Vitebsk

Vitebsk sits at the meeting point of the Vitba and Western Dvina rivers in northeastern Belarus and counts roughly 358,000 inhabitants. The landscape is shaped by both waterways, which run through the urban fabric and separate the old quarter from modern residential zones.

Records suggest Princess Olga of Kiev founded a trading post here in 974 to link Baltic and Slavic lands through river commerce. Over the following centuries, control shifted between Polish, Lithuanian, and Russian powers, each leaving a layer of influence on the town's development.

The place carries the influence of artists and thinkers who shaped modernism during the early 20th century. Walking through neighborhoods reveals wooden houses next to Soviet-era blocks, showing how different periods left their mark on the urban fabric.

Exploring on foot works well in the center, where pedestrian bridges cross the rivers and paths follow the banks. Several universities, including a medical school and a technical institute, are spread across the neighborhoods and bring a student presence during term time.

A museum preserves the legacy of painter Marc Chagall, who was born here and whose work appears in collections worldwide. Original pieces and personal items offer insight into his early years and artistic growth.

Location: Vitebsk Region

Inception: 974

Elevation above the sea: 164 m

Shares border with: Vitebsk District

Website: https://vitebsk.gov.by

GPS coordinates: 55.18333,30.16667

Latest update: December 15, 2025 07:52