Freedom Square

Freedom Square is located in the very center of Vitebsk on the site of the former Lower Castle, fragments of which have survived to this day. In the 16th-17th centuries, the Alekseevsky Monastery and the Nikolaevsky Cathedral were built here (after which the square was called the Cathedral for a long time). During the October Revolution, large rallies were held on the square. In honor of these events, a year later, the square was renamed Freedom Square. Since then, the square has been the central arena for the most important events in the lives of citizens - from here volunteers were escorted to the front, demonstrations, musical concerts and theater performances were held here.

During the Great Patriotic War, the square was badly damaged, many buildings were destroyed. Most of all suffered Nicholas Cathedral, which was later destroyed.