Historical pearl of Gomel region

This remarkable architectural complex, located in the heart of Gomel, is a unique combination of history, culture and architecture that attracts tourists and researchers from all over the country and beyond. Every Belarusian knows the image of the palace – it can be found on the 20 thousand Belarusian ruble banknote of 2000 and the 20 Belarusian ruble banknote of 2009.

The complex consists of six main objects: the palace itself, Peter and Paul Cathedral, a chapel-tomb of the princes Paskevich, an administrative building, the Winter Garden, an observation tower and an ancient park, which is an integral part of the ensemble.

The central object of the ensemble is the palace, which is an architectural monument of the 18th century. It is a two-story building, in which the first floor housed halls for holding ceremonial events, the second floor housed the owners' living quarters, and the basement housed utility rooms. The architectural style of the palace combines elements of classicism and baroque, which makes it attractive to lovers of architecture and history.

The history of the palace begins at the end of the 18th century, when Catherine II, in recognition of the merits of Field Marshal P. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky in the war with Turkey, presented him with Gomel. This event became the starting point for the creation of a magnificent palace and park ensemble, which later turned from a residence into a cultural center of the region.

In 1834, the new owner was Field Marshal I.  Paskevich, who continued to develop the complex, adding new elements and improving the existing ones. At his invitation, an architect from Warsaw, Adam Idzkowski, came to Gomel to reconstruct the palace. At the same time, a 4-story tower 32 meters high appeared, which at the beginning of the 19th century became the prince's personal residence. Now it houses a collection of paintings, gifts from Russian emperors to the Paskevich family, as well as the owner's personal belongings.

The palace repeatedly hosted members of the Romanov imperial family, which testifies to its high status and importance. The last owner of the complex was Princess Irina Paskevich, a famous patron of the arts and a translator, who left a significant mark on literature, being the author of the first translation of Leo Tolstoy's novel “War and Peace” into French.

Throughout its long history, the complex has been destroyed and restored. The greatest damage was inflicted during the Great Patriotic War. After the war, various rooms in the palace housed a telephone exchange, a library, a puppet theater, and the Palace of Pioneers.

The collection of the museum, which opened in the Palace after the Great Patriotic War, contains more than 260 thousand exhibits, including personal belongings of the Paskevich family, coins, books, and religious objects. The archaeological collection includes items from excavations near Berdyzh and Yurovichi villages, the most famous sites of ancient man in the republic.

Today, Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace and Park Ensemble is not only an important historical and cultural site, but also the center of Gomel's tourist attraction. Tours, master classes, and educational programs are held here, enabling visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Belarus. Thanks to its unique architecture and rich history, this complex continues to inspire and attract people, becoming an integral part of the country's cultural heritage.