicism.
According to the latest data, 101 thousand people live in the regional center of the Grodno region.
14
Slonim
Area 40.816 km²
At one time, the city belonged to Leo Sapieha, therefore a graceful lion flaunts on the city coat of arms. Slonim himself, who received the name from the Old Slavonic word “uslon” - “fortification”, “barrier”, was founded in 1252.
In the local history museum of Slonim, a unique archaeological find is stored - a wooden idol of the 10th century, discovered during excavations of the ancient settlement.
15 kilometers from Slonim is a unique Zhirovichi Orthodox monastery, leading its history from the end of the XVI century.
13
Polotsk
Area 40.77 km²
For the first time, Polotsk is mentioned in the annals under the year 862, and therefore, it is by far the most ancient city in Belarus.
The handsome Polotsk is located on both banks of the Western Dvina, and is named after the Polota River flowing into it. In 1924 it became part of the Byelorussian SSR, and in the 50s it was a regional center.
The city is famous for its magnificent bridges, gracefully thrown across the river, as well as unique architectural structures.
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12
Mazyr
Area 44,183 km²
The name of the city comes from the Finno-Ugric word denoting in ancient times swamps, wetlands. For the first time in historical documents, a settlement under this name was found in 1155.
During the war years there were large partisan formations, in memory of which many monuments and monuments were erected in the city. Including the Hero of the Soviet Union partisan Vera Horuzhey, who fell in battles with the Nazis.
In Mozyr, many monuments of Ancient Russia and castles of the Middle Ages were reconstructed, including the city fortifications of the 12th – 13th centuries.
11
Borisov
Area 46 km²
The city in the Minsk region was first mentioned not in Russian but in Lithuanian annals under 1102, in connection with Prince Boris Vseslavich, who went on a campaign against the Yatvag.
It is noteworthy that that ancient Borisov was completely burned out, and a new one was built south of the Berezina. During the years of Soviet power, Borisov became a large industrial center with cultural and educational institutions.
In a small compact town there is only one avenue and 270 streets. And the pride of the Borisovites is the BATE football club - a repeated champion of Belarus.
10
Novopolotsk
Area 48.49 km²
On the left bank of the Western Dvina lies the beautiful Novopolotsk, divided into 10 microdistricts. It was founded already in Soviet times in 1958.
It was a shock construction project for the construction of an oil refinery, and it was the builders who became the first inhabitants of the city. Over time, Novopolotsk grew, and today has a population of 102 thousand.
The main attractions are mainly associated with a large plant, and the most visited place by residents and tourists is the First Tent memorial complex.
9
Pinsk
Area 50.48 km²
The large cultural and economic center of Belarusian Polesie, with a population of 150 thousand people, was founded in 1097. The name of the settlement was given by its location on the Pina River.
At one time it was the capital of the independent Pinsk principality, and in 1320 the city became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
Modern Pinsk is a developed industrial city in which the largest enterprises are concentrated. Pinsk is famous for the large number of preserved historical monuments.
8
Baranovichi
Area 84.96 km²
Baranavichy received the status of the city in Soviet times in 1919, although the settlement was first mentioned in 1627, and the official foundation date is 1871.
At the very beginning of its history, the settlement was completely wooden, including sidewalks. This is the only city in Belarus where two railway stations operate.
In Baranavichy there is a unique museum of railway transport, in the halls of which amazing exhibits are collected, including the old working semaphore.
7
Bobruisk
Area 96.4 km²
This beautiful city is one of the largest regional centers of Belarus, and the name comes from the Bobruisk river, on the banks of which the first settlements appeared on this territory.
It is famous for its tire factory, whose products are known far beyond the borders of the Belarusian state. In addition, in many cities of the former USSR, including Moscow, there are Bobruisk streets.
In the Soviet period, 24 monuments to Lenin stood on the streets of Bobruisk, which was an absolute record in Soviet Belarus in terms of the density of monuments per capita.
6
Mogilev
Area 118.50 km²
The regional center of the Mogilev region ranks third in terms of population, and according to statistics, a little more than 330 thousand people live in the city.
There is very little evidence of Mogilev in Russian chronicles, and for the first time a fortress with that name under 1267 is mentioned. Over time, a settlement grew around the castle, and in Soviet times an unrealized project was developed to transfer the capital of the BSSR to Mogilev.
Among the attractions preserved places of worship of the New Age. The real pride of the townspeople is the Glory Square, one of the largest in Eastern Europe.
Fans of cultural tourism warmly talk about Mogilev. This is due to the fact that all the major cultural institutions of the city are within walking distance, like many popular Mogilev hotels. And the Mogilev Drama Theater is a real pride not only of the city, but of the republic as a whole.
5
Vitebsk
Area 134.6 km²
In the north-east of Belarus are the quarters, squares and streets of ancient Vitebsk, founded in 974. According to legend, Princess Olga laid the city.
The city is located on several hills on the banks of the Western Dvina. It is famous for its picturesque landscapes, historical monuments, and in the city there are beautiful ponds and lakes.
The city gained worldwide popularity thanks to the song and music festivals held in it, among which the "Slavonic Bazaar" stands out.
4
Gomel
Area 139.77 km²
This city is the southernmost among the regional centers of Belarus, and was founded in 1142 under the name Gomiy, but the modern name was established already in the 16th century.
After joining the Russian Empire in Gomel, population growth began, and today in the city there are more than 530 thousand inhabitants.
There are few ancient monuments preserved in the city, but in the city there are a large number of clubs for historical reconstruction of various eras: from Ancient Russia to the events of World War II.
3
Grodno
Area 142.11 km²
The beautiful city of modern Belarus was founded at the intersection of trade routes in the XI century, and for a long time served as a fortification.
In the Russian Empire since 1801 it was a provincial center, and after the Second World War it became a regional center. It is believed that Grodno has the best parks and city squares in all of Belarus.
Grodno, as one of the most ancient cities of the republic, has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and is popular among tourists who come to see unique historical and architectural monuments.
2
Brest
Area 146.12 km²
A city with a glorious, sometimes tragic history was first mentioned in historical documents under the year 1019, but the name may have received from the Old Slavonic word "birch bark".
The fortress city at all stages of history was the center of resistance to foreign invaders, and for every feat of defenders of the Brest Fortress in 1941, every resident of the country knows.
There are many historical monuments in the vicinity, including the unique masterpiece of medieval Belarusian architecture, Trinity Church.
1
Minsk
Area 348.84 km²
The Belarusian capital is the leader in both area and population. Today, 1 million 980 thousand people live in Minsk.
The city was founded in 1067, and the territory in the 10th century was inhabited by Slavic tribes Krivichi and Dregovichi. Throughout its history, Minsk played an important political and economic role, and in January 1919 became the capital of Belarus.
It should be noted that Minsk was awarded the honorary title of Hero City, and today it is one of the most beautiful cities in Eastern Europe.
The smallest city in Belarus
For balance, we note that the town of Disna, located on the river of the same name, where it flows into the Western Dvina, is the smallest city in Belarus.
The youngest city in Belarus
But Narovlya, founded on the Pripyat River in 1971, is the youngest city in Belarus. As you can see, the largest cities of wonderful and amazing Belarus have an ancient history, and today they are subject to modern global trends in population growth and densification.
The tourism industry has been actively developing in Belarus over the past decades, and cities have become more comfortable and cozy for tourists visiting them, but they have always been beautiful and always have been, throughout their glorious history.
The thebiggest.ru editorial office asks you to write in the comments which major cities of Belarus made the maximum impression on you. Write a few words about one or several cities of beautiful Belarus.