Manor Germanovichskaya

Hermanovichi Manor of the Shirins is an outstanding monument of manor and park architecture in the Classicism style, located on the right bank of the Dysna River. This historical complex includes a two-story stone manor house, a park with a geometrically precise layout, and a landscape area near the river. Today, the manor houses the Hermanovichi Museum of Culture and Everyday Life of Yazep Drazdovich, which preserves unique exhibits related to the traditions of Belarusian rural life, as well as materials about famous natives of this region.

History of the Manor

The Hermanovichi Manor was built in the first half of the 19th century and belonged to the noble Shirins family. It was a typical estate of that time, where the owners engaged in agriculture and led an active public life. Like many manors in Belarus, Hermanovichi went through challenging times — changes in ownership, wars, and social upheavals. Despite this, the main building of the manor and part of the park area have been preserved, allowing modern tourists to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of noble life in the 19th century.

In 1986, decades after the manor lost its original purpose, a museum was established here, dedicated to Yazep Drazdovich — a famous Belarusian artist, ethnographer, and writer. He was born near these places and devoted a significant part of his work to studying Belarusian culture and traditions. The museum’s exhibition includes his paintings, manuscripts, and personal belongings, as well as other historical artifacts related to the cultural heritage of the region.

Architecture of the Manor

The Hermanovichi Manor is designed in the Classicism style, which was popular in the architecture of Belarusian estates in the 19th century. The main building is a two-story stone mansion of a rectangular shape. Its main facade is accentuated by an attic, which adds expressiveness to the building, while on the courtyard side, there is a rizalite with a triangular pediment. These architectural elements make the manor recognizable and distinguish it among other noble estates in Belarus.

The park at the manor is divided into two zones:

• The regular part — includes geometrically precise garden sections, rectangular ponds, and neatly planned alleys.
• The landscape part — located closer to the Dysna River, it represents a natural landscape with picturesque trees and green meadows.

The architectural and park ensemble of the manor is an important element of the cultural heritage of the region and is of interest to both specialists and history and nature enthusiasts.

Excursions with a Visit to the Manor

The Hermanovichi Manor is included in excursions across Belarus, dedicated to noble estates and cultural heritage. Here, visitors can not only explore the architectural features of the historic manor but also visit Hermanovichi Museum of Culture and Everyday Life of Yazep Drazdovich, where artifacts of Belarusian rural life, a collection of ceramic dishes, and materials about local notable figures are presented.

Travelers can book excursions from Minsk with a visit to the Hermanovichi Manor. This tour allows visitors to explore not only this historical site but also other attractions of the Vitebsk region in a single day. It is also possible to book an excursion with a visit to the manor as part of broader routes covering Belarusian manors and castles.