Kamenets celebrates 740th birthday

In July Kamenets, one of the most famous towns of Brest Oblast, celebrated the 740th anniversary of its founding. The history of the town is inextricably connected with Kamenets Tower, a unique architectural specimen of the late 13th century, which is featured in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

The town was first mentioned in the period between 1276 and 1288 when Volyn Prince Vladimir Vasilkovich ordered to build a defensive tower on the picturesque banks of the Lesnaya River. Later the tower got the name “White Tower”. This is the only remaining donjon in Belarus. And it is quite impressive: about 30 meters high, with the thickness of the walls reaching 2.5 meters.

For centuries, the fortress has been the center of the town. After the devastating fires and military conflicts the town would spring around the tower again and again. Nowadays it is one of the most recognizable symbols of Belarus. The Town Day celebrations included historical reconstruction events, jousting tournaments, concerts, and an arts and crafts fair.

 Photo: Ekaterina Garaeva