Building of Zemstvo justice in Mstislavl

The Zemstvo Administration Building in Mstislavl is an architectural monument of the late 19th – early 20th century, built in the neoclassical style. This two-story brick building with a high semi-basement has served administrative and educational functions throughout its history. Today, it houses an educational institution – the Mstislavl State Construction Vocational and Technical College.

History

The construction of the Zemstvo Administration Building is associated with the development of local self-government in the Russian Empire in the late 19th century. Zemstvo administrations were responsible for economic, educational, and medical affairs in the region. The building was erected in a key area of the city, and its architectural design emphasized the status of the institution. During the Soviet era, the facility was used for various administrative needs and was later converted into an educational institution, which remains its function today.

Architecture

The building has a U-shaped layout and features a hipped gable roof. A distinctive element is the beveled corner, adorned with a shield-shaped attic. The facades are clearly divided into two levels by a cornice and decorated with pilasters, creating a rhythmic composition. The windows on the first floor have a strict rectangular shape, while those on the second floor feature arched tops and elaborate moldings. The walls are finished with decorative cornices with "dry brick" elements. The second floor has balconies with elegant cast-iron railings. Inside, the building follows a corridor-based layout, typical of administrative and educational structures of that time.

Excursions

The Zemstvo Administration Building in Mstislavl is included in the routes of excursions across Belarus due to its architectural and historical significance. You can explore this landmark during a walking tour of the city’s historic center. Here, visitors can observe characteristic features of neoclassical architecture, learn about the local administration system in the 19th–20th centuries, and examine the preserved elements of the original decor. For those who wish to dive deeper into the city's history, it is possible to book an excursion with a guided tour of Mstislavl’s historic buildings.