Damon Mcknight
Gomel, Belarus' second-largest city, is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its beautiful palace and park ensemble, which is among the top attractions in the country. The city has a rich history, with its first mention in chronicles dating back to 1142. Over the centuries, Gomel has experienced ups and downs but continued to grow and develop. Today, it is an industrial, business, and educational hub, as well as a major regional transport centre. Here are some key places to visit in Gomel:
- Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches: This magnificent residence, built on the bank of the Sozh River, is an architectural gem and one of Belarus' most popular sites. The palace boasts an extensive collection of art and antiques, including over 150,000 original exhibits.
- Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble: This ensemble includes a medieval fortress, the palace, the Paskeviches' chapel and family vault, St. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, an interior garden with an observation tower, and a park with Pond Lebiazhy. The park is home to 5,000 trees, including exotic species, and thousands of tulips planted each spring.
- St. Elijah's Church: This is the only Old-Rite Church in Belarus and one of the unique religious buildings in Gomel. It remained open even during the Soviet times and is believed to be visited by Yemelyan Pugachev.
- St. Nicholas Monastery: Closed during the Soviet period, this monastery was revived in 1994 by the citizens of Gomel. It houses several relics, including the icon and relics of St. Jan Kormianski and the myrrh-streaming icon of St. Nicholas.
- Museum of Military Glory and Museum of Criminology: These museums offer insights into Gomel's military history and the struggle against crime in the 20th century, respectively. The Museum of Military Glory features outdoor exhibits, including military hardware, while the Museum of Criminology displays weapons, documents, and a police motorcycle.
- Vetka Museum of Old Believer Faith and Belarusian Traditions: This museum, founded by local historian and collector Fyodor Shklyarov, showcases folk art and artefacts from the past, including unique icons and manuscripts.
- Gomel's Natural Landmark, the Sozh River: The river is considered one of the cleanest in Europe and plays a significant role in the city's history. The embankment, about 2.5 km long, is a popular recreation spot, offering beautiful views and impressive sculptures.
- Pedestrian Bridge over Sozh: This bridge, built in the 1970s, provides breathtaking views of the river, the embankment, and the palace and park ensemble. It is a convenient way to access the beach on the other bank of the river.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Attractions | Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble, Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches, Observation Tower, Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory, Peter and Paul Cathedral, Memorial Sign of Concentration Camp Prisoners, Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral, The Chapel and the Burial Vault of the Paskevich, St. Ilya Church, Lenin Square, Sovetskaya Street, Vashchenko Art Gallery, Gomel Oblast Museum of Military Glory, Forensics Museum, Printing and Photography History Museum, Saint Nicholas Monastery, Saint Tikhvin Convent, National Park Pripyatsky, Monument to a Pioneer Hunter and His Tame Lynx, The Old Castle and New Castle in Grodno, Koziell Poklewski Estate, Bulhak Palace in Zhilichi, Belovezhskaya Pushcha, Residence of Father Frost, Saint Sophia Cathedral, St. Euphrosyne Convent |
What You'll Learn
Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble
The Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble is a must-see in Gomel, Belarus. It is one of the top attractions in the country and has been described as "one of the most beautiful parks in Europe". The ensemble covers 34 hectares and is a monument of history, architecture, and natural heritage.
The history of the palace goes back to the late 18th century when the area around Gomel became part of the Russian Empire. Empress Catherine II awarded the lands to Count Piotr Rumyantsev, providing funds for the construction of a palace. The beautiful residence, built on the site of a wooden castle previously owned by the Czartoryski family, became the city's architectural gem. Over the years, the palace was rebuilt and expanded upon, with new buildings added to the estate, turning it into one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Eastern Europe.
The palace itself is a magnificent stone residence designed in the Russian Classicism style. It features a four-storey tower and a three-storey wing, added by architect Adam Idzkowski during renovations for Field Marshal Ivan Paskevich, who acquired the Gomel lands in 1834. The palace grounds include a modern statue of Count Nikolay Rumyantsev, replacing the original marble statues that were lost. The park features trees and shrubs brought from various countries, along with allies, lawns, flower beds, grottoes, gazebos, fountains, and copies of antique sculptures. The bed of the ancient Gomeyuk stream was turned into the Swan Pond.
Today, the palace houses a unique museum complex, featuring the palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches, a chapel and burial vault, a winter garden, a watchtower, and the picturesque old park. The ground floor of the central part of the palace has been meticulously restored to its former glory, including the Column Hall, White Living Room, Red Living Room, and the Hall of Ceremonies (formerly the Golden Dining Room). The tower built to Paskevich's design houses an exhibition dedicated to the owners of the palace, featuring original paintings, sculptures, weapons, and personal belongings.
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Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches
The Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches is a beautiful example of architecture in Belarus and one of the country's most visited attractions. Located in the centre of Gomel on the bank of the River Sozh, the palace is a unique museum complex that includes a chapel, a burial vault, a winter garden, a watchtower and a picturesque old park.
History
In the late 18th century, the Belarusian lands were part of the Russian Empire, and Empress Catherine the Great gave the city of Gomel to her favourite, General Field Marshal Piotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, as a reward for his outstanding victories in the war against Turkey. Piotr Rumyantsev had the existing wooden castle, which had previously belonged to the Grand Chancellor of Lithuania, demolished and built a new one in the style of early Classicism. The construction of the castle began in 1777, with prominent architects of that time, including Y.N. Alekseyev, K.I. Blank, Y.M. Felten and M.K. Mostsepanov, advising on its design. The name of the main architect is unclear, but historians believe it could be Ivan Starov, a talented architect who designed many famous buildings in St. Petersburg.
