Finding Free Wifi: Gomel, Belarus Edition

Belarus is a country that attracts tourists with its scenic beauty and fascinating history. For travellers who want to stay connected while visiting, there are plenty of places with Wi-Fi available. This is a guide to finding Wi-Fi in Gomel, the second-largest city in Belarus, located in the south-eastern corner of the country. Gomel has a unique blend of natural, economic, and intellectual resources, making it a significant tourist destination. However, it can be challenging to navigate due to the lack of English signage and communication barriers with locals.

To find Wi-Fi in Gomel, it is recommended to use a Wi-Fi map or simply search for Wi-Fi near me on your device. Some of the most popular places with Wi-Fi connectivity in Belarus include hotels, cafes, restaurants, and museums. In Gomel, you can expect to find Wi-Fi in similar establishments. The city has a well-developed scientific and technology sector, so you may also find Wi-Fi access in research institutes and higher educational institutions. Additionally, the city has an extensive rail network, and transportation hubs often offer internet access.

It is worth noting that Belarus has free Wi-Fi in many public spaces, and Gomel is no exception. When exploring the city, keep an eye out for parks, squares, and public gardens, as these areas often provide free Wi-Fi to visitors. Cafes and restaurants in Gomel are also likely to offer free Wi-Fi to their customers.

Overall, while Gomel may present language barriers and a lack of English signage, you can still stay connected by utilising the Wi-Fi hotspots available throughout the city.

Hotels, cafes, restaurants and museums in Gomel

Gomel, the second-largest city in Belarus, is known for its clean streets, nice-looking cathedrals, squares and avenues, and great local food. Here are some places to find WiFi in the city's hotels, cafes, restaurants, and museums:

Hotels

• Hotel Tsentralnaya: Located 1640 feet from the historic city centre, this hotel offers free WiFi and free private parking.
• Park-Hotel Zamkovy: One of the highest-rated properties in Gomel, it offers clean rooms, many TV channels, and views of the garden courtyard.
• AMAKS Vizit Hotel: A popular choice for travellers, this hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with heated towel racks. It is also conveniently located near the train and bus station.
• Circus Hotel: This hotel is known for its proximity to the Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble.
• Tourist Best Eastern Gomel: This hotel offers adequate accommodation, but English-speaking tourists may have some difficulty with check-in.
• Hotel Sergeevskiy: Located in a calm neighbourhood with a nearby lake, this hotel offers stable WiFi, private parking, and good food.

Cafes and Restaurants

• Chisto Pivnoĭ Restoranchik: A bar and restaurant offering European and Central European cuisine, with live music and friendly staff.
• GARAGE food & coffee: A cafe offering European, healthy, and Italian-American food, as well as takeout and delivery options.
• Karchma Budzma Zagaradnaya: A bar and restaurant located in a forest, serving Eastern European cuisine and accommodating large groups.
• Staroe Vremya: A restaurant that is a fun tribute to Soviet times.
• Provance: A restaurant serving local Gomel food.
• Befana: A restaurant serving local Gomel food.
• Exupery: A cafe serving pancakes.

Museums

• Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble
• Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches
• The Chapel and the Burial Vault of the Paskevich
• Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory
• Sculpture Itchy Feet
• Peter and Paul Cathedral
• Vetka Museum of Old Believer Faith and Belarusian Traditions F.G. Shklyarova
• Sculpture Woman Caretaker

Public transport in Gomel

Gomel has an extensive public transport system, with a range of options for getting around the city and the surrounding region.

Buses

There are many bus routes in Gomel, with buses serving the city and connecting it to other towns and cities in Belarus and beyond. The website CheckMyBus allows users to compare all available buses to and from Gomel, showing departure and arrival times, stops, travel times, and ticket prices. Buses to Gomel can be booked in advance, with most people booking 3-7 days ahead of their journey. Many buses to and from Gomel have additional amenities such as air conditioning, electrical sockets, and WiFi.

Trains

The Gomel region has an extensive rail network, with 90% of Belarus's rail freight and 50% of passenger traffic running through the region. The rail network connects the country with Russia and Ukraine.

Other Transport Options

In addition to buses and trains, there are several other transport options in Gomel. The city has an airport, and the region also has an extensive road infrastructure, with major international motorways running through it. The River Dnieper and its tributaries are used for both passenger and shipping services, and the region also boasts numerous lakes and canals.

Tourist attractions in Gomel

Gomel, Belarus is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit in Gomel:

Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble

The Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belarus. This beautiful park is considered one of the most stunning in Europe, with its charming character and unique atmosphere. The palace, located within the park, is an architectural gem and the city's pride. The ensemble covers 34 hectares and is a natural heritage site, featuring 5,000 trees, including exotic species, and thousands of tulips planted each spring. The park also includes an ancient stream, the Swan Pond, which was once the bed of the Gomeyuk stream, exotic trees, allies, lawns, grottoes, gazebos, fountains, and antique sculptures.

Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches

The Palace of the Rumyantsevs and the Paskeviches is one of the five most popular attractions in Belarus and is considered a significant architectural monument. Construction began in 1777 by Field Marshal Piotr Rumyantsev, and the project involved the best architects of that time. The palace showcases Russian Classicism architecture and is known for its beauty and sophistication. It has an extensive art collection and is surrounded by a magnificent park.

Observation Tower

The Observation Tower is located in the southern part of the park near the Winter Garden. It offers a wonderful view of the park's beautiful trees and walking paths, as well as clean air and nice bridges in the area.

The Chapel and the Burial Vault of the Paskevich

The Chapel and the Burial Vault of the Paskevich family is located next to the Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral. Built in the pseudo-Russian style, it resembles a fairy-tale tower and is considered a fine specimen of 19th-century religious architecture in Belarus. The crypt where the aristocrats are buried is located at a depth of three meters and can be accessed through a specially built pavilion.

Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory

The Gomel Regional Museum of Military Glory showcases the region's military history, featuring artefacts from World War I and providing insights into the lives of soldiers. The museum offers English translations, making it accessible to a broader audience.

Vetka Museum of Old Believers and Belarusian Traditions

The Vetka Museum, founded by local historian and collector Fyodor Shklyarov, showcases folk art and Belarusian traditions. It offers a unique exhibition ranging from ancient icons and books to patterned towels and original Neglubka weaving.

Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral

The Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral, also known as the Peter and Paul Cathedral, is a beautiful building designed by architect John Clark in the Classicism style. It is often compared to other famous temples, such as the Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg and the Panthéon in Paris. The cathedral has a rich history, having welcomed aristocrats, philosophers, and writers over the years.

Sojh River

The Sozh River is a natural landmark and one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. It is closely associated with Gomel's history, and its bank, featuring an old citadel and the palace and park ensemble, is a popular recreation spot. The embankment, about 2.5 km long, offers decorated paths, impressive sculptures, and beautiful views of the river.

Pedestrian Bridge over Sozh

The Pedestrian Bridge over the Sozh River provides breathtaking views of the river, the embankment, the pier, and the palace and park ensemble. It was built in the 1970s to facilitate crossings and improve access to the beach on the other side of the river.

Gomel Oblast Museum of Military Glory

This museum, established in 2004, showcases the tragic and heroic periods of Belarusian military history. It features indoor and outdoor exhibits, including military hardware from the 20th century, and provides insights into the local military history.

Vashchenko Art Gallery

The Vashchenko Art Gallery, named after renowned Belarusian artist Gavriil Vashchenko, exhibits his paintings and those of other prominent Belarusian artists. The gallery also hosts lectures, meetings with artists, concerts, and other cultural events, making it a landmark cultural centre in Gomel.

Gomel offers a rich cultural and historical experience for tourists, with its beautiful parks, impressive architecture, and fascinating museums. These attractions provide valuable insights into the city's past and present, making it a captivating destination for visitors from around the world.

The history of Gomel

Gomel is a city in Belarus with a long and rich history. The earliest references to Gomel date back to 1142, when it was mentioned in the Hypatian Codex as being part of the territory of the princes of Chernigov. The city is believed to have been founded at the end of the 1st millennium AD on the lands of the Eastern Slavic tribal union of Radimichs and was likely the capital of the Gomel Principality before it became part of the Principality of Chernigov.

Throughout its history, Gomel has been ruled by various princes and empires. For a period, it was ruled by the prince of Smolensk, Rostislav Mstislavich, before being recaptured by Iziaslav III Davidovich. Subsequently, it came under the rule of Sviatoslav Olgovich and then his son Oleg, during whose reign Gomel became part of the Principality of Novgorod-Seversk. The next ruler was Igor Svyatoslavich, the hero of "The Tale of Igor's Campaign".

In 1335, the Gomel region was annexed to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania by Algirdas. The city changed hands several times over the following centuries, passing through the ownership of various princes and their descendants. During the Second Muscovite-Lithuanian War of 1500-1503, Lithuania attempted to regain control of Gomel but suffered defeat and lost a significant portion of its territory.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Gomel became the centre of numerous attacks and battles between Cossacks, Russia, and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The city was captured multiple times by different forces, including Ivan the Terrible's army in the early 1570s and Cossack detachments in the mid-17th century.

Gomel became part of the Russian Empire after the first partition of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1772. This period was marked by rapid population growth, urban infrastructure development, and industrial expansion, particularly after the construction of railways in the late 19th century. By 1913, Gomel had become a major industrial city with a population of over 100,000 inhabitants.

During World War I, Gomel served as a refuge for thousands of refugees from the war zone, and several yeshivot moved to the city from Poland and Lithuania. After the October Revolution in 1917, synagogues and prayer houses were converted into clubs and cinemas, and the rabbi of Gomel, R. Borishanski, was arrested for opposing the communist suppression of the Jewish religion.

During World War II, Gomel was occupied by Nazi forces from August 1941 until November 1943. The city suffered extensive destruction, with 80% of it being razed to the ground. The population of Gomel also decreased drastically during this time.

After World War II, restoration efforts began promptly, and by 1950, most of the pre-war enterprises had resumed their operations. However, the majority of the city's pre-revolutionary buildings were lost, and new streets and buildings in the Stalinist style were constructed.

Gomel has also been impacted by the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant disaster in 1986, experiencing radioactive contamination. This led to the establishment of a scientific centre for radiation medicine and human ecology in the city to study and address the consequences of the catastrophe.

Despite the challenges and destruction it has faced, Gomel remains an important city in Belarus, known for its rich history and cultural significance.

The people of Gomel

Today, Gomel is the second-largest city in Belarus, with a population of over 500,000 people. The majority of the population (72.93%) live in towns and cities, with 88.22% being Belarusians, 7.71% ethnic Russians, and 2.15% Ukrainians. The main religion is Orthodox Christianity.

Gomel has a well-educated population, with several higher educational institutions, including Francisk Skorina Gomel State University, Pavel Sukhoi State Technical University of Gomel, and Gomel State Medical University, which attract international students from countries such as the United States, Germany, China, and India.

Gomel has a strong industrial sector, with machine building, steel production, and agricultural machinery being some of the main industries. The region is also self-sufficient in agriculture, with a significant cattle-breeding industry and arable farming.

The culture of Gomel is diverse and includes various festivals of arts, such as regional, republican, and international levels in the region, including the national festivals of folk humor, Avtyuki, and folk art, Beraginya. There are also several museums, art galleries, and theatres in the region, showcasing the rich history and talent of its people.

Frequently asked questions