Post house in Sluck

The Postal Station in Slutsk is a unique architectural and engineering heritage site from the 19th century, located on the outskirts of the city along the historic Moscow–Warsaw highway. Built according to the "model project" of 1846, the complex is partially preserved and currently used for shops and residential purposes.

History

In the second half of the 18th century, after the partitions of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, much of the Belarusian lands became part of the Russian Empire. This required the development of new infrastructure to connect the central regions of the empire with its western territories. In the 1840s, construction began on a major transport artery — the Moscow–Warsaw highway, a section of which passed through the city of Slutsk. As a result, part of the medieval city structure was demolished. Alongside the road, a vital infrastructure object was built — a postal station, which provided coach relays, horse exchanges, mail services, and shelter for travelers.

Architecture

The Slutsk Postal Station was built according to the standard 1846 design, which was implemented across the Russian Empire. The complex was situated on the right side of the highway and included:

• a main building with rooms for travelers, an office, and the overseer’s quarters;
• two symmetrical wings — one for coachmen and the other for utility purposes;
• a rectangular enclosed courtyard with gates and connecting walls;
• a stable located at the rear of the yard. All buildings were single-story, constructed of brick and wood.

The architecture combined practicality with symmetry, typical of state infrastructure projects of that period.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Postal Station in Slutsk is a rare surviving example of 19th-century road infrastructure. It reflects the development of transportation and communication systems in the Russian Empire and shows how mail delivery and travel services were organized. Today, the complex is partially preserved, and its buildings continue to serve urban functions.

Excursions to the Postal Station in Slutsk

Excursions to the Slutsk postal station can be part of heritage routes around the city and its surroundings. It’s a great opportunity for those interested in architecture, transport history, and 19th-century urban infrastructure.

On our website, you can book an individual or corporate tour of Slutsk, which includes a visit to the postal station complex as well as other cultural and historical landmarks in the region, tailored to your interests and preferences.