Attraction in Belarus
Saint Sophia Cathedral, Polotsk
Constructed between 1044 and 1066 under Prince Vseslav of Polotsk, Saint Sophia Cathedral is the oldest stone church in Belarus and one of the earliest Byzantine-influenced structures built by Eastern Slavic peoples. The original building was largely destroyed during the Great Northern War and rebuilt in the 18th century in the Vilna Baroque style by architect Jan Krzysztof Glaubitz, giving the cathedral its distinctive twin-towered facade above the Dvina River. Today the building functions as a museum of architecture and a concert hall renowned for its organ, which was installed in 1985 and is considered the finest in Belarus.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Belarus
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Belarus page at Yoogo.
The official currency is the Belarusian ruble (BYN). Cards from Visa and Mastercard are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops in Minsk and other cities, though cash remains more practical in smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but it is worth carrying some local currency for markets, minibuses, and out-of-town destinations.
Belarus has a low rate of petty crime, and cities such as Minsk are generally considered safe for walking day and night. Travellers should monitor their government's official travel advisories before and during their trip, as the political situation has affected travel recommendations from several countries since 2020. Exercise standard caution with your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Minsk has a reliable metro system with two lines, supplemented by buses, trams, and trolleybuses covering the wider city. Inter-city rail connects Minsk with Brest, Grodno, Vitebsk, and other regional centres at reasonable fares. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available in cities, and minibuses (marshrutka) run along popular routes between towns.
The most comfortable period to visit is from late May to early September, when temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius and daylight hours are long. Summer also coincides with the Slavianski Bazaar festival in Vitebsk each July, which is one of the country's most popular cultural events. Spring and early autumn offer fewer crowds and pleasant conditions, while winters are cold and snowy, with short days from November through February.
Both Belarusian and Russian are official languages, and Russian is the most widely spoken in everyday life. English is understood in tourist-oriented hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Minsk, but less commonly outside the capital. Learning a few words of Russian or downloading a translation app is helpful for navigating smaller towns and reading signs, which are typically in Belarusian or Russian only.
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Belarus, but travellers are generally advised to ensure routine immunisations are up to date and to consider hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tick-borne encephalitis vaccinations. Medical insurance is required by Belarusian law, and proof of cover may be checked at the border. Consult a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your trip for personalised advice.