Through Centuries and Pristine Nature: A Grand Summer Trip by the National Historical Archives of Belarus

NHA employees took an unforgettable journey through centuries and pristine nature along the unique route Minsk – Kamena – Budslau – Ilovo – Glubokoye – Yelnya. The excursion, which took place on August 8, 2026, combined a touch of the ancient mysteries of the Belarusian land with a complete immersion into the depths of centuries-old natural landscapes.

The NHA primary trade union of Belarus organized this rich and colorful tour, giving the team the opportunity not only to relax but also to explore the living pages of history that archivists explore daily in documents.

The Secrets of the Borisov Stone in the Village of Kamena

The first stop on the historical route map was the secluded village of Kamena (Vileika District). Here, on the banks of the picturesque Viliya River, travelers were greeted by the famous «Vorotishin Cross»—a unique monumental piece of ancient Russian epigraphy from the 12th century. This bell-shaped, gray-pink granite boulder is the only one of the legendary Borisov Stones that still remains in its original historical location. Archivists were able to personally examine the six-pointed cross carved into the three-meter-high boulder, along with medieval inscriptions. For those accustomed to handling ancient archival documents, touching this artifact from the era of the Principality of Polotsk was a deeply emotional beginning to their journey.

1. At the Vorotishin Cross

2. Above the Viliya

The Grandeur and Sanctity of Budslav

The journey then led to the heart of Belarusian Catholicism—the agrotown of Budslav. The majestic Church of the Assumption of the Most Holy Virgin Mary (17th-18th centuries), which holds the prestigious title of minor basilica, amazed travelers with its monumental architecture, unique wooden altar, and stunning grisaille paintings. The largest Baroque organ in Belarus, now 240 years old, is also housed in the Budslau church.

Budslau is closely associated with archival research: it was here that parish chronicles were created and preserved for centuries, which today help reconstruct the family trees of Belarusians. Touching this spiritual shrine and contemplating the miraculous Budslau Icon of the Mother of God gave the group a feeling of profound peace and inspiration. In 1996, Pope John Paul II declared this icon the patroness of Belarus.

3. NIA Belarus employees at the Budslav Catholic Church

4. The interior of the church

5. The miraculous icon of the Mother of God

6. An antique Baroque organ

Ancient industrial traditions in Ilovo

The next stop on the route was the ancient village of Ilovo. This settlement is known for its rich history of material culture and industrial traditions, which originated here in the 19th century. Ilovo’s main attraction is its winery, founded in 1832 by local landowners, the Ostik-Narbuts. The archivists were particularly interested in seeing an example of the successful preservation of a century-old production facility. Learning about the history of local industry harmoniously complemented the picture of the way of life of the Belarusian gentry and artisans of bygone eras.

7. The NIA Belarus team at the gates of the Ilovsky Plant

8. On the plant grounds

9. At the production site

Hospitable Glubokoe and the Yakimovich Estate

After a busy morning, a warm welcome awaited the tired but inspired archivists in the town of Glubokoe. Lunch was held at the picturesque Yakimovich agro-eco-estate. This place charmed the guests with its landscape design, well-kept park, and pond with underground springs. The NIA Belarus staff was especially delighted by the estate’s unique attraction – a collection of nearly 900 antique millstones, painstakingly assembled by the owner. The estate grounds offered a stunning panoramic view of two of Glubokoe’s main architectural landmarks: the Baroque Church of the Holy Trinity and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Having refreshed themselves with traditional dishes and enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere, the team was ready for the day’s main challenge.

10-11. On the grounds of the Yakimovich estate

Fairytale landscapes of Yelnya and a walk along the boardwalk

The highlight of the trip was an immersion in pristine nature – the Yelnya raised bog, one of the oldest natural complexes in Europe, over 9,000 years old. A true adventure for the archivists was a walk along the famous «Ozeravki-Yelnya» ecological trail. The group moved harmoniously along a wooden boardwalk laid directly over the shaky, breathing surface of the bog. Each step along the narrow wooden walkway was an incredible sensation: meters of ancient peat swayed beneath their feet, and fairytale landscapes stretched out around them. Step by step, surrounded by endless carpets of moss, the intoxicating aroma of wild rosemary, dwarf birches, and crystal-clear lakes, the travelers advanced into the very center of this natural giant. The wild, untouched nature allowed me to completely recharge and experience the grandeur of my native land.

12. Local Resident

13-14. During a walk through the swamp

15. Inhaling the scent of wild rosemary

16. Local flora

17-19. During a walk through the swamp

20-21. In the picturesque surroundings of the swamps

22. The staff of the National Historical Archives of Belarus

On leaving the swamp, when pleasant fatigue had taken its toll, the exhausted but full of emotion travelers were met with a final chord – a cozy rest stop with a hearty meal in the fresh air (near a wasp’s nest). Sharing vivid impressions at the common table, colleagues agreed that this day would long remain in their memories.

The staff of the National Historical Archives of Belarus expresses sincere gratitude to the institution’s primary trade union organization for the impeccable organization of this challenging, educational, and incredibly beautiful route, which united the staff and revealed new facets of their country’s history and nature!