Borisov (or Barysaw) is a city in the Minsk region of Belarus. It is located on the Berezina River and is known for its industrial enterprises and sporting attractions. With a population of around 150,000, it is one of the oldest towns in Belarus, founded in 1102 by Polotsk Prince Boris Vseslavovich. The town has changed hands several times throughout its history, being ruled by the Polotsk Principality, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Russian Empire before becoming part of the Soviet Union in 1917. Today, Borisov is a major industrial and transport hub, with over 40 factories and businesses, and is also known for its successful football club, FC BATE Borisov, which plays at the modern Borisov Arena.
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Borisov is a city in the Minsk region of Belarus
Borisov, also known as Barysaw, is a city in the Minsk region of Belarus. It is one of the oldest towns in the country, first founded in 1102 by Polotsk Prince Boris Vseslavovich (also known as Rogvolod Vseslavich). The city is located on the confluence of the Berezina and Skha rivers and has a population of approximately 150,000 people.
Throughout its history, Borisov has been ruled by the Polotsk Principality, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Russian Empire. It became part of the Soviet Union in 1917 and was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, from 1941 to 1944. After the war, Borisov became a major industrial centre, with over 40 large factories exporting goods worldwide. Today, the city is known for its sporting achievements, particularly the success of its football club, BATE Borisov, which plays at the Borisov Arena.
Borisov has a rich history and several notable landmarks. The Holy Resurrection Church, built in the late 19th century, is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Belarus. The town also has a local history museum, which holds over 57,000 artefacts, including a Napoleonic-era cannon. Another notable site is the ruins of the 12th-century Borisov Castle, which was converted into a prison in the 19th century.
The city is also known for its role in Napoleon's disastrous retreat across the Berezina River in 1812. The French army built two wooden bridges north of the city to escape pursuing armies, and this event is reenacted during town festivals. Borisov also has a monument honouring the heroes of the 1812 Patriotic War, known as the "Batarei".
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It is located on the Berezina River
Borisov, also known as Barysaw, is a city in the Minsk Region of Belarus. It is located on the Berezina River, at its confluence with the Skha. The city was founded in 1102 by Polotsk Prince Boris Vseslavovich (also known as Boris Vseslavich or Rogvolod Vseslavich). Borisov has been under Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian rule at various times throughout its history.
The Berezina River has played a significant role in the city's history. In 1812, Napoleon's troops crossed the river during their disastrous retreat, building two wooden bridges north of the city to escape pursuing armies. This event is reenacted during town festivals, and a cannon from the Napoleonic era is on display in the local museum. The river also serves as a transport route, with the Moscow-Warsaw railway and highway crossing it.
Borisov is divided by the river into old and new parts, connected by two bridges. The new part of the city includes the railway station, international road, military staff headquarters, and the central square. The old part of the city is home to historical landmarks such as the Holy Resurrection Church, a cruciform church with nine domes and a bright terracotta facade.
Today, Borisov is a major industrial and transport hub, with over 40 enterprises. The city's industries include engineering, metal processing, electrical automobile equipment manufacturing, and timber working. It is also known for its sporting achievements, with the successful football club FC BATE Borisov and the UEFA Category 4 Stadium, Borisov Arena.
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It was founded in 1102 by Prince Boris Vseslavovich
Borisov, also known as Barysaw, is a city in the Minsk region of Belarus. It is situated on the Berezina River, about 74 kilometres (46 miles) northeast of the capital, Minsk. The city was first mentioned in 1102 by the Polotsk prince Boris Vseslavovich, who founded the settlement.
Prince Boris Vseslavovich founded the city of Borisov (Barysaw) in 1102. The prince was from Polotsk, and he gave the city his baptismal name, Boris. According to historical chronicles, Prince Boris Vseslavovich raided the Yotvingians and, to commemorate his victory, ordered the construction of a town at the confluence of the Berezina and Skha rivers. The original settlement was burned down, and a new town was built 4 kilometres downstream on the tributary Prilia.
During the next two centuries, the city was burned down and rebuilt south of its original location. From the late 13th century to 1795, Borisov was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was included in the Polish-Lithuanian union after the Union of Krewo in 1385. In 1569, it became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and in 1793, it was incorporated into the Russian Empire as a result of the Second Partition of Poland.
