5 Places You Must Explore In Grodno, Belarus

A city in the far west of the country, just 12 miles from Poland, Grodno (also written Hrodna) is a hidden pearl in Belarus. This city is the final frontier between the current European Union and what was once the former Soviet Union. Most tourists visiting Belarus stick to Minsk and the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Nesvizh and Mir. However, the Grodno region has recently relaxed its rules on visa entry (check the Grodno visa website in advance to see if you require a visa or not), and it is a wonder to visit. This list of top sights is proof that Grodno needs to be on your list.

# Enter the Jesuit Cathedral

Situated in front of Soviet Square, this unmissable green and white architectural church gazes down upon everything around it. Step inside and feel the glory within. This church is the city’s main cathedral and dates back to 1678. A few hundred years on, it still acts as a central monument in the city and is popular with Instagrammers. It is known as the St Francis Xavier Cathedral and regular services are held.

# Watch a military parade

If you research in advance, try and be in Grodno for a military parade. The February public holiday is known as the Defender of the Fatherland and Armed Forces Day and is a good time to visit. Other military parades are held on national holidays. At other times of the year, there are often displays of tanks and guns used by the Belarusian army. Parades are held in and around Lenin Square.

# Walk through Park Zhilibera

Grodno has a few leafy parks in various parts of the city. Park Zhilibera is the most central and it features an important Soviet War memorial. It’s also the venue for many fun fairs and markets. You’ll find it right by the river and it has quite a few cafes and cosy bars with beer gardens.

# Visit the Old Castle

The Old Castle in Grodno is a fantastic way to spend a few hours. It is housed on a high hill by the river; you can access it via a bridge. Inside is a magnificent museum. Prepare to be amazed by the three floors of history here. The exhibitions are vast and take guests on a journey from the prehistoric times, through the middle ages to modern day. This city has played a pivotal part in Polish, Soviet, Russian, Prussian and European history for centuries. Before 1945, the city was part of many different empires and political systems. At that time, it was Polish. However, in 1945 the city became part of the former Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic, which was the precursor to the now independent Republic of Belarus.

# Dine with a view of the city at Bolshoi Buffet

A surprising sight for those who visit is Grodno’s very fine Bolshoi Buffet. It’s a splendid top floor restaurant offering superb views of the city and cheap, hearty, food. There are plenty of local and international options on the ever changing menu, but you can always rely on the staples of good potatoes, carrots, broccoli and beetroot. The bar is licensed with local and foreign beer and it’s on the fourth floor of the Neman Mall on Soviet Street.