Bulgarin”s Chapel

The Bulgarin Chapel is a small yet atmospheric architectural monument located next to the Farny Catholic Church in Nesvizh. At first glance, this modest chapel with a low silhouette and a tiny window in the gable may seem unremarkable, but it holds both the charm of 18th-century Baroque and a deeply personal story of its founder — Skanderbeg Bulgarin. This site is of particular interest to those seeking to explore lesser-known but significant corners of Nesvizh during a tour.

History

The chapel was built in the early 18th century by nobleman Skanderbeg Bulgarin — a descendant of the Albanian national hero George Kastrioti Skanderbeg and ancestor of Russian writer Faddey Bulgarin. It was erected following a tragic event: during an argument, Bulgarin shot and killed his neighbor, landlord Uzlovsky. According to the customs of the time, he was obliged to pay a «vira» — a form of compensation to the deceased’s family. While negotiations were ongoing, Bulgarin feared revenge and began constructing a small fortified tower, which later became a chapel and earned the nickname «The Murderer’s Tower».

Architecture

The chapel is distinguished by its modest size and simple forms, typical of auxiliary religious buildings of that era. It blends harmoniously into the architectural ensemble near the Farny Church and the Radziwill family mausoleum, reflecting Baroque aesthetics with elements of defensive design. The small window in the façade symbolizes both vigilance and penance, while the building itself represents a tale of personal tragedy and redemption.

Tours

The Bulgarin Chapel can be visited as part of an individual tour from Minsk to Nesvizh. We can create a customized itinerary upon request — whether it’s a focused route to this chapel alone or a comprehensive tour covering all the highlights of Nesvizh, including the Nesvizh Castle, Farny Church, park, and more. You can book a private tour from Minsk to explore hidden corners of the city, like this mysterious chapel with a story full of drama, history, and reconciliation.