Pastavy

Pastavy (Паставы) is a historic town of about 20,000 people in western Viciebskaja voblasć, located on the Myadzelka River. First mentioned in 1409, it was a private town of the Tyzenhaus noble family. Pastavy is famous for its striking neo-Gothic Church of St. Anthony (Касцёл Святога Антонія), one of the most beautiful churches in Belarus. The town has a well-preserved historic centre with a market square, 19th-century buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere. The climate is continental: warm summers (17–23°C) and cold winters (−5 to −10°C).

By Plane

Vilnius Airport (VNO, Lithuania) is about 120 km west. Minsk National Airport (MSQ) is about 180 km south.

By Train

Pastavy has a railway station on the Krulewshchyna–Lyntupy line, with trains from Minsk (3 hr, BYN 8–12).

By Car / Road

From Minsk, take the P3 north via Dokshytsy — about 160 km (2 hr). Roads are fair. Buses from Minsk run 3–4 times daily (3 hr, BYN 12).

The historic centre is walkable. Taxis cost BYN 5–8.

• Church of St. Anthony (Касцёл Святога Антонія) — A breathtaking neo-Gothic church built in 1903, with twin tall spires, rose windows, and elaborate brickwork. The defining landmark of Pastavy.

• Market Square (Рыначная плошча) — Historic square with 19th-century merchant houses and the town hall.

• Tyzenhaus Palace (Палац Тызенгаўзаў) — Remains of an 18th-century palace, now housing a museum.

• Local History Museum — Exhibits on the Tyzenhaus family, the church, and regional history.

• Myadzelka River Embankment — A peaceful walking path along the river.

• Photograph the Church of St. Anthony — One of the most photographed churches in Belarus.

• Walk the market square — Admire the historic merchant houses.

• Visit the museum — Learn about the Tyzenhaus family's influence.

• Restaurant "Pastavy" — Central dining with Belarusian dishes. Mains BYN 10–20.
• Café "U Kastsela" — Near the church, serving soups and blini. Mains BYN 8–14.

Cafés on the square serve local beer and coffee.

• Budget: "Pastavy" hotel — basic rooms from BYN 35/night.
• Mid-range: "U Kastsela" guesthouse — clean doubles from BYN 60/night.

The market square has small shops selling local produce and crafts.

• Hlybokaye (60 km E) — Baroque Carmelite monastery.
• Sharkawshchyna (50 km NW) — 17th-century church.
• Braslaw (70 km N) — Lake district and national park.
• Miyory (50 km NE) — Lake reserve and birdwatching.
• Narachanski National Park (80 km S) — Lake Narach and park.