The railway station building

The Railway Station Building in Slonim is a Neo-Baroque architectural monument located in the Grodno region of Belarus. This historic site, situated at 11 Vokzalnaya Street, is one of the key landmarks of the city. Together with the water tower built in the Art Nouveau style, the station forms a unified architectural ensemble and is included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus. The building stands out for its complex plastic composition and elegant facade decor.

History

Railway transportation in Slonim began operating in 1886 when a railway line connecting Baranovichi to Warsaw was constructed. However, the station building itself was only erected at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was built as part of the development of the railway infrastructure in Western Belarus. The architectural design combines Art Nouveau elements with stylized Baroque details, creating an impressive appearance that highlights the importance of the railway in the urban environment. Over the years, the station has served not only as a transport hub but also as a place of historical significance, and its distinctive exterior can be seen in several feature films dedicated to wartime and post-war themes.

Architecture

The station is a stone building with a rectangular layout and a distinctive mansard roof. The structure's composition follows a three-tiered elevation principle: the side wings are lower than the central part, which is crowned by a mansard floor. The main facade is adorned with two-story risalits featuring decorative gables, volutes, and ornamental spheres on pedestals. The architectural highlights include arched and rectangular windows and door openings, parapets, and rusticated walls. Inside, the building is organized according to a corridor-enfilade layout: a spacious vestibule connects to the waiting hall and ticket office, while service rooms have separate entrances. The station has a solemn and elegant appearance, making it a valuable monument of architectural heritage.

Excursions

An excursion from Minsk to Slonim will allow you not only to see this unique building but also to learn more about the development of railway transport in Belarus. Tourists can explore the station, its architectural details, and interiors, as well as stroll around the surrounding area, where the water tower—another fascinating object—is located. The station building has appeared in films such as "In August of 1944…" and "Oginski's Polonaise," making it particularly appealing for film tourism enthusiasts.