Memorial farmstead by Jakub Kolas «Lastok»

Yakub Kolas Memorial Estate "Lastok" is one of the most important sites in the cultural and literary history of Belarus, closely connected with the name of the national poet, a classic of Belarusian literature, and the founder of the national school of realistic prose. The estate is located in the picturesque rural area of the Stowbtsy District, Minsk Region, just 12 kilometers from the village of Nikolaevshchina — another notable place associated with Kolas. Its convenient location makes the site easily accessible. Excursions from Minsk are especially popular, as the journey from the capital takes only about an hour and a half. Thanks to its content and atmosphere, the Lastok estate is a fascinating stop within a wide variety of excursion routes across Belarus.

This place attracts tourists not only as a museum but also as a corner of living history, where the spirit of the era in which Yakub Kolas lived and grew up is still felt. The atmosphere of the house, the rural landscape, the restored buildings, and the exhibits help visitors gain a deeper understanding of the poet’s inner world, his roots, and his inspiration. Lastok is not just a location on a map — it is a true space of memory, imbued with the spirit of the Belarusian land and national identity.

History of Creation

The history of the memorial estate "Lastok" dates back to the late 19th century. It was in Lastok that the early childhood years of the future writer took place. In this ordinary peasant family, the future Yakub Kolas (real name — Kanstantsin Mitskevich) began his life journey. In these lands, he first encountered nature, Belarusian traditions, rural life, and folk speech — all of which would later deeply influence his work. Lastok became a prototype of rural Belarus, which Kolas depicted with great love and precision in his writings.

Later, in his mature years, the writer repeatedly referred in his texts to memories of life in Lastok. These memories are especially vivid in the poem "Symon the Musician", where he artistically reworked his own life experiences, embedding personal memories and emotions into the image of the main character. Over time, the significance of this place as a literary monument grew, and by the end of the 20th century, a decision was made to create a memorial estate. The house in which the Mitskevich family lived survived and was restored, while the lost outbuildings were reconstructed in their original style. This allowed the atmosphere of village life during Kolas’s childhood to be authentically recreated, turning Lastok into an open-air museum.

Architecture of the Memorial Estate

The architectural appearance of the Lastok estate is designed in the spirit of a traditional Belarusian village of the late 19th to early 20th century. The main house is a single-story wooden building with simple forms and a modest interior typical of peasant families of that time. Special attention was paid to preserving the authenticity of not only the exterior but also the interior layout and design. The home exudes a sense of coziness, humility, and natural harmony that characterizes the Belarusian peasant way of life.

The house contains a museum exhibition dedicated to the poem "Symon the Musician" and its connection to Kolas’s life. Two rooms feature copies of manuscripts, rare editions of the poem from various years, letters, documents, photographs of the poet from the 1920s, and unique artifacts related to folk art and handicrafts from the Stowbtsy region. These include works by local craftsmen, household items, and artworks inspired by Kolas’s poetry. All of this provides a rich, multi-layered experience — not only as a literary exhibit but also as an ethnographic museum conveying the spirit of the time.

Excursions with a Visit to the Memorial Estate

The Yakub Kolas Memorial Estate "Lastok" is regularly included in excursions across Belarus. The excursion from Minsk is particularly popular, suitable for a one-day trip for individual travelers, school and university groups, corporate clients, and families with children. During the excursion, visitors can learn in detail about Yakub Kolas’s life and work, stroll through the estate grounds, explore the house and farm buildings, and enjoy a guided tour conducted by professional guides.

Visitors can book an excursion in advance that includes a tour of the memorial complex on our website. Tourists also have the opportunity to include Lastok in more extensive literary routes throughout the Minsk Region. These excursions are not only educational but also emotionally enriching, offering a sense of connection to the living culture and history of Belarus.