This Belarusian city has Stalinist-era buildings and large botanical gardens. Located near the Ukrainian border, it's known for its Soviet architecture and parks.
Gomel, Belarus's second-largest city, lies along the Sozh River. In the city center, you'll find the grand Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace with its 19th-century architecture and art collection. Walk through the palace gardens, climb the observation tower for city views, or spend summer afternoons on the river's sandy beaches. The Peter and Paul Cathedral's golden domes dominate the skyline, while the Museum of Folk Arts displays traditional Belarusian crafts and religious items.
Getting Around Gomel
The public transport system includes over 1,000 buses and trolleybuses that connect all parts of the city. You can take a taxi any time of day, with rides within the city costing around $10. The railway station links Gomel to Minsk, Kyiv, and other major cities in the region.
The Palace Complex
The Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace sits on a hill overlooking the Sozh River. Inside, you'll find the Red Hall with its 19th-century furnishings and a collection of 229,000 artworks spanning several centuries. The palace museum opens daily from 10 AM, with guides speaking Russian, English, and German. Visit the chapel-shrine of the Paskevich dukes in the Russian architectural style on the northern grounds.
Parks and River Activities
From May to September, swim and play beach volleyball on the sandy beaches along the Sozh River's left bank. The city park surrounding the palace includes a Ferris wheel where you can see across Gomel. Take a 30-minute drive to Pripyatsky National Park to walk through oak forests that are home to bison, deer, and over 250 bird species.
Sports Venues
Watch hockey matches at the Ice Palace's two arenas or attend track and field events at the central stadium. The city maintains eight sports stadiums where local teams play regular football matches. The Olympic Reserve Number 4 school, which has produced 97 World and European champions, runs public training programs throughout the year.
Jewish Culture and History
Before World War II, Jewish residents made up more than half of Gomel's population. Today, you can visit the active synagogue and mikvah (ritual bath) in the city center. The Museum of Folk Arts displays a collection of manuscripts and religious items from the 19th and early 20th centuries. A memorial in the city center commemorates the community members who died during World War II.
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