The palace was inherited by Piotr Rumyantsev's elder son, Nikolai Rumyantsev, Chancellor of the Russian Empire and a patron of sciences and arts. In 1834, the Gomel residence was purchased by another Field Marshall, Ivan Paskevich, who had both the palace and the park substantially renovated. In 1919, the palace was turned into a museum and, over the years, it has been used for various purposes, including as a telephone station, a library, a puppet theatre, a youth centre and a museum.
Present Day
Today, the former residence of the aristocrats in Gomel is one of the most interesting and frequently visited museums in Belarus and a major historical, cultural and educational centre. The ground floor of the central part of the palace has been meticulously restored to its former glory based on historic documents. This part of the palace still houses the Column Hall, White Living Room, Red Living Room and a hall of ceremonies (formerly the Golden Dining Room). These halls are used not only for exhibitions but also for balls, concerts and meetings attended by top officials from different countries. The palace also hosts picture, photo and other types of exhibitions and educational projects.
The collection of the Gomel palace is one of the richest in Belarus, comprising archaeological, ethnographic and numismatic collections, pictures, handwritten books and books printed before the 18th century, icons and religious items, marine organisms and memorial complexes commemorating outstanding persons. The tower built to Ivan Paskevich's design houses the exhibition "Owners of the Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches in Gomel", which features original paintings, sculptures and dukes' weapons and personal effects.
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Observation Tower
The Observation Tower in Gomel, Belarus, is a great spot to visit for those who enjoy a climb and a spectacular view. Located in Gomel Park, the tower is 42 metres tall and offers panoramic views of the city, including the Sozh river and the Palace hidden among the trees. The tower is also near the attraction fair, so you can enjoy some fun after your climb.
The tower is safe to climb, but the stairs are narrow, so be prepared for that. If you are infirm or unfit, it is best to avoid the climb. However, if you are up for the challenge, the reward is a breathtaking view from the highest point in Gomel.
The Observation Tower is part of the Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble, which is among the top popular attractions in Belarus. The ensemble covers 34 hectares and includes the remains of an ancient and medieval town from the 15th to 18th centuries, the Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches, Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral, a chapel and family vault of the Paskevich family, the Hunting Lodge, and the Winter Garden. The park is home to 5,000 trees, including many exotic species, and is a delight any time of the year.
The Observation Tower itself offers a romantic setting, with beautiful trees, clean atmosphere, and nice bridges nearby. It is a great place to take photos and enjoy a coffee break. The tower is also a good deal, as it is not expensive to visit. So, if you are in Gomel, be sure to check out the Observation Tower for some great views and a bit of exercise!
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Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral
The Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral in Gomel, Belarus, is a beautiful building in the Classicism style, designed by architect John Clark. It is often compared to other famous temples of the same style, such as the Kazan Cathedral in St Petersburg and the Panthéon in Paris.
The construction of the cathedral was ordered by Count Nikolai Rumyantsev in 1808 and took place from 1809 to 1819. It is located in the park of Gomel and is part of the Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble. The cathedral is situated on a high cape above the Sozh River and is visible from afar.
The church has a rich history, welcoming many outstanding people over the years, including aristocrats, philosophers, and writers. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the cathedral was closed and later converted into a planetarium. However, in the 1940s, during the period of German occupation, divine services resumed. Unfortunately, the cathedral was closed and desecrated for a second time in the 1960s. It was restored in the late 1980s, and regular services have been held since then.
Today, the Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral is the main functioning church in Gomel and is definitely worth a visit. Visitors are advised to wear a scarf and be prepared to act like a Russian Orthodox worshipper during their visit.
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Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory
The Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory is a must-see for anyone interested in military history and military hardware. The museum, which first opened in 2004, is dedicated to the military history of the Gomel region, from ancient times to the present day.
The museum's stationary exhibition is spread across eight halls on two floors of the museum building. The exhibition includes an impressive collection of weapons and tanks, with English translations alongside the original signage, making it accessible to a wider audience. The exhibition also includes an outdoor display of military equipment from the 20th century, with 35 units on show. Among these are the BMD-1 assault vehicle and the ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled air defence system.
In addition to the military hardware, the museum features a local exposition called "Partisan Town", set up in an ambulance, and a pneumatic shooting gallery. The museum also houses the Criminalistics Museum, which showcases the history of crime prevention in Gomel Oblast between 1917 and 2000. Here, visitors can see weapons, police uniforms and equipment, a police motorcycle, and even lock picks.
The Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory is located on Pushkina Street, a short walk from the Sojh Hotel, the Oktyabrskaya Hotel, and the Circus Hotel. The museum is open daily from 11am to 6pm and is ranked among the top things to do in Gomel.
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Frequently asked questions
Gomel has many attractions, including the Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble, the Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches, the Observation Tower, the Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory, and the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Gomel has a variety of museums, including the Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory, the Vetka Museum of Old Believer Faith and Belarusian Traditions, the Museum of Criminology, the Museum of the History of Printing and Photography, and the Art Gallery of G.H. Vashchanka.
St. Elijah's Church is the only Old-Rite Church in Belarus and is believed to be a place of worship for Yemelyan Pugachev. St. Nicholas Monastery, closed during the Soviet period, was revived in 1994 and now houses several relics.
The embankment of the Sozh River, which flows through the entire city of Gomel, is a great place for a stroll. The pedestrian Baumansky Bridge offers nice views of the river and the city.
Gomel has several monuments, including a monument to the first resident of Gomel, which features a lynx, the symbol of Gomel, and a monument to Irina Paskevich, the last owner of the Gomel Palace.
