Sharkaŭshchyna is a historic settlement on the Disna River. Its architectural history includes wooden churches from different centuries, a late 19th-century brick church, and a church built in the 1990s. The House of Crafts, housed in the preserved former Catholic rectory, adds to the town’s character. The different periods of construction make architectural and ecclesiastical history the common thread for exploring the town.
Churches and Architectural History
The wooden Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was built in 1912. An earlier wooden church dating from 1639 has been preserved and moved to a new location. The town’s history thus records two widely separated dates for wooden architecture: the older church from the 17th century and the building from 1912.
The brick Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” is distinguished by a different building material and its own stylistic classification: it was built in 1897 in the retrospective Russian style. After being returned to religious services in 1990, it was restored. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was built between 1992 and 1995 and consecrated in 1996. Different construction periods and the history of the buildings’ use are thus brought together in a brief, clearly dated overview.
House of Crafts and Other Buildings
The preserved former Catholic rectory houses the local House of Crafts. Visiting opportunities may vary. Another historical connection is the Lopatin family, who had a masonry palace, a chapel, an orangery, and a greenhouse built in Sharkaŭshchyna. Alongside its religious buildings, the town’s history also encompasses these structures built by a family.
Natural Attractions in the Broader Travel Destination of Voblast Vizebsk
In the broader travel destination of Voblast Vizebsk, individual natural attractions offer a different perspective alongside the town’s history. The Berezinski Biosphere Reserve protects natural complexes of the Eastern European mixed forest zone, as well as forest and wetland ecosystems. Its ecological forest trail passes through mixed forest, secondary birch forest, pine forest, and raised bog. The reserve also offers one- and two-hour horseback rides in the forest. The Biosphere Reserve’s Natural History Museum is open daily: from 09:00 to 18:00 from May to September and from 09:00 to 17:00 from October to April. Check current opening hours before your visit.
The Braslav Lakes National Park also focuses on landscapes and activities. The Mayak Hill viewpoint is located between Lakes Snudy and Strusto; from there, the view extends across lakes, islands, and shallows. The “Mayak Hill” ecological trail starts at the foot of the hill. Independently of this, the national park offers trips by excursion boat or motorboat, as well as cycling and SUP outings. Viewpoints, trails, and water activities are thus available as different options.
Discover more destinations: Hlybokaje, Drykollie, Hili, Zastadollie, Noŭka, Zyabki, Vuscie, Senno.
Return to the broader travel overview: Voblast Vizebsk.
