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The river Nieman divides Grodno into two parts. The Older part of the town lies on the right bank of the Nieman. On this high bank you can see an imposing building of the Old Castle, where Kings once lived. It was built on the Castle Hill on the territory of the former fortress. In the 16-th century the fortress lost its military significance. And then Polish King Stefan Batory ordered to build a place or his residence. We can see this place now. Now it is a museum with its interesting expositions illustrating the history of Grodno region. The best starting point for the sightseeing tour of Grodno is Zamkovaya Street. Grodno actually began with the Kolozhskaya Church. It serves as a symbol of the city. The church has another home - the name of two Grodno princes - Boris and Gleb. But people often call this building -Kolozhskaya Church or simply Kolozha. It got its name thanks to the prisoners of war who settled near in it in the 14-th century. The prince of Grodno won a battle against his enemy from the Pskov Rrincipality and brought many prisoners of war with him. They built their little settlement not far from the church and gave their new homeplace the name of one of the little cities near Pskov - Kolozha. So in the course of time the church also got the second name Kolozha. 

There are lots of cathedrals and churches in our city. You can hear the bells of one of them when you walk down Soviet Street. Besides, originally it was Sobornaya Street. The history of Grodno is in its architecture, in the names of its streets, avenues and monuments. In fact every stone, every corner in our town can tell its story if you are attentive. The story of any places is in the memory of some people of our city. 

I love one wonderful corner in our city. It is the embankment of the Nieman, Kolozha and of course Zamkovaya street with its ancient palaces, beautiful trees, with its mysterious silence. This corner of our town differs from other parts of the city. There are two sides there. On the one hand there is Zamkovaya street with its quiet beauty and on the other land there is Soviet street with its ancient part of my city. Invisible threads attiact me to the embankment, to Kolozha, to the majestic castles. Every piece of ground, every stone, every tree in this corner tells you the history of this interesting place. When you walk along this street or along the embankment with your sweetheart partner, you think nobody is happier, than you. When you go along this street with your friend, you are trying to keep quiet, because your friend also admires this beauty and understands you without any words. But when I walk alone, I think about ancient Kings and prices, about prisoners of wars. When I come into the Old Castle I imagine that noble princes lived here many years ago. And I'm very glad that there is no people's fuss here now. Everything is still and quiet. That's why I love this place. In the second half of the 12-th century Grodno was t he entry of independent Princedom, then after the Tatar - Mongoinvasion (yoke) it be longed to the Great Lithuanian Princedom, from 1569 -to Rzhesh Pospolitaya (Common wealth). Great past of Grodno is connected with the word famous names - Peter the Great and August Ponyatovsy, Stefan Batory and Knight Vitovt, K. Kalinovsky, A. Vrublevsky,

Paul Loechko, Predko Alexander 10B

School #10 Grodno Belarus

Coordinators Igor Grigus, Kolesnikov Dmitry

There was one of these rivers in that place, where they are flowing now, stood in a bog an old tree, and under the tree there was a very small river. It was going and going on...And water was spreading, and was already extended in a small flute...This flute once has run to the meadows. It was born Neman and Lasha.Neman was a guy and Lasha-girl. Neman strongly fell in love with Lasha. And they ran the whole day, and sun was burning and they became tired. And in the evening they went to sleep. On the next day, early in the morning, Lasha got up. Lasha didn't wake up Neman, and ran away quietly. When Neman woke up he didn't find Lasha. He got up and ran forward to search for Lasha. But he ran absolutely into another way. Through the meadows, and the mountains, and, as speak through stones and trees...And now Lasha quietly is floating to itself, and Neman is flying and flying straight.

Chigonok Jura 14 years old

In the next millenium I would like to see the world without wars, so that everybody wanted to live in it. In the next millenium I would not like to see inequality between people, poverty and hunger. The world without the sun would be terrible. Life would not exist because the sun is the only source of warmth and light on our planet. If I were the ruler of the world I would take care of the purity, not only outer but inner, that is spiritual life of people. People shouldn't have vices, I think. All the rest earn be done easily.

Yaskevich Denis form 9, Romanec Dima form 9

Hi! We live in the Republic of Byelarus, in the city of Grodno. It is possible to tell much about our city, it has survived much during its long history, and our school is the oldest in the city.It has a very interesting history.In 1999 we marked its 75 years. Now 900 pupils study at our school. Together with it we enter the new millenium.

