Bel’chitsa in Vitebsk Oblast
Destination Guide Belarus

Polotsk

Polotsk is a historical city in Belarus, situated on the Dvina River. It is the center of the Polatsk Raion in Vitsebsk Voblast. Its population is more than 80,000 people. It is served by Polotsk Airport and during the Cold War was home to Borovitsy air base.

Located at 55.4833, 28.8 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Polotsk, Cities in Belarus, Populated places in Vitebsk Region

Boris stones

Boris Stones, also called Dvina Stones, are seven medieval artifacts erected along the bank of the Western Dvina between Polotsk and Drissa, Belarus. They probably predate Christianity in the area, but were inscribed in the 12th century with text and an image of Christ. The largest of the stones is 17 metres in circumference.

Located at 55.4856, 28.7581 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Landmarks in Belarus, History of Belarus (862–1236), Old Russian inscriptions, Kievan Rus', Sacred rocks

First Battle of Polotsk

In the First Battle of Polotsk, which took place on 17–18 August 1812, Russian troops under the command of Peter Wittgenstein fought French and Bavarian troops led by Nicolas Oudinot near the city of Polotsk, halting Oudinot's advance toward Saint Petersburg. The First Battle of Polotsk should be distinguished from the Second Battle of Polotsk which took place during the same campaign two months later. After the battle of Klyastitsy and several minor losses Oudinot's Corps retreated to Polotsk.

Located at 55.4833, 28.8 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Conflicts in 1812, Battles of the Napoleonic Wars, Battles involving Russia, 1812 in France, 1812 in Russia, History of Belarus (1795–1918), French invasion of Russia, Polotsk

Second Battle of Polotsk

The Second Battle of Polotsk (18–20 October 1812) took place during Napoleon's invasion of Russia. In this encounter the Russians under General Peter Wittgenstein attacked and defeated a Franco-Bavarian force under Laurent Gouvion Saint-Cyr. In the aftermath of this success, the Russians took Polotsk and dismantled Napoleon's operations in Belarus.

Located at 55.4833, 28.8 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Battles of the Napoleonic Wars, Battles involving Russia, History of Belarus (1795–1918), Conflicts in 1812, 1812 in France, 1812 in Russia, Polotsk, French invasion of Russia

Saint Sophia Cathedral in Polotsk

The Cathedral of Holy Wisdom in Polotsk (Belarusian: Полацкі Сафійскі сабор; Russian: Собор Святой Софии в Полоцке) was built by Prince Vseslav Briacheslavich (rr.1044–1101) between 1044 (it is first mentioned in the Voskresenskaia Chronicle under the year 1056) and 1066. It stands at the confluence of the Polota and Western Dvina Rivers on the eastern side of the city and is probably the oldest church in Belarus.

Located at 55.4861, 28.7587 (Lat. / Lng.), about 2 miles away.
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Churches in Belarus, Landmarks in Belarus, Buildings and structures in Vitebsk Region, Museums in Vitebsk Region

Siege of Polotsk

The Siege of Polotsk was laid in 1518 by forces of the Grand Duchy of Moscow on Polotsk during the Fourth Muscovite–Lithuanian War (1512–1522). The Lithuanians defended the city. According to a legend, Prince Casimir Jagiellon appeared before the Lithuanian troops and helped them to achieve victory. It was the first miracle attributed to Casimir, which perpetuated his cult and led to his eventual canonization.

Located at 55.4833, 28.7667 (Lat. / Lng.), about 1 miles away.
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Conflicts in 1518, Battles involving the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Battles involving Russia, Polotsk, 1518 in Europe