- Home
- →
- Attractions
- →
- A former merchant”s house
A former merchant”s house
Former Merchant's House in the town of Loyew, Gomel Region, is one of the few preserved architectural monuments that remind us of the bustling trade life of this region. Located in the historical center of Loyew, it attracts attention with its unique architecture and old-world charm. The building is a classic example of merchant housing from the late 19th – early 20th century, where trade shops and residential quarters were previously located. Today, this house is part of many excursion programs across Belarus and serves as a reminder of the region’s rich merchant heritage.
History of Creation
The house was built in the second half of the 19th century when Loyew was an important trading center on the Dnieper River. The town was famous for its fairs, which attracted merchants from different parts of Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. The building’s owner was a wealthy merchant engaged in the trade of timber and agricultural products. The building was used as a trading shop on the ground floor and a residential area on the second floor. After the 1917 revolution, the building lost its commercial function, and during the Soviet period, it housed various administrative institutions. Despite numerous reconstructions, the building has retained its historical features and is a valuable monument of Loyew’s urban development.
Architecture of the Building
The merchant's house in Loyew is designed in the style characteristic of the late 19th century, combining elements of classicism and eclecticism. It is a two-story brick building with a symmetrical facade, adorned with decorative elements. The ground floor traditionally housed spacious trading premises with large showcase windows, while the second floor was intended for the owners’ residence. Beautiful window frames, brickwork, and massive doors highlight the prestige of this house in its time. The interior featured high ceilings, stucco moldings, and wooden floors. Today, the building is a historical landmark that has preserved its original appearance despite restoration work.
Excursions with a Tour of the Building
The former merchant’s house is included in tourist routes across the Gomel Region, and its visit is part of popular excursions across Belarus. For those who want to delve deeper into the history of Loyew and its merchant past, you can book an excursion with a tour of the building, during which visitors will learn about the lives of local merchants, the history of trade, and the architectural features of this house. A tour from Minsk is also available, including visits to other attractions in the region, such as the Loyew Museum of the Battle for the Dnieper and the picturesque banks of the Dnieper River. A tour of the merchant's house is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Loyew and learn more about its rich historical heritage.