Denis Hamatov, Sergey Golovchencko -pupils 8 form

As you know Grdono was the greatest religious and clerical center of th region. In the 16th. century its infrastrucutre was rather developed. It became the residence of Polish and Lithuanian monarchs. They paid much attention and spent money for building. Even nowadays waecan see here the great amount of monasteries, nunneries, castles and orthodox churches.

Among them the castle of St. Dominic, the St Brigita's castle, the monastery and th nunnery of St Francis and the St Bernard's monastery. The stately beauty of the builings harmoniously completed the picturesque landscape of Grodno.

Elena Birich(from 7)

Elena Kuel9form 4) -the image

In the picture you can see the monastery of the Jesuits. It is situated in the very center of the oldest part of Grodno- its historical heart. Even now, standing behind its ancient building you can admire the amazing lightness of its architecture. In sunny days it seems like the Church, as a living being, is aspring to lift up to the skya nd to dissolve in the innocent purity of a blue heaven. It is because of the barocco style.

The building of the Jesuitical Church was subsidised by the Polish kKing, Slepen Batori. He was a really wise monarch. Batori gave Jesuits special priveleges and made the Jesuitical Church in Grodno the main King's church, where the main clerical ceremonies were held.

The Order of Jesuits had not only the Church famous for its rich decorations, beside it there was the monastery with a comprehensive library, school and chemist. The chemist is one of the oldest in the our country.

The King Stephen died in one nusty December night . The reasons of his death were not clear. So, the court physicians made a postmorten examination of his body in the building of the Jesuits chemist. It was the first time in the Eastern Europe.

Today you can come to the Jesuits Church to pray. If one needs some remedy he can call in to the chemists shop. Only the monatery is being restoredn ow.

Anthon Chernov& Vladimir Sido(form 8)

Maria Anaschenkon (form 9)- the image

This church is a real masterpeice of ancient Russian architecture.Its history dates back to the 12th century. It was built by the captivated inhabitantsof the old Russian town Pskov.It was decortaed with the bright colorful mosaic which creates the contours of the crosses. Thanks to its unique architectural style Koloza is considered as the bright example of the special Grodno arhitectural school. A few years ago UNESCO declared it the monumnet of the World cuture. Now it is functioning. Many people are visiting it now. They pray here, christen their children and have weddings here.

The preservation of this church was a real wonder, but we think that every wonder is justified.

Pavel Tykhnuk(form 7)

DenisbXanatov (form 8)-the image

It dates to the second part of the 19th. century. The building of this church was subsidised by the Moscow merchant. It was constructed as the church and the school in one.

The reason was that there was no school in this part of the city. In the middle of the 20th century when Grodno was reconstructed, the city administration decided to ruin this church. The modern highwy would be runing soon. All the documents, concerning this church were abolished, but there were some problems with the destroying of the old buildings. The time passed and the highway was built near at hand. At the beginning of the 90s this church was restored.

Anastasia Kozlovska (form 7)

Vika Manak(form 7)-the image

This archsymbolically divides the old part of Grodno and the modern one. One part of it leads to the market place, and the other one to the old military cemetary.

The Arc was built at the end of the 19th century and it was a decorative element of the Grodno streets.

Maria Kailda(form 7)

Ludmila Kirlick ( form 9)-the image

This is the oldest fire-tower in Grodno. It was built at the end of the 19th century. More then a hundred years it guards our city from fire. Not long ago it was restored and supplied with modern equipment. Though it is still functioning now. And every moment the brave fire brigade is ready to rush on extra calling.

Anthon Chernov (Form 8)

Vladimir Poleschuk (Form 4) - the image

The Pereselcka is a city district were our school is situated. When our school was built (it was about 70 years ago) it was the suburb of Grodno. But now it is known as the centre of the city. But still it can be hardly concidered as the modern district.Now it is picturesqe place, with cosy streets, and private cottagesand little gardens. A hundred years ago it looked like as at the picture.

Vladimir Sido (Form 8)

Irina Chechko (Form 9) - the image

Many centuries ago our country was fertile and flourrishing green land. In was inhabited with numerous peaceful tribes. They tilled their soil, huntied in deep forests, grow up their children. These people were really happy. But it is usual way of life that we always to have defend our peace and happiness. Our land was situatied on the every trade crossroads. That made it very attractive for European lords and Russian princes. So Belorussian people had to become perfect warrios to defend their Motherland.

