House fortress Nonhartov

The Fortress House is a unique monument of defensive architecture from the early 17th century, which is a must-visit on excursions across Belarus. It is the only structure of its kind preserved in the country. Built in 1612 or 1613 by the renowned architect Pyotr Nonkhart as his residence, the fortress house is a miniature castle (15x34 meters) with four round corner towers.

The architectural composition of the house is symmetrical: the central tower is three stories tall, while the main two-story building is flanked by corner towers. The ground floor was designed to house a small garrison, while the second floor was reserved for the owner, who also occupied the third level of the central tower with its own staircase. Like other defensive buildings of the time, the house has thick walls (up to 1.5 meters) and vaulted ceilings, providing reliable protection against attacks.

The house was surrounded by a water-filled moat and an earthen rampart, with an additional system of artificial ponds located nearby. These water bodies served a defensive purpose by preventing siege artillery from being brought close to the fortress and hindering troops’ approach to its walls. For autonomous water supply, a well was constructed in the basement. During the Great Northern War, the fortress house withstood a Swedish siege, highlighting its strategic importance.

If you are planning an excursion from Minsk or looking to book a tour to explore architectural landmarks in Belarus, the fortress house is an excellent destination to experience history and defensive architecture. Today, the building houses the Republican Psychiatric Hospital for individuals who committed crimes while suffering from mental disorders, but it can still be visited as part of organized tours.