Introducing 4 World Heritage Sites in Belarus, home to the last primeval forest in Europe!

The Republic of Belarus is the northernmost landlocked country in the world, bordering Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania. Its capital is Minsk, and it gained independence from the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. About one-third of the country is covered by forests, making it a nation rich in nature, with scattered lakes and abundant wildlife. Belarus boasts four World Heritage Sites, including the “Mir Castle Complex,” along with many historic buildings, making it a beautiful country. Here, we will introduce the World Heritage Sites of Belarus.

1. Mir Castle Complex and Related Buildings

The Mir Castle Complex and Related Buildings, located in Karelichy, Grodno Region, Belarus, was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2000. About 29 km southeast lies another Belarusian World Heritage Site, Nesvizh Castle. Mir Castle was built at the end of the 15th century by Duke Yuri Ilyinich.
The square grounds have five towers, with the palace and east tower built in Renaissance style, while the other towers are in Gothic style — a notable feature of the complex. This Belarusian World Heritage Site was destroyed during the wars of the 17th–18th centuries and later rebuilt, but it also suffered damage during World War II. Visitors can tour the interior, which includes fascinating areas such as the gardens and the basement.

2. Struve Geodetic Arc

The Struve Geodetic Arc refers to a chain of survey triangulation points established between 1816 and 1855 under the leadership of Friedrich von Struve, a German-born Russian astronomer, for measuring the meridian arc length. Out of the 265 original points, 34 were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. It is a rare World Heritage Site that crosses the borders of 10 countries.
These observation points were recognized for their significant contribution to accurately measuring the size of the Earth. The inscribed points stretch 2,800 km from Norway to Ukraine, with markers placed at the registered locations.

3. Białowieża Forest

Białowieża Forest is a primeval forest straddling the border between Poland and Belarus. Known as “the last primeval forest remaining in Europe,” the Polish side was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, followed by the Belarusian side in 1992.

While most forests in Europe are coniferous, two-thirds of Białowieża is covered by deciduous trees. It is particularly known as a precious habitat for the European bison, and is also home to about 250 species of birds, around 300 species of mammals, and many other animals. This Belarusian World Heritage forest can be enjoyed year-round, though the autumn foliage is especially recommended. As entry is restricted, visitors must join a guided tour with an official guide.

4. Architectural, Residential, and Cultural Complex of the Radziwiłł Family at Nesvizh

Nesvizh Castle, located in Nesvizh, Belarus, was built as the residence of the Radziwiłł family and was inscribed as a Belarusian World Heritage Site in 2005. The Radziwiłł dynasty played a significant role in European history and culture, existing in Nesvizh from the 16th century until 1939.
The cultural achievements of this dynasty flourished in Nesvizh, particularly influencing Europe in the fields of science, art, crafts, and architecture. This World Heritage Site consists of a residential palace, the Corpus Christi Church, and surrounding areas, with ten buildings arranged around a central courtyard.

◎ Summary

Belarus is home to four World Heritage Sites. These include Białowieża Forest, the last primeval forest in Europe and a haven for wildlife; historic castles such as Nesvizh Castle and Mir Castle; and the rare cross-border World Heritage Site, the Struve Geodetic Arc. Although Belarus is not yet well known as a tourist destination in Japan, it boasts many historic buildings and is highly recommended for sightseeing. While the southeastern region is close to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and requires caution, visitors can enjoy beautiful cityscapes and nature.