Anthoni Chernov (Form 8)
 

The history of my city begins in 12 century. For the first time mention of Grodno has appeared in the annals in 1128. This year is considered as year of the basis of city. But many scientists think, that the city has arisen earlier. In the first written art source of the Russian literature " a Word about a shelf Igoreve " Grodno is mentioned, and as the product is written earlier 12 centuries, then, that the city is more senior. But in too time scientists, which carried out excavation in 1931,1937-1939 years came to a conclusion, that the territory of present Grodno was already populated in 1 thousand years BC. The occurrence of city is connected to process of moving of the Slavs in a valley of the river Neman, during which here has come family dregovichei. Grodno has arisen as an advanced post of the Old Russian State in northwest.

So, the official date of the basis of Grodno considers 1128. 

The data of excavation give the bases to assert, that the cities which have appeared on coast of the river Neman, including Grodno, unites homogeneous and indoubtedly oldrussian character of crafts. The certificate to that are found archaeologists the rests of products 12- 13 centuries. The finds convince, that in city were advanced woodmade, tanning and other crafts. National masters skilfully produced various instruments of work, ornament, church utensils. And as the scientists found out the foundry forms, there is an assumption, that the foremen - caster here worked also.

The considerable role in ancient Grodno was played by agriculture, and major culture was rye. Were cultivated and spinning-oil culture, for which processing the townspeople used wooden hammers.

Excavation in territory of the Old Lock (centre of old Grodno) was open a part of a settlement of princedom. The separate subjects found during excavation allow to judge a high level of spiritual culture of the urban population. So, the foundry form with the images of birds and animals was found out. On it the unknown foreman scratch for a stamping complex book ornamental pattern. It has allowed to make a conclusion, that in ancient Grodno the art of registration of the hand-written book was advanced. About much speak also found in a cultural layer 13 centuries pin of the wooden musical tool, original chess figures, in particular rook, cut out from of yellow stone with green veins and displaying a type of Russian vessel of middle 12 centuries. Are curious and found archaelogist??? of a toy - horse, covered by a half-willow, clay rattle, tiny wooden swords.

The state has entered this period Oldrussian during feudal dissociation. From second half 12 centuries of Grodno become the centre specific princedom. The mention of it contains and in an outstanding monument of the Russian literature of that epoch " a Word about a shelf Igoreve ". 

But shattered on destinies Oldrussian princedom could not resist to invasion tatar hordes. Of easing Kiev Russia have taken advantage Lithuanian dukes, grasping various ways, authority above grounds and cities of western part ancient Russia. So happened and from Grodno, which Lithuanian duke Mindovg already at the end of the 40-th years 12 centuries has attached to the possession.

Daniila Galicki has won Grodno in 1253, but ?????????. The splitting Galicko - Volynsk ground has weakened its positions in struggle with Lithuania, as a result of Grodno again has appeared in authority Lithuanian duke Troiden. He also has permitted will put up at city pruss, with which Tevton award threatened with physical destruction.

At 13-14 centuries the city dwellers order courageous struggle with crusaders, dug round on territory by East Prussia. During a number of years, since 1284, tevtons not of time attacked city, burnt and destroyed it, and the inhabitants either exterminated, or took in captivity. However Grodno citizens order with German enemies courageous struggle, asserting each piece of native ground. When in the chapter of the Grodno fortress there was talented commander Davyd Dovmontovich - a great-grandson Aleksandr Neva and son - in - law great Lithuanian duke - Gedymin, Grodno group of steel not only successfully to reflect impacts of an enemy, but also steel to interfere in orders of ground.

In 1314 the Grodno groups under a management Davyd have assisted besieged by the knights Novogrudku. As a result of successful manoeuvre they have grasped military camp of the opponent, battle knights equipment, 1500 battle horses. In 1319 Davyd has intruded limits Prussia, has grasped much prisoners and military production. In 1323 him bodyguard of the profit to the aid of(to the aid) Pskov and together with Pskov people have put a heavy defeat to the German and Danish knights. In 1326 Davyd army has taken part in the large Lithuanian campaign in Brandenburg. However here Davyd was killed. Under the legend his body is buried under an oak at Kalozha church.

The incorporated force brotherly - Russian, Byelorussian and Ukrainian peoples ripened in struggle against foreign enemeis. The Grodno shelfs has taken part in famous Grunvald battle(July 15, 1410). The award has sufferred a shattering defeat, and his aggression against the Polish, Lithuanian and Byelorussian grounds was suspended.

In 15- 17 centuries of Grodno one of the largest deal-craft cities of Byelorussia. In the letter of 1441 great duke Kazimir Yagelonchik has listed 15 largest cities Great princedom Lithuanian, among which was also Grodno.

