Best attractions in Brest: Top 25
Content
The cozy compact town, planted with pyramidal poplar trees, is notable for its historical sites. Many of Brest’s sights tell about its military history, so those who are interested in it, go straight here. We will tell you what to see in Brest, how to spend your time with benefit for your mind and body, so that you will have the most pleasant impression of your visit. Just look at the photos of Brest with names and descriptions to understand how many interesting things this city has experienced.
What to see in Brest in the first place
It does not look like a traditional European town in the usual sense, although, of course, clean streets, cultural population and developed infrastructure are impressive. We suggest you get acquainted with the best sights of Brest and make your own impression of this Belarusian border city.
1. Brest Fortress
A place of legend, a fortress-hero… What to see in Brest in 1 day if you are passing through the city? Of course, the Brest Fortress. The ruins of fortifications, casemates, moat and, of course, the memorial itself reminds you of the war days. I was impressed with the sound design: near the Eternal Flame stele, the music sounds touching and “chills” penetrating. Good organization of the exposition, which provides easy perception of information. Otherwise - a pleasant place, a beautiful well-maintained park.
Official site: http://www.brest-fortress.by/
Brest | Save on hotel reservations
2. Monument “Courage”
No trip to Brest is complete without a visit to the monument. The warrior with the banner is the main composition element of the Brest Fortress. Guides in Brest will tell you how technologically difficult the work on its creation was. On the back are carved historical excerpts about individual episodes of the heroic defense.
Official website: http://www.brest-fortress
3. Thirst Monument
The 13-meter-long monument depicts an unknown soldier holding a helmet and trying to reach the spring. The monument represents one of the dramatic moments of the defense - the acute shortage of water. The sculptor managed to convey all the tragedy of the situation, the desperate need of the soldiers of Brest. In 2004, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and concerned citizens, the monument was restored.
Official site: http://www.brest-fortress
4. Museum of the Brest Fortress Defense
There was a defensive barracks in the Brest Fortress, part of which miraculously survived. Today this place is equipped with a museum, at the exhibitions which tourists can see personal belongings, photographs, documentary materials, telling about the course of the defense. On the 2nd floor is the main exhibition, located in 10 rooms.
Official site: http://brest-fortress.by
5. St. Nicholas Garrison Cathedral
The cathedral at the legendary memorial was conceived as a garrison church. During the war it was badly destroyed, at the beginning of the last century it was restored and receives believers. Be sure to enter and see the interior. The inside of the church is very unusually decorated, as restoration work continues in some places. The seven-tiered censer with 12 icons deserves special attention.
Official website: http://forts.by/
6. Museum “5th Fort”
Preserved since its construction in its original form, the museum is a Brest landmark. The tour impresses emotionally: so “alive” are the stories about the heroism of people and their difficult life during the war. The exposition of military equipment in the courtyard of the museum is interesting.
Official site: http://www.brest-fortress
7. Archeological exposition of “Berestye”
The remains of the ancient settlement, from which the construction of Brest began, are a national treasure. If you’re going on a trip, be sure to plan a visit here. From above it is interesting to look at the excavation site with the streets and wooden buildings of ancient Berestye, household items and decorations of the ancient Slavs.
Official site: http://berestje.brest.museum
8. Monument of the Millennium of Brest
Advice on what to see in Brest for those interested in the history of the city. The spectacular complex embodies a collective image of the citizens and is represented by sculptures of prominent historical figures. Its location on a pedestrian street in the center makes it a highly visited place.
9. Sovetskaya street
A pedestrian street in the center of Brest. More than once it was caught by fire, then rebuilt. There are cafes, restaurants, stores. It is interesting to observe the ceremony of lighting and extinguishing lanterns by a lanternman. Separate recommendations are to visit the fraternal church, located at the beginning of the street.
10. Trinity Church in Czernavcice
We advise what to visit in Brest for connoisseurs of decent architecture. This church is a vivid representative of the architectural mixture of Renaissance and Gothic styles. The temple was conceived not only as a religious, but also as a defensive structure, as evidenced by the narrow loopholes, massive walls and a tall bell tower, which served as an excellent observation tower. Current Catholic church.
11. Winter Garden
The building, topped with a dome, combines a greenhouse and a classroom. The garden is divided into 3 climate zones - tropics, subtropics, and desert. Entrance to the greenhouse is accessible to all, the classrooms are for students studying the subject in practice. Because of the number of guests, hotels in Brest never stay empty.
Official website: http://www.brsu.by/
12. Train station building
It was once an entire castle, built in a medieval manner. The parquet floors, arches, and location removed from the hustle and bustle set it in a romantic mood. In 1915, while retreating, the Russian troops destroyed this beauty. The building was restored 14 years later, of course, with the loss of its former grandeur. Today it has a comfortable atmosphere for passengers.
