Loshitsa - a manor in Belarus, reborn from the ruins

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Modern district of Minsk Loshitsa got its name from the old palace and park complex. Historians suggest that in the 10th-13th centuries there was a large settlement in this area, which was gradually divided into several autonomous landholdings. Modern Loshitsa - a manor in which a museum is opened, and an adjacent park - traces its history back to the 18th century.

Flourishing of the Lyubansky estate complex

The estate, located in a picturesque place, has always attracted we althy people. The first mention of the palace and park complex, which has survived to this day, dates back to 1557. The brightest pages in the history of the estate and the adjacent park are associated with the Prushinskys, who became the owners of the residence in the 18th century. At that time, the main house was rebuilt, many outbuildings appeared, and the park was landscaped. Even under the Prushinskys, many famous and influential people came to Loshitsa, the estate was considered very rich.

And yet, most often this estate is associated with the name of Evstafiy Ivanovich Lyubansky. It is atthis owner, the manor and park complex was recognized as exemplary for its time, and the number of distinguished guests increased significantly. In Loshitsa, Evstafiy Ivanovich lived with his young wife Jadwiga, their house was distinguished by hospitality and was tastefully furnished. Lyubansky paid enough attention to the arrangement of the park: he ordered plants from other countries, he himself conducted experiments on their crossing and cultivation in open ground.

Modern pages of Loshitsa's history

The Lubanskys are the last owners of a luxurious estate. The story of their life in Loshitsa has a sad ending. Jadwiga died at a fairly young age under mysterious circumstances. According to some sources, Evstafiy buried his wife and left his estate almost immediately after this mournful event.

In the 20s of the last century, the Loshitsky park and the manor house became the location of the GPU of Belarus. Even today, there are legends among local residents heard from relatives of the older generation about mass executions carried out on the territory of the palace and park complex, the sounds of gunshots and the screams of people. During the Great Patriotic War, the headquarters of German military leaders was located in the main manor house. In the post-war years, various organizations were located here, in particular: the UNRRA Mission Office, the Belarusian branch of the All-Union Institute of Plant Growing, an equestrian club and an agro-complex that grows plant seedlings for sale.

Since 1988, Loshitsa is a manor that received the status of a historical monument of architecture and culture andprotected by the state.

Reconstruction and revival

In the second half of the 20th century, the manor house looked deplorable, it was a neglected, shabby building in need of repair and restoration. Competent organizations began to deal with this issue only in the 2000s. Since we are talking about a monument of architecture and history, a banal "major" repair would not be enough for its revival. A thorough restoration was planned, during which the large house was literally dismantled piece by piece and brick, and then assembled again. The Lyubansky estate was supposed to become a museum already in 2008, but the complete reconstruction of the object was completