I`d like to start with some facts about Belarus. It has an area of 207600 square kilometers and the population of more than nine million. In my view, most of the people here are open-minded, kind, hard-working and hospitable. Belarus is situated in Eastern Europe and has endured two world wars. Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia are our neighbors. Our relations with all countries are friendly, equal in rights. People of various countries have left their traces here.
The first people came to Belarus twenty four thousand years ago. Uravichi and Berdish were the first settlements here. The original Belorussian tribes are Krivichi, Radzimichi and Drygovichi. In the old times, people called Belarus the country of castles. There were 34-40 km between the castles. Now there Are many places in Belarus where we can still see castles, churches and cathedrals. Strange as it may seem, but they attract me very much. Nesvizh is one of the oldest historical and cultural towns in Belarus. The greatest cultural value in Nesvizh is Nesvizh castle. Since the sixteenth century it has been the residence of the Radzivils family. The castle has been under reconstruction for the last seven years. It is in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Not far from Nesvizh castle we can find Mir castle. Mir is older than Nesvizh. It dates back to the sixteenth century. The castles are very interesting and I`ve visited them. They are famous for their ghosts and legends. Nesvizh ghosts are Black Dame and Black Nun. Black Nun likes to play tricks on people. The ghost can push someone or break a mirror. I`d like to be a witness of something like that. I would be afraid of meeting her, but I`d like to. Black Dame still walks in the castle. It`s the ghost of Barbara Radzivil. And now I can`t but attract your attention to our capital. The first mentioning of Minsk can be found in chronicles in 1067 year. In 1067 there was fight at the Nemiga. In 1129, Minsk principality became part of
Kiev principality. In general, at this time Minsk was a strong and rich city, because two big roads passed through it.
Belarus became a part of Russia. But I want to tell you about just one thing the history of my native city.
My favorite place in Minsk is Troitskoe Suburb. It is a picturesque and unique place of old Minsk which is one of the favorite places for the rest of citizens of Minsk and visitors to the capital. The settling of this territory according to the archaeological data began in the twelfth century. At the beginning of 16th century, the towers of Troitskaya church and a monastery rose on a hill. The mountain Troitskaya in the MiddleAges fulfilled the function of a defensive redoubt on the approaches to the city. According to written sources, in 1605 the main street of the suburb was Troitskaya, which began at the bridge over the Svislach. When Belarus was part of Russian Empire, it was called Aleksandrovskaya, during Soviet times, Maxim Gorky street, and now it has the name of the well-known Belarusian poet Maxim Bogdanovich who was born in one of the houses in this street. The majority of the houses in Troitskoe suburb were wooden and considered as the suburb of Minsk, nowadays it is the centre of the city.
In 1840, instead of the Catholic monastery an orthodox theological seminary was placed in the building. Now greatly reconstructed, this monastic building is occupied by Suvorov school. The fire of 1809 destroyed all wooden construction of Suburb Troitskoe. Then it was rebuilt. It was subordinate to the canons of classicism, according to which all the streets of the city should cross in the right angle, creating square and rectangular quarters. Stone houses in the streets were put closely to each other, creating a uniform line with the common faзade. The architects took into account local traditions which where expressed in a characteristic ornament of faзades, and the climatic conditions caused high roofs with attics and penthouses for economic needs. The Troitskoe suburb looks like this now. Its restoration according to old plans, drawings and photos was done in 1980. Why do I like this place` Because modern building such as the Opera and Ballet House, a set of museums, showrooms and other cultural are in harmony with old buildings, whereas the interior of the bookstores, cafes and shops in the suburb contain the spirit of past. I and my classmates often come here to have a good time and a good rest. In my opinion, it`s so catching and exciting to study the history of my native country, to reveal the secrets and mysteries of the place where I was born and live. I believe that every place in the world is unique and has something to tell us. So I advise everybody to start a journey to the history of your native land. I`m sure you can enjoy it and have some adventures.
Good luck!
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