Travel Guide Moguilev (Магi̇лёў)

There are several legends about the origin of the town's name. The most famous one tells that long ago, in a thick forest where the town stands today, there was a hideout for the bandits of theataman Mašeka. It was said that he was so strong that he could uproot trees with one hand. Mašeka was a peasant, but when the lord stole his bride, he decided to take revenge. He died in the arms of his bride, who became the lord's wife. The peasants buried him on a hill by the Dnieper. The place was named Moguila Lva ("the lion's grave"), and the town that later appeared here was called Moguilev. Founded in 1267, it was built around the Dnieper River, the main communication route between the Baltic and Black Seas. Thus it began to develop as a centre of trade and crafts. From 1358 onwards, the city became part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and in the 15th century it became one of the richest cities. A period of strong economic growth began. Its craftsmen were known even abroad and Mogilev traded with Ukraine, Moldavia, Poland, Muscovy and Constantinople. As a result of this development, in 1577 King Stephen Báthory granted the town the right to Magdeburg. In 1772, Mogilev was annexed by the Russian Empire. Tsar Peter the Great arrived here in 1706; in 1780, Empress Catherine II received Emperor Joseph II of Austria; Tsar Nicholas II visited the city several times, and even the great Russian poet Pushkin stayed here! Due to its strategic geopolitical position, Mogilev has been the scene of several wars throughout history, up to the tragic events of the Second World War. Of the 120,000 inhabitants of Mogilev before the war, barely 10,000 remained in 1945.Today, it is one of the main industrial centers of the country. The city is very pleasant, peaceful and welcoming. A must-see during a trip to Belarus!