Volkovysk - City of Wolves

This city, located closer to Bialystok than Grodno, is a unique cultural mix. This is because Lithuanians, Ukrainians, Jews, Tatars, Kalmyks, Azerbaijanis and Poles live here side by side. According to many sources, the Volkovysk region is one of the biggest centres of Polish population. Poles, just after Belarusians, make up more than 50% of the total population. Together with other national groups, the Volkov region now has about 80,000 inhabitants and is considered a pearl of Old Orthodox architecture in this part of the country. 

Rome has its wolf, Volkovysk has its wolf. In the old days, a huge pack of wolves supposedly lived in the surrounding forests - hence the name. Legend has it that the town was built in the forest on the spot where two robbers, Volok and Visko, hid. 

You can start exploring the town on foot or by bike  one of the most popular routes is to the Castle Hill, also called Swedish Hill. There are ruins of a castle from the 14th century. Probably the castle was built by Swedish soldiers around the burial place of their commander. The small hills overgrown with woods on the Nemunas River are good for cycling trips that don't require much stamina. 

The rich multicultural history of Volkovysk can be traced by following the trail of religious buildings. First of all, there are beautiful Orthodox churches in the city, with the Church of St. Nicholas at the top. It was built in 1847 in Byzantine-Russian style.  Wandering around the city, we can find charming parish churches, which date back to the early 19th century. The most beautiful of them is St. Wenceslas Church. There are also synagogues in Volkowysk. 

Echoes of Polish culture and tradition are strongly present in Volkowysk's architecture and memorials. This includes the cemetery of the January Uprising insurgents from 1863 and Polish Army soldiers killed in 1919 - 1920. Near the cemetery, there are barracks of the 3rd Regiment of Horse Rifles. 

The current life of Volkowysk residents oscillates around small businesses, charming shopping bazaars, where you can buy literally everything. The city center itself is reminiscent of the most culturally diverse places in the world, where the street bustle is written in different voices. 

Who likes greenery, is interested in the history of the Borderlands and would like to experience the diversity of the Second Polish Republic first-hand, should undoubtedly visit Volkovysk. 

Car services are available 7 times a week so you are welcome.

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