Litovka

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings near Navahrudak, the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, lies the village of Litovka — a place where history, literature, and cinema merge into a single cultural space. Here, by a small lake with crystal-clear waters, legends are born — sung by poets and recorded in chronicles. Litovka is associated with such remarkable figures as Adam Mickiewicz and Vladimir Vysotsky, and it stands as a symbol of resilience, inspiration, and Belarusian identity.

Legend and History

According to legend, during the reign of Prince Litavor, Navahrudak faced a threat from the Teutonic Order. The prince considered surrendering to avoid bloodshed, but his wife, Gražina, disagreed. Disguising herself in his armor, she led the troops into battle and perished heroically, securing victory for her land. In her honor, the lake was named Litovka.

Historical records indicate that in the 12th century, the village of Litovka and the lake belonged to Christian, the first bishop of Lithuania. In the 19th century, Adam Mickiewicz visited the area, drawing inspiration from its ancient lore.

Today, Litovka is a kind of open-air museum. A decorated pavilion dedicated to Princess Gražina stands at the local bus stop. In 1969, Vladimir Vysotsky lived and worked near the lake. It was here that he wrote a line for Viktor Turov’s film: “The sky reflects in the forest like in water, and the trees stand blue…”. He even gave an impromptu concert for the villagers in the «Lastochka» pavilion, leaving warm memories behind.

Excursions

This atmospheric destination can be visited as part of an individual excursion from Minsk to Litovka, which we will gladly organize for you. The tour may include exploring the majestic ruins of the 13th-century Navahrudak Castle, a walk along Lake Litovka — immortalized in Adam Mickiewicz’s poem «Gražina» — and a deep dive into the legend of Princess Gražina, the Belarusian Joan of Arc and a symbol of female courage. The excursion is enriched with stories about the filming of “Sons Go to Battle” and the stay of Vladimir Vysotsky and Marina Vlady in the village.