Date :
Monday, June 24, 2024
Belarus is a country where among picturesque landscapes and ancient forests, real architectural gems hide - castles and palaces that tell stories of glorious times and great events.
Belarus is a country where among picturesque landscapes and ancient forests, real architectural gems hide - castles and palaces that tell stories of glorious times and great events. We continue to get acquainted with little-known castles and palaces of Belarus that deserve your attention.
Mstislavl Castle
A once majestic structure located on the Castle Hill of Mstislavl, surrounded by high walls, deep ditches, and earthen ramparts. In the 15th-16th centuries, a donjon tower was erected, in which, as expected, during a siege, the defenders could hold the defense for some time.
The castle withstood enemy sieges more than once. But in the 17th century, the city was practically burned to the ground during the Russian-Polish war.
Today on Castle Hill, a preserved archaeological site of fragments of ancient Mstislavl a princely estate, wooden observation towers and a donjon tower can be seen.
Geraneny Castle
Geraneny Castle is a mysterious place, shrouded in legends and secrets. Its ruins hold many stories waiting to be discovered. This is an ideal place for those who love to explore and discover new things.
On the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, this castle was considered one of the most beautiful. During construction at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries, founder Olbrecht Gastold used the latest engineering technologies of the time and the principles of European architecture.
Due to its proximity to the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania - Vilna, the castle was not subject to frequent attacks. It served as a platform for resolving many political issues. The wedding of Stanislav Gastold and Barbara Radziwill was celebrated here and here Barbara was widowed and met Zhigimont II Augustus.
Today, only ruins remain of the once majestic structure.
Svisloch Castle
Historians are still arguing whether the ruins in Svisloch village, Mogilev region are a castle. They really don't look like a castle. However, the ruins are impressive.
According to scientists, the wooden castle was built in the 11th century on a high island where the Svisloch flows into the Berezina. A fortified outpost of the princes of Polotsk appeared here.
This castle became the center of Svisloch principality. Gradually it lost its defensive significance and turned into a feudal courtyard, not adapted for defense. During the war between the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Muscovy, it was looted and burned.
Today, in its place, the remains of a ditch and earthen ramparts can be seen. The ruins are most likely former outbuildings from the 19th century. However, they look no less picturesque.
Turov Castle
Built in the second half of the 13th century, it was separated from the ancient city by a deep ditch filled with water. The tallest structure is a round tower with several tiers. It was dismantled in the 19th century. According to archaeologists on the territory of the castle there were dozens of wooden buildings, a temple and a pagan temple.
Today there is an archaeological complex here that enables to plunge into ancient history, visit the ancient city, and see how our ancestors lived.
Ikazn Castle
In Braslav district there was an unusual castle, located on an island off the bank of the Ikazn River. The castle in Braslav district appeared at the beginning of the 16th century and belonged to the statesman, clerk and personal chancellor of Grand Duchess Elena Ivan Sapega. A small strait separated the castle from the shores.
Destroyed in the 17th century. Over the course of several centuries, the castle was dismantled for building materials. Today, only the foundation and filled-in dungeons and crypts remain in its place.
The castle can be reached only by boat.
Palace of Svyatopolk-Chetvertinsky
In Zheludok village, Shchuchin district, Grodno region, the Svyatopolk-Chetvertinsky estate is located. Built in 1907 according to the design of the architect Vladislav Marconi. Initially, the owners used the palace to receive guests. However, it so happened that the estate was more often used as a hospital and as a military unit.
Today it is private property. The monument is planned to be restored.
Khaletsky Estate
A unique architectural monument is the Khaletsky estate, located in Khalch village, Vetka district, Gomel region. This is a building erected in the 19th century in the style of classicism. Some of the owners of the estate - the Voynich-Senozhetskys - were Freemasons. Therefore, the palace had a special room for Masonic meetings.
Under Soviet rule, there was a shelter for street children, a prison, a club, and a collective farm office. Today the building is being reconstructed.
Bokhvits Estate
An unusual manor in the neo-Gothic style is located in Pavlinovo village, Baranovichi district, Brest region. Built at the beginning of the last century by the son of the famous Florian Bokhvits - Jan.
It was a luxurious palace overlooking the lake. All around is a gorgeous park with linden alleys, an ice house, a stable and a distillery.
During the Second World War a military hospital was located in the estate, which existed until 1995. Then the estate was abandoned. Today the estate is under restoration.
