Tiesenhausen Palace in Postavy

The Tyzengauz Palace in Pastavy is an outstanding monument of Classicist architecture. Built in the late 18th — early 19th centuries, it is one of the city’s key landmarks and a vivid example of manor architecture in Belarus.

History

The construction of the palace began in the 1760s at the initiative of Antoni Tyzengauz, a statesman and reformer. The design was created by the Italian architect Giuseppe de Sacco. At that time, the side wings were erected, and the foundation for the central part was laid. The construction was completed in the early 19th century under Konstanty Tyzengauz, a renowned ornithologist, philanthropist, and scholar.

The palace housed unique scientific and cultural collections. Konstanty Tyzengauz established one of the largest ornithological museums in Europe here, which included thousands of mounted birds. The palace also contained a library with rare books, antique documents, and valuable engravings. After World War II, the building was repurposed into a district hospital, which continues to function in the palace to this day.

Architecture

The Tyzengauz Palace in Pastavy is a U-shaped, single-story building in the Classicist style. The northern façade features a six-column Tuscan portico. The eastern façade stands out with deep side projections and a central projection with triangular pediments. The decoration includes rustication, stucco garlands, pilasters, friezes, and window cornices. These architectural details highlight the elegance and austerity of the style, making the palace a remarkable example of manor architecture in Belarus.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Tyzengauz Palace in Pastavy was not only a noble residence but also a center of science and culture. The ornithological museum created by Konstanty Tyzengauz became the foundation for the biology faculty of Vilnius University. The palace also housed an art collection, which, according to 19th-century sources, included works by such masters as Leonaert Bramer and Simon Vouet.

In 2006, a monument to Konstanty Tyzengauz was erected near the palace. In 2014, a permanent exhibition was opened in the basement of the building, dedicated to his life and scientific work, including a reconstruction of his taxidermy laboratory.

Excursions to the Tyzengauz Palace in Pastavy

The Tyzengauz Palace in Pastavy is included in popular tourist routes across the Vitebsk Region. As part of our tours “The Land of Lakes, Churches, and Parks (Kamai – Pastavy – Luchai)” and “Pastavy – Budslau – Kamai,” guests have the opportunity to see the Tyzengauz Palace and learn fascinating facts about the Tyzengauz dynasty and their contribution to science, culture, and Belarusian history.

You can also book an individual or corporate tour to Pastavy with a visit to the Tyzengauz Palace included.