The economic meaning of Grodno has allowed his population to achieve self-management on Magdeburg right. If 1391 it has received incomplete Magdeburg the right, in 1496 the self-management was widen.

It promoted its economic and political development. All administrative and judicial authority in city belonged Rada, which was selected by the townspeople. Was glad by a body rich merchant and church top. 

At the end of 14 beginning 15 centuries in Grodno the lock enclosed with a fence and ditch was constructed through which conducted the bridge on five stone poles. In the end, which there was gate, to the left of which there was a prison.

In 16 century of Grodno has become the centre of extensive economic economy, the incomes of it went on the contents of a court yard. As the book of the Grodno royal economy testifies, the city in that time settled down on both coast Neman?. 31 streets and three markets, 712 built up sites here were totalled. The most ancient streets which have kept the names up to now, are Zamkovaya, Mostovaya, Podolnaya. The population was about 4 thousand people. 

In 1579, during Stefan Batorian government, on same Zamkovaya mountain the construction of the new lock was begun. It is difficult to tell, how many it proceeded. The researcher of a history of the lock Y. Voicehovsci considers, that 1585 constructions were not completed yet. However probably, that by the end the 80-th lock was ready. Within 17-18 centuries of Grodno was built up extremely slowly. The central part of city was the old market with close-fitting to it by streets. In the market representing by self the four-coal area, which each party was built up by houses, the town hall, hotel, meat and grain numbers, shops with other goods was placed. The majority of the craft and trade population of city which is taking place under jurisdiction Rada lived at this part of city. 

In this period the city was the significant centre of craft manufacture. The handicraftsmen were engaged in building business, produced instruments of work, jeweller products, footwear, clothes, utensils, were engaged dressing of furs, preparation fault, beer, malt. 

The Grodno masons and other builders were glorified not only at themselves on a native land, them invited to work and in other places. So, in 1494 they performed the job for princedom of a court yard in Vilno. The Grodno foremen were engaged on construction of Moscow.

The growth of the trade population went at the expense of the fluent peasants. This was promoted by that in first half 16 centuries according to the order Sigizmunt 1 were forbidden to return in villige of the peasants, which have put up at Grodno and have engaged in trade.

The number of the handicraftsmen and trade population in Grodno grew also that the magnates and monasteries increased the ground property in city. The documents testify, that in possession of the secular feudal lords and Catholic monasteries in Grodno, on their ground areas located in urban feature, handicraftsmen and persons engaged in trade too lived. At Grodno jesuits, for example, 4 handicraftsmen of different trades worked. The same phenomena took place in other monasteries. The local handicraftsmen were organized in workshops. In conditions of a middle ages with characteristic for it by a subsistence economy, amplification pearsant of dependence, narrowness of the market, the shop organization was recognized to ensure the local market, to protect craft from a competition. 

The first mention of organization of shops in Grodno concerns to 1570. In one of the documents of that time is spoken, that the handicraftsmen metal-workers have showed the decisions of urban government from February 13, 1570 about some privileges to the representatives of several trades. It gives the bases to consider 1570 as year of creation of shops.

All handicraftsmen included in shop organization, were divided into 3 groups: the foremen - full members of shop, second second foremens and schoolboys, which were not the full members of group. 

Especially the rule of the schoolboys was heavy. They carried out various works in a home facilities of the foremen. It is a lot of time, of work and health it was necessary to spend to the schoolboy to make the way in second foremens. But also here before him there were new insuperable problems interfering to him to become with the foreman.

The charters and all judge-administrative bodies of shops protected interests of a shop top, which frequently abused with the rule.

The shop top consist of the most solvent and influential foremen. The top required complete submission, and rebellious and disobedient named "rioters".

In the considered period of Grodno was not only important craft centre, but also trade. Favorable conditions for development of trade usual as a result of growth of the goods-money attitudes, the opportunities of selling of the goods in the foreign markets stimulated trade activity Grodno merchants. 

At 15-17 centuries in Grodno there were three markets: two in right side of a part of city, third for Neman. The basic goods were a fish, groats, hay, bread, leather, fat, vodka, honey, hop, malt, various cattle.

The growth of urban trade was promoted by realization of three annual fairs. They involved merchants not only from Byelorussia, but from Russia, Poland, Czechia. At fairs traded in bread, cattle brought from apart by the industrial goods and subjects of luxury. To protect interests of a rich top merchants in 1496 the decree forbidding to trade nonresident merchants without the consent Grodno merchants was issued.

