Polotsk, Belarus is located at the center of the Polacak district. It is located on the Dzvina river. The river Palata flows into the Dzvina river. Polotsk, Belarus is located to the north west of Viciebsk It is the center from where several railway lines originate connecting Maladzicna, viciebsk, Nieviel and Daugavpils. They serve as routes for getting to Polotsk.
Polotsk, Belarus had been mentioned by various names in the historical records of Belarus by Polotesk, Polot'sk, Polteks, Polacak and even Paltejsborg. It is one of the most ancient cities of all Slav cities.
Polotsk, Belarus was founded by Kryvichi Eastern Slav at the crossing of Western Dzvina river with Palata or Polacak river. During the 8th or the 9th century, the city was established as the state center by Kryvichi. Polacak gradually became the center of the Polacak Principality during the 10th-13th century. Polotsk, Belarus had much impact in unifying Eastern Slavs with the Russian Nogorod and the Ukrainian Kyiv. In course of time it became the spiritual capital of the country.
The Sophia Cathedral was built to create a base for the Eastern Orthodox Rule. Polacak was also ruled by the Dukes Dynasty of Rahvalodavichy. During the 12th and 13th century Polacak was a well established city with 8000 citizens and a mark of planned architecture. It covered an area of 80 hectares. There were two castles. A school of icon painting developed in Polotsk, Belarus during the 12th century.
Polotsk, Belarus used to be a very wealthy country during the 16th century, much more wealthier than England. In the 19th century, a large part of the town was burnt down by the Napoleonic soldiers during the Russian war. During the Second world war it was the center where the guerrilla tactics of Belarus developed.
A big oil processing plant was established later on in Navapolacak. It changed the fortune of Polacak to a great extent. Polotsk, Belarus is one of the happening tourist destinations in the region as the city boasts of numerous tourist attractions which are popular destinations of sightseeing in Polotsk.
The eminent tourist attractions in Polotsk are:
- Upper and Lower Castles
- St Sophia and St. Epiphany Cathedrals
- Traditional 18th and 20th century cottages in the Cultural Historical Reservation Area
- Museum of Printing and Fabrics
- Museum of St Sophia cathedral
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