Staff from the National Historical Archives of Belarus took a fascinating journey to ancient Polotsk

On August 29, 2026, the staff of the National Historical Archives of Belarus took part in a unique excursion. This comprehensive tour, which combined culinary, ecological, and cultural-historical tourism, was organized by the Minsk City Organization of the Belarusian Trade Union of Employees of State and Other Institutions.

The weekend program allowed the archivists not only to experience history but also to visit significant points in Belarusian geography.

The first stop on the journey was the home-based cheese dairy and goat farm «Kraina Mar» in the picturesque village of Khroly. At this cozy farmstead, the archivists were able to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and interact with the farm’s main inhabitants—the pedigree goats. The estate’s hosts gave guests a heartfelt tour, which concluded with a tasting of artisanal rennet cheeses, lovingly made from fresh goat and cow’s milk according to their own recipes. The exquisite taste of these natural products was complemented by aromatic herbal teas made from local meadow herbs.

After the culinary discoveries, the route led to a point that evokes a special awe in researchers and historians. Unlike most tourists, who visit only the city monument, the archivists traveled to the true, scientifically proven geographical center of Europe in the village of Ives. It was here, surrounded by the Ives and Sho lakes in Glubokoe, that Belarusian surveyors recorded the precise coordinates of the continent’s center. The archival team visited this authentic field marker, taking commemorative photographs in the very heart of the European continent. A hearty home-cooked lunch awaited the guests at the agro-estate with the same name, «The Center of Europe».

The main historical stop on the travelers’ route was ancient Polotsk. Here, the excursionists visited the jewel of Belarusian architecture – the majestic Saint Sophia Cathedral. Built in the 11th century by Prince Vseslav the Sorcerer, the cathedral has survived to this day in its Vilnius Baroque style. Archivists, who value authentic historical evidence like no one else, were able to touch fragments of the ancient foundation stone and learn about the rich history of the Principality of Polotsk. A special treat for the group was an organ concert. Masterpieces of world classical music – Franz Schubert’s «Ave Maria» and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor, among others – resounded beneath the vaults of the ancient cathedral. The participants were able to fully appreciate the stunning, captivating acoustics of Saint Sophia Cathedral, and the powerful sounds of the organ left no one indifferent.

The day’s program continued with a visit to the region’s oldest industrial enterprise, the Polotsk Drinks and Concentrates Unitary Enterprise. Industrial tourism opened the doors to the world of malt masterpieces for the archivists. Plant employees gave the guests a tour of the production facilities and explained that the Polotsk plant is the only one in Belarus that still carefully preserves the classic bottom-fermentation technology with separate primary fermentation and long secondary fermentation in lager tanks. The visit concluded with a tasting of the lively malt flavor, where the participants were able to appreciate the high quality of Polotsk craftsmen.

The eventful day concluded with a sightseeing and walking tour of Polotsk. Strolling through the ancient streets and the embankment of the Western Dvina, the archive staff fully experienced the spirit of the city that gave birth to Euphrosyne of Polotsk and Francysk Skaryna.

The trip provided the participants with a wealth of vivid impressions and strengthened their team spirit.

The NIA Belarus team expresses its sincere gratitude to the Minsk City Organization of the Belarusian Trade Union of Employees of State and Other Institutions for the flawless organization of this complex and incredibly interesting route!