13. Railway Museum
Not far from the Brest Fortress there is an interesting collection of railway equipment. Reviews mention the possibility of access to the cabins of some steam locomotives. Despite the power of modern machinery, the grandeur of steam engines is truly impressive.
Official website: https://brest.rw.by
14. Saved Art Treasures Museum
This museum is called the Louvre of Brest. In addition to paintings by famous artists (Vrubel, Aivazovsky, Leger), there are talented canvases by less famous masters. Apart from the collection of paintings the museum expositions also include antique furniture. An interesting fact: all the items in the exhibition were confiscated by customs officials while trying to smuggle them abroad, although it remains unclear how anyone could have tried to smuggle out contraband of such size without the appropriate documents.
Official website: http://values.brest.museum.
15. Museum of the History of the City of Brest
The museum was created at the end of the last century. The main place in the reviews is given to the map of Brest depicting the chronological development of the city. The attention of visitors is drawn to 4 halls on 2 floors, each devoted to the history of a different period. Models of Bernardine monasteries and other archaeological finds are also of interest.
Official website: http://history.brest.museum.
16. Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Architectural monument, the oldest of Brest’s churches. The Catholic Church is a laconic building of rectangular shape, rather modestly decorated. The triangular gable with towers and a rectangular porch adds a strictness to the building. Many people come here to lay their hands on the miraculous icon of the Mother of God.
17. Brest Regional Museum of Local Lore
Some tours in Brest offer visitors to the city to visit the exposition of this relatively young museum. Its vast collection of 160 thousand exhibits is of interest. By the way, most of the above-mentioned museums are branches of this institution. The expositions tell about the history of the region, its natural riches.
Official site: http://brokm.by/
18. St. Nicholas Church of the Brethren
The eye-catching building in the Russian-Byzantine style is visible from afar. The bright exterior decoration is not inferior to the interior. The interior is lavishly decorated with murals, the three-tier iconostasis is beautifully made of wood. The faithful come here to lay their hands on the relics of the saints and a part of the Holy Cross.
Official website: http://stnikolas.hram.
19. St. Simeon’s Cathedral
The main Orthodox church in the city with a high attendance rate, built in the second half of the XIX century. It is decorated without excessive pomp, in white and green colors. There are relics of saints there. An interesting fact: five gilded domes were donated by the mayor of Moscow. Thanks to the accent lighting, the cathedral looks especially beautiful in the evening.
Official website: http://soborbrest.by/
20. Holy Resurrection Cathedral
This is probably the most majestic temple in Brest, 41 meters high without the cross. When entering the city it is impossible not to notice it. It consists of an upper and lower buildings, separately located bell tower. The interior is decorated with modern frescoes. The temple is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Official website: http://voskresenskiy.by/
Brest sights: what else to visit in Brest?
Not all sites here are about the war. Let’s list the main sights of Brest briefly, which were not directly related to the war actions and are created more for the soul.
21. Belovezhskaya Pushcha
The undoubted landmark of Belarus, its pride. A self-guided walk will not impress you too much, but a guided tour will give interesting information about the history of Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the vegetation and animals that live here in enclosures and in the wild. In the museum you can see stuffed animals of the local fauna. Only here you can enjoy the view of a relict forest, preserved untouched by civilization.
Official site: https://npbp.by/
22. Brest Academic Drama Theater
The theater, located in the city center, has its own symphony orchestra and is known for original productions of famous works. Lively acting, talented directors, unpretentious plots and a wide panorama of genres contribute to its popularity. Musicians and singers often perform here.
Official website: https://bresttheatre.info/
23. wrought iron lantern alley
There are interesting places in Brest that have nothing to do with military history. Opened in 2013, the alley has 30 wrought iron lanterns. Some depict characters from famous works, while others were commissioned by the investors who sponsored the creation of the alley. Further replenishment of the collection with themed objects is planned.
24. Nemtsevichi Manor
Located near Brest, in the village of Skoki. The manor of the XVIII century is its landmark. About the interesting and complicated fate of this family today tells the exposition of the historical and memorial complex of the same name on the territory of the manor. This is the only ancient structure of secular format, which can be seen in the vicinity of the city.
Official website: http://nemtsevichi.by/
25. Brest Park of Culture and Recreation
The original area of the park, opened in the early twentieth century, has increased over the years from 4 to 20 hectares. It is a comfortable, well-groomed place for recreation of citizens and guests of the city with attractions, cafes, benches. Many trees, there is a mini zoo, you can ride a donkey or a horse.
Official site: http://brestpark.by/
And although Brest is not an object of tourist dreams, everyone who has had the opportunity to visit here, take away with them pleasant impressions of it. Read also about sights of Vitebsk and be inspired to travel further in Belarus.
