Brest is a beautiful old city on the west of Belarus. It is a city and
administrative center of the Brest region of the Republic of Belarus.
The city is located on the right bank of the Western Boog River. Brest
is a big economic and cultural center. It is also an important rail-way
and auto-road node.
Brest was first mentioned in 1019 as Bierascie. It is believed
that ancient city's name comes either from the word "bierast" or from
the word "bierasta". The city's name was changed several times during
its history. At the beginning of the 18th century the city's ancient
name was changed into Brest-Litowsk. New name lived till the beginning
of the 20th century when its second part was discarded, and the city has
become simply Brest.
In Brest there are many museums, two theaters, one skating-rink,
two universities, five gymnasiums and one lyceum. The fortress is the
main attraction of the city. The history of this defensive construction
started in 1842 when the entire city of Brest was moved 3 kilometers
east, and on its place a massive fortress was set up.
The fortress made a prolonged defense against Germans in 1941 and was
ruined in the result of severe battles. After the war the remains of the
fortress were turned into a grandiose memorial to its defenders.
At present near 300,000 people live in Brest. It is a big
economic center because it's situated on the border of Belarus and
Poland. There are many beautiful new and old buildings. I like my native
city Brest very much!