Sula: Craftsmanship and History at Grand Duchy of Sula Park

Grand Duchy of Sula Park lies on the picturesque shore of Lake Sulskoye, about 49 kilometres from Minsk. For a trip to Sula, it offers a clear focus: nature, craftsmanship and cultural history come together with a range of exhibitions and rides. When planning, you can decide whether you’d rather take a walk, explore historical themes or enjoy an activity on site.

Landscape and Manor Park

If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can stroll along the shady avenues of the restored manor park and walk beside a pond. The walk offers a scenic counterpoint to the park’s exhibitions and demonstrations. Conditions and access may vary, so take this into account when planning your visit.

The lakeside setting and avenues give the visit its own character, while the range of cultural activities caters to different interests. You might, for example, focus on craftsmanship and demonstrations, or take time to explore the exhibition themes. The distance of about 49 kilometres from Minsk is a geographical reference point, not an indication of travel time.

Exhibitions on the past and traditions

The megalithic cultural site includes the “Vrata vsekh zvezd” cromlech. An exhibition on early human settlements explores the Neolithic period and early human settlements in the floodplains of Belarusian rivers. Different aspects of early cultures are presented side by side: a named cromlech, and the themes of settlement and river habitats.

The site of Slavic cults is dedicated to ancient Slavic beliefs and rituals. It includes a sanctuary with a pantheon of gods, a fortune-teller’s house, the “Ded” stone and a sacred fire. The Varangian landing site offers a different historical perspective: it is a reconstructed settlement of Varangian travellers from the early medieval period. The Collegium, in turn, is an exhibition about the history of education and scholarship in Belarusian lands.

The section on the Belarusian szlachta also combines a historical theme with a specific exhibition space: it includes the “Royal Assembly” Hall of Noble Glory. Tapestries, paintings and bladed weapons are displayed there; the exhibits may change. A sabre fight may also be on view, though the availability of this demonstration may vary. You can visit the Lenskikh burial chapel; its associated rotunda is still being rebuilt. Before your visit, check whether access to these exhibition areas is available seasonally.

Craftsmanship, guided tours and rides

At the smithy, a blacksmith demonstrates the craft. During an interactive tour, visitors can forge a souvenir in the shape of an arrowhead themselves. This combines watching with hands-on participation: if you’re particularly interested in craftsmanship, this offers a different focus from a tour of the exhibitions.

The admission price includes a visit to the Batleyka Museum with a short humorous performance, as well as a brief guided overview of the park’s main attractions. This overview offers a quick introduction to the park’s themes, while the exhibitions explore individual areas in greater depth. As the activities included with admission may change with the park programme, check the latest ticket information before your visit.

A ride on a horse-drawn tram along an excursion route is also available. The “From the Varangians to the Greeks” route offers a ride aboard a Viking ship, known as a drakkar. The two rides differ in their mode of transport; ticketing and operation of the horse-drawn tram may vary, and schedules for the drakkar route may change. Check the latest information if either ride is important to your day’s plans.

Distillery and dining options

The Sula complex includes a brewery and dining options. The Sula distillery produces Starka and has demonstration and tasting rooms. The facilities offer both an insight into production and spaces for tastings. Specific tasting arrangements and participation requirements may change; check in advance if a tasting is an important part of your travel plans.

For an overview of the wider trip: Dzyarzhynsk.