Sapega castle in Golshany

Holshansky Castle of Sapeghov – a remarkable architectural monument erected in the first half of the 17th century, which reflects significant transformations in urban development and castle architecture over the course of a century. The castle occupies a rectangular plot and represents a closed composition: the residential buildings arranged along the perimeter and the towers at the corners form an inner square courtyard. Initially built as a defensive structure, the castle underwent numerous reconstructions during its existence, resulting in an appearance that came to resemble a more refined residential mansion, where the massive defensive walls of the 16th century gave way to an elegant facade. This building not only testifies to the technical and aesthetic development of the eras, but also preserves the spirit of the time, reflected in its layout, scale, and engineering solutions.

History of Creation

The history of Holshansky Castle is closely linked with changes in its owners and events that influenced its appearance. Initially erected by the Sapeghov family, the castle had already passed into the hands of new owners by the 17th century, foretelling a period of frequent changes and reconstructions. An architectural and archaeological expedition conducted in 1981–1983 by specialists from the Special Scientific and Restoration Workshops of the Ministry of Culture revealed three different chronological phases of construction. Each phase was characterized by the type of brick used, the composition of the lime mortar, and the masonry technique, which attests to the gradual evolution of architectural solutions and the functional purpose of the castle. In the 19th century, in 1880, the castle’s owner, Gorbanov, began deliberately demolishing the towers and walls, using the bricks for constructing a tavern, which further altered the original appearance of the structure. Until the beginning of the First World War, the castle remained a residential building, and after the Great Patriotic War, its remnants were dismantled for the construction of local facilities, such as pig farms and a cultural center, emphasizing the dramatic fate of the castle and its history of numerous transformations.

Architecture of the Building

The architectural heritage of Holshansky Castle demonstrates a transition from the typical defensive construction of the 16th century to a more refined appearance of a residential palace. The composition of the castle faintly resembles Mir Castle – a massive rectangular building with residential blocks that form a closed square inner courtyard. The key change was that the mighty defensive walls gave way to the facade of the residential building, and the barbican tower was lost. Instead, the hexagonal towers, smaller in size and more slender, began to serve a dual function – both defensive and residential. They housed living quarters and utility rooms, and the defensive protection was transferred to the mighty earthen ramparts and water moats surrounding the castle. Due to subsequent reconstructions, annexes appeared in the structure of the castle – two pentagonal towers were added to the north-western and south-eastern blocks, and the original galleries and decorative wall treatments were lost, which gives the castle a special historical depth and complexity in its reconstruction.

Excursions with a Castle Tour

The modern Holshansky Castle of Sapeghov has become a center of tourist life, where regular excursions are held for those who wish to acquaint themselves with the rich history and unique architecture of this monument. For guests of the capital, a special excursion from Minsk is organized, which allows easy access to the castle and provides detailed insights into its many-century-long history. In addition, tourists from across the country can participate in excursions around Belarus, which cover not only the castle itself but also the accompanying historical routes of the region. Everyone has the opportunity to book an excursion with a tour of the castle, where experienced guides will detail each stage of construction, demolitions, reconstructions, and the preserved architectural features of the castle. This unforgettable journey into the past allows one not only to appreciate the beauty of the architectural forms but also to gain a deeper understanding of the historical events that influenced the appearance of Belarus.