In 16 century of Grodno supports trade communications with Moscow. On the data of 1525, during Russian war in Grodno was arrested 5 Russian merchants. They were here with the comrades to the beginning of military actions. The inhabitants of Grodno have surrounded with their attention. Besides the trade was conducted with Brest, Minsk, Slyck, Mogilyov. 

The close trade attitudes with the largest cities of Poland were supported. Grodno merchants? delivered in Warsaw fat, skins and some other agricultural goods. From Poland in Grodno brought cloth, fabrics, notions products, subjects of home use.

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Struggle of the Byelorussian people.

The Byelorussian people conducted resolute struggle against rich people and religious press, against the Polish magnates and those forces, which with centuries oppressed and maintained the people. The historical facts testify that did not sympathize liberation war of the Ukrainian and Byelorussian peoples against the magnates in middle 17 centuries, but also of cases acted with the weapon in hands against general oppressors.

In 16 -17 centuries in Grodno there was a struggle, which was conducted on three directions: - inside a shop top. In conditions developing magnates system and competition on the part of unshop craft the top aspired to strengthen operation of the schoolboys and ????????????, therefore just they together with others maintained, making urban ???????, were most active in struggle for social clearing, and frequently acted together with country weights:

- Struggle craftsmen, fine dealers and urban bottoms against patriciat as a whole (the fine dealers too were exposed to operation both on the part of the shop foremen, and on the part of rich merchants)

- Struggle of all craft and trade population against a feudal arbitrariness and anarchy, against royal administration exhausting all juices from working city. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account specifity class struggle urban of the inhabitants. It carried character of performances in protection of the rights, language and national culture, against foreign yoke, feodal- Catholic reaction. The period from middle 17 till 40 years 18 centuries is a time of economic decline of city. The further deepening landlord advocating serfdom attitudes, feudal anarchy, the numerous ruinous wars have resulted in reduction of craft manufacture and trade, easing turnover between city and village.

In this period of Grodno has gone through heavy epidemic of a plague, as a result of which the significant part of the population was lost. In result and the territory of city was reduced, many ground areas have become empty. Anyway, on the data of auditing of the Grodno economy for 1675, quantity of urban streets on comparison with second half 16 centuries with 31 up to 18.

Nevertheless, in 18 century of Grodno continued to play a role of the important fortress, that in particular was showed during Northern war (1700- 1721), when Russian state conducted fierce war for an exit to the Baltic sea. At this time territory of Grodno and area has become arena of struggle with the swedes. The so-called Grodno operation, carried out here by Russian army, has played the important role in the further expansion of events.

As Russian state was then in union with Poland and both parties order joint struggle against Swedish enemies, as agreed with the Polish government in Grodno the large forces of Russian army were concentrated: 45 battalion of infantry and 6 draguns(horse battalion) regiments. Here setlled down best Petr's forces- Semenovski, Preobrazenski, Ingermalandski regiments. Russian command aspired to transform Grodno into reliable basic item: the city was on ways connecting the Swedish army with baltic provinces, and the concentration Russian forces here interfered with operations of the swedes in western direction.

Taking into account huge meaning of military actions in area of Grodno, Petr 1 on September 16, 1705 has arrived here and has met the Polish king August 2. In Grodno Petr 1 till December 7, 1705 has stayed.

At the end of December, 1705 Swedish forces under command of the king Karl 12 send to resolute approach in area of the river Bug and quickly come to Grodno. For Russian command, sure that in winter conditions the swedes not dare to come, it was by the large unexpectedness. Before Russian command have risen then the important questions, on which correct decision in many respects the further development of events depend. It was necessary to decide, to remain of Russian army in Grodno and to prepare for collision with an enemy whether to act against the swedes or, at last, to leave city and to recede.

Petr 1 has given back the order on deviation, but, to not get under impacts of the Swedish army, Russian command has decided to take advantage floating of ice on Neman. Before its beginning Russian army was forwarded on other coast of the river and has destroyed the bridge. It has detained progress of the swedes. In vicinities of Grodno destroyed or hid bread and other products. The swedes tested famine. Analyzing military actions in territory of Grodno, known Russian historian ?.?. Solovev wrote: " Harmfully all there was to the swedes an animosities of the inhabitants, which were hidden behind trees and bushes and hit the soldier, once itself Karl 12 was not hit nearly thus ".

Here so Russian army was kept, and swedes, on the contrary, there is more deplete of resources of the forces.

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Page updated 26 April 2000

by Margaret Shearn mshearn@netconnect.com.au