 |
| The palace complex in Ruzhany 2015 |
The palace complex in Ruzhany is one of the unique corners of Belarus.
For centuries, the most beautiful architectural ensemble, which is called the Belarusian Versailles, belonged to the powerful Sapieha dynasty.The place of Ruzhany (today Pruzhany district, Brest region) was first mentioned in written
sources at the end of the 15th century. It is known that until 1552 it belonged to the Tyszkiewicz family. In those days, Ruzhany was famous for the production of cloth and carpets, art belts, ceramics. Large fairs took place here.
The estate of Ruzhany was bought by the famous tycoon and politician in 1598, chancellor, one of the authors of a unique code of laws - the Statute of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania - Leo Sapega. It was on his orders that at the beginning of the 17th century, grand construction began here. A castle with three towers appeared in Ruzhany, combining the features of a defensive fortress and a grand palace.
Leo Sapega In the 17th century, Ruzhany Castle was a significant center of the political life of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Many state issues were resolved here, receptions of ambassadors and kings were held.
One of the founders of the dynasty, Jan Sapega, received in Ruzhani the King of the Commonwealth Sigismund the Old. There were King Gigimont III Vase, prince Vladislav (Vladislav IV Vase).
In the huge two-story cellars of the castle, the state treasury of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, an arsenal, state documents, and the Sapieha clan archive, food supplies, and wine barrels was kept.
In the second half of the XVII century, the palace survived not the best of times, was plundered and dilapidated. The reason was the civil strife among the local gentry and the Northern War.
In the 1770s, the owner of Ruzhan, Chancellor Alexander Sapega again rebuilt the residence. Thanks to Saxon architect Jan Samuel Becker, the impregnable castle turned into a sophisticated palace with gardens, parks, greenhouses.
Combining two architectural styles at once - Baroque and Classicism - in its beauty it was not inferior to the famous Versailles. Restoration work was completed in 1786.
The pride of the Ruzhany Palace was the richest library and art gallery, one of the best theaters in Europe. 60 artists and 40 musicians played in his troupe, and many performances were staged in French. King Stanislav Augustus Poniatowski has been here more than once.
After the uprising of 1831, the Ruzhany possessions were confiscated, and Sapieha moved to another estate. The merchant-tenant organized a weaving factory in the chambers of the palace, which worked here until the beginning of the twentieth century.
During World War I the complex was again destroyed, but World War II caused the greatest damage to the palace. The main and eastern corps, the entrance gate, and outbuildings have been preserved.
Currently, the Palace complex in Ruzhany is actively restored, 2015 - 2020.
And when completely restored. It will be a wonderful and unique tourist destination in Belarus.Currently, it is open to tourists, and at the same time, and restores its buildings.
More tours in the Republic of Belarus here ...
If you just need a transfer, then we can bring you anywhere in Belarus. Check out our transfers here.
