A 1976 historical postcard featuring the twelve-story building of the Vitebsk Hotel and the Kirovsky Bridge over the Western Dvina River.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground shows the calm surface of the Western Dvina River. On the right, the reinforced concrete arched Kirovsky Bridge with lampposts is visible. On the high left bank, there is a zigzag pedestrian staircase leading down to the water. In the background, the rectangular modernist block of the Vitebsk Hotel dominates the skyline, topped with the Belarusian-language sign ‘Віцебск’.
Historical note
The Vitebsk Hotel was built in the early 1970s in the characteristic style of Soviet modernism. It became a major architectural landmark of central Vitebsk, located on the historic site of Castle Hill (Zamkovaya Gora). The Kirovsky Bridge, visible in the frame, was erected in 1955 on the site of the Dvinsky Bridge, which was destroyed during World War II.
Present day
Today, the Vitebsk Hotel continues to operate, preserving its recognizable architectural exterior while undergoing interior renovations. The Kirovsky Bridge remains a vital transport artery of the city, connecting the railway station with the historic center. The staircase descending to the embankment and the surrounding area have been fully refurbished.
Location (map)
Address: 5/2a Zamkovaya St, Vitebsk, Belarus
Coordinates: 55.192750, 30.201400
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of the Hotel Vitebsk building on Zamkovaya Street.
Questions and answers
- In what year was this postcard published? The postcard was published in 1976.
- Which building dominates the background of the image? The background is dominated by the twelve-story building of the Vitebsk Hotel.
- Which river does the bridge in the picture cross? The bridge crosses the Western Dvina River.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Vitebsk from 1976.
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