Grodno-a city close to the hearts of many Poles.

Grodno is, besides Vilnius and Lviv, one of the most important cities of the former Republic of Poland, today located within the borders of Belarus. The city has a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the 12th century. It is located in the northwestern part of the country, on the Polish-Lithuanian border. It once belonged to the three royal cities of the Republic of Poland. The beautiful Neman River, the third largest river in Belarus, flows through it, dividing Grodno into two parts.

Grodno is unlikely to be seen as a tourist destination by Poles. Belarusians, on the other hand, visit it most eagerly. That's because there's plenty to see here.

On October 26, 2016, visa-free tourist traffic from Poland to Belarus was opened. The movement has developed gradually, and in 2020, within its framework it is already possible to visit quite a large part of Belarus, with such important places for Polish tourists as Grodno, Bohatyrovichi, Novogrudok, Zaosie and Mir.

Certainly, many visitors to Grodno will be surprised to learn that the city is not particularly different from other European cities - stores full of goods, fashionably dressed people with expensive gadgets, free wi-fi available in restaurants. It really is a quiet and safe city although many think otherwise. It's worth a trip there and break stereotypes and prejudices.

What is worth visiting?

1. Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Xavier - it was founded by King Stefan Batory allocating money from the ransom of captives for this purpose. However, due to the imminent death of the ruler and numerous wars, the construction of the church was not completed until 1705, hence its Baroque style.

2. Jesuit Pharmacy - right next to the basilica is the oldest pharmacy in Belarus. It was built in the early 18th century but, during the war it was looted by the Soviets. Today it houses a modern pharmacy and a small Pharmacy Museum.

3. Orthodox Church of St. Boris and Gleb, also known as the Orthodox Church of Kolozha - dates back to the 12th century. It is the work of local builders under the direction of Peter Miloniega. It sits on a high escarpment over the Nemunas River, which also contributed to the disaster in the 19th century. As a result of a landslide, one of the walls collapsed and was rebuilt from wood. It must be admitted that its present unique form looks extremely interesting.

4. Old and New Castle - a medieval castle was built on the hills above the Neman River, where the inhabitants protected themselves from invasions by foreign armies. In time, a brick castle was built in its place, which Stefan Batory converted into a Renaissance royal residence. The Old and New Castles are reminders of the castle's former power. Both complexes were built on hills, which made them difficult to conquer. The New Castle was built right next to the Old, and the entrances to both complexes are opposite each other. It is the place where kings stayed, the assemblies of the Sejm of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. It was to Grodno that deputies to the last Sejm - the one that approved the Second Partition of Poland - descended. In the rooms of the New Castle on November 25, 1795, Stanislaw August Poniatowski abdicated, which finally confirmed the fall of the Republic. This is also where Stefan Batory spent the last years of his life. Amazing history, so important to us Poles, hides the walls of this castle.

5. Great Synagogue - a monument to the centuries-old history of the Jews of Grodno. You do not have to be a follower of Judaism to be delighted with this building. Renovated it presents itself superbly. Inside it there is a museum;

6. Pokrovsky Cathedral - a former garrison temple in the Neorussian style, built as a tribute to the soldiers who died in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905-1906.

7. House of Eliza Orzeszkowa - One of Grodno's most prominent residents was a Polish writer, known for her novel Nad Niemnem or her collection of short stories Gloria Victis. One of the city's main streets is named after the artist, and there is a small museum dedicated to her - created in the house where she lived with her second husband. We can enter the museum for free. Orzeszkova died on May 18, 1910 in Grodno and was buried here, in the Farny Cemetery. The author was led on her last journey by a funeral procession of thousands of people.

The bus stop is located at the Bus Station, 7a Krasnoarmiejskaya Street.

You are welcome to board the buses!

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