Borisov has played a significant role in military history, particularly during Napoleon's retreat across the Berezina River in 1812. The city became a crucial location when Napoleon's troops crossed the river, and the event is still reenacted during town festivals. Borisov also served as a major industrial centre, with over 40 large factories as of 2002, exporting goods to Russia, the CIS, and worldwide.
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It has been ruled by Lithuania, Poland and Russia
Borisov (or Barysaw) is a city in the Minsk Region of Belarus. It is located on the Berezina River, 74 kilometres (46 miles) northeast of the capital, Minsk. The city was founded in 1102 by the Prince of Polotsk, Rogvolod Vseslavich, who had the baptismal name of Boris.
Over the centuries, Borisov has been ruled by Lithuania, Poland, and Russia. Here is an overview of each period:
Lithuanian Rule
From the late 13th century to 1795, Borisov was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. This period saw the city play a significant role during the Lithuanian-Muscovite War in the 16th century, when Alexander Jagiellon resided in the Barysaw Castle. In 1563, King Sigismund II Augustus granted the city Magdeburg town rights. In 1569, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania merged with the Kingdom of Poland, forming a federative state known as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
Polish Rule
After the merger of Lithuania and Poland, Borisov became part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. During this time, the city served as a military outpost, with various Lithuanian regiments stationed there. In the late 18th century, following the Second Partition of Poland, Borisov became part of the Pale of Jewish Settlement within the Russian Empire.
Russian Rule
Borisov became part of the Russian Empire in 1793 as a result of the Second Partition of Poland. During the Napoleonic Wars, the city was a crucial location when Napoleon's army crossed the Berezina River near Borisov in 1812. This event, known as the Battle of Berezina, resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and significant destruction in the city.
In the 19th century, Borisov continued to develop as a transportation hub with the construction of the Moscow-Warsaw railway and the establishment of a railway station in the city. During World War I and the subsequent Russian Revolution, control of Borisov changed hands several times between Soviet Russia, Germany, and Poland. After the Peace of Riga in 1921, Borisov became part of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union.
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Borisov is a major industrial and transport hub
Borisov, also known as Barysaw, is a city in the Minsk Region of Belarus. It is a major industrial and transport hub, with over 40 large factories and enterprises, some of which are unique to the country. The railroad is a vital transport link for the city, with the first railway line being built in 1871. Today, it is powered by overhead electric lines.
Borisov's industries include the Borisov Plant of Motor-and-Tractor Electric Machinery, the Borisov Plant Avtogydrousilitel, the Borisov Aggregate Works, the Ekran Company, the Dzerzhynski Crystal Works, and the Borisov Plastics Plant, to name a few. The total industrial staff in the city reaches 31,019 people.
Some of the largest factories in Borisov include BATE (electricity automobile parts), AGU (power steering), a pharmaceutical plant, a turbocompressors plant, and a match factory. The city is also home to a meat-processing factory and a dairy, among others.
Borisov's status as a major transport hub is further emphasised by its central location within Belarus. The city is situated on the Berezina River, about 74 kilometres (46 miles) northeast of the capital, Minsk. This strategic position has made Borisov an important communications centre, with the Moscow-Warsaw railway and highway crossing the navigable Berezina River.
In addition to its industrial and transport significance, Borisov also boasts a rich history. Founded in 1102, the city has been under Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian rule at various times. It was a crucial location during Napoleon's retreat in 1812, when his troops crossed the Berezina River north of the city.
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Frequently asked questions
Borisov is a city in the Minsk Region of Belarus. It is located on the Berezina River, 74km northeast of the capital, Minsk.
As of 2024, Borisov has a population of 135,696.
Borisov is home to many historical and cultural sites, including the Borisov United Museum, the Holy Resurrection Church, the Borisov Arena, and the Shukhovskaya Water Tower.
Borisov was founded in 1102 by Polotsk Prince Boris Vseslavovich. Throughout its history, it has been held by the Polotsk Principality, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Kingdom of Poland, and the Russian Empire. The city was a crucial location during Napoleon's retreat in 1812, and it became a major industrial centre in the 20th century.