Polonechkovsky palace and park ensemble

The Polonechka Palace and Park Ensemble is an outstanding monument of Classicist architecture from the late 18th – early 19th century, located in the village of Polonechka, Baranovichi District, Brest Region. Once a vibrant cultural hub where prominent artists and intellectuals gathered, today only the partially ruined palace, fragments of the park, and traces of outbuildings remain. Despite the loss of architectural integrity, the ensemble remains an important historical and cultural site of Belarus, and the village of Polonechka — a place with a rich heritage.

History of the palace in Polonechka

The history of the palace dates back to the second half of the 18th century, when the land belonged to Prince Matthias Radziwill — a well-known composer, playwright, and figure of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. At his initiative, construction of the palace began, inspired by the Italian Villa Trivulzio on Lake Como. The complex included not only the main building but also a picturesque park with greenhouses, ponds, a chapel, and outbuildings.

After Matthias’s death in 1800, the estate was inherited by his son Konstanty Radziwill, who completed the construction and added architectural details. During this time, Polonechka became an important cultural center, attracting artists, scientists, and nobility. Among its guests was Denis Fonvizin, author of “The Minor.”

In the second half of the 19th century, the palace was taken over by Matvei Józef Radziwill, who moved most of the library and collections to the Polish residence of Zegrze. Later, it passed to Albert Stanislaw Radziwill, who added a grand staircase and a neo-Gothic winter garden. In 1919, he emigrated to the USA, and the last owner of the estate was Władysław Radziwill, the final member of the family associated with Polonechka.

In 1943, the palace was badly damaged by fire. After the war, it was restored and repurposed as a boarding school, but by the 1990s it was abandoned: the roof collapsed and the structure deteriorated. In 2014, the palace was sold to a private company, but restoration works were not completed due to financial difficulties. In the 2020s, it was transferred to a new owner who expressed intent to begin restoration, though the building remains in an emergency condition today and requires serious investment.

Architecture and layout

The palace was originally built in Classicist style, with balanced symmetry and harmony. The main building was two stories high, with one-story side wings connected by galleries with tall windows. The façade was decorated with six columns adorned with herms — sculptural busts representing ancient Greek philosophers — giving the building a refined and unique appearance.

The interiors featured thoughtful layouts and elegant décor: mirrored walls created the illusion of infinity, and the rooms were filled with light and air. The palace housed a library, a painting collection, archives, and a rich numismatic collection. The ensemble also included a landscaped park with ponds, bridges, a chapel, and a greenhouse, and nearby stood St. George’s Church with the Radziwill family crypt.

Today, only the weathered palace walls and fragments of the landscaped park remain.

Tours to the Polonechka Palace and Park Ensemble

A visit to the Radziwill estate in Polonechka can be part of both individual and group tours around Brest Region, allowing travelers to explore the history of noble estates in Belarus. The tour includes a walk around the estate grounds, viewing the architectural remains of the palace, and visiting St. George’s Church.

Despite the palace’s partial ruin, the tour will be fascinating for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the lifestyle of the Belarusian aristocracy. It’s a journey into the atmosphere of a bygone era and a chance to learn more about one of the most influential noble families of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania — the Radziwills.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Polonechka on a guided tour — book your trip now on Ekskursii.by and discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of Belarus.