Staroborisov

Staroborisov is an agro-town in the Borisov District of the Minsk Region. It is located in the eastern part of the district, approximately 5 km east of Borisov, on the right bank of the Berezina River.

Staroborisov is considered one of the oldest settlements in Belarus. It was founded in 1102 by the Polotsk prince Boris Vseslavich on the right bank of the Berezina River. Initially, the town was called Borisov and served as an important strategic and trade center, as it was located at the intersection of water and land routes.

At the end of the 12th century, the town was moved about 5 km westward to the location of modern-day Borisov. The relocation was likely due to better defensive capabilities of the new site. After this, the original settlement became known as Staroborisov.

In the following centuries, Staroborisov remained a small settlement, serving a supporting role for Borisov. In the 15th—16th centuries, it was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, later the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The main occupations of the local population were crafts, trade, and agriculture.

During the Patriotic War of 1812, Staroborisov found itself at the center of historical events. In November 1812, French troops under Napoleon’s command were stationed here while retreating across the Berezina River. Nearby, near the villages of Studenka and Brily, the Battle of Berezina took place, becoming one of the decisive battles of the 1812 campaign.

After Belarus became part of the Russian Empire, Staroborisov remained a rural settlement. In the 20th century, it endured wars and transformations. During the Soviet era, a collective farm was established here, and agriculture developed. During World War II, Staroborisov was occupied by German troops. After liberation in 1944, the settlement was rebuilt and continued to develop.

Today, Staroborisov is an agro-town within the Borisov District of the Minsk Region. The settlement retains its historical significance, and its territory is considered the founding site of ancient Borisov.

Walking through Staroborisov, it is impossible not to feel the breath of history. Here, on the high bank of the Berezina, ancient Borisov was founded in the early 12th century. Today, a settlement site remains here, hidden beneath layers of earth, grass, and time. Once, wooden fortifications stood here, craftsmen's houses lined the streets, and above them rose the prince’s chambers. Now, only massive earthen ramparts remain, reminding us of the times when the town was a center of trade and military affairs.

A little further, deep within the village, among centuries-old trees, lie the remains of the Radziwill estate. In the early 19th century, Prince Michal Jerzy Radziwill built an estate here, which became an ornament of the area. A majestic manor house with white columns, a well-kept park where the owners strolled in the shade of the alleys… Now, only ruins remain, but even they tell the story of a past full of luxury and events.

A special place in Staroborisov’s history is held by the War of 1812. In the midst of a cold November, Napoleon’s troops arrived here. Near the village of Studenka, just a few kilometers away, the Battle of Berezina unfolded—one of the most tragic events of that campaign. The French, retreating under pressure from the Russian army, tried to cross the river but were pursued by artillery fire, frost, and chaos. Today, memorial complexes stand at the battle site, and Staroborisov itself preserves the memory of that era.

But not only war and princes left their mark on this land. The Berezina River, where ancient merchants’ boats once stood, still captivates with its beauty. Its banks have become a quiet retreat for those seeking solitude with nature. The water flows slowly along the village, reflecting the ancient trees, while a gentle breeze carries the scent of meadows and forests.

Staroborisov is a place where history and nature merge into one. Here, you can see traces of an ancient town, touch the stones of the Radziwill estate, imagine the roar of cannons from the War of 1812, and simply enjoy the tranquility that reigns over the smooth waters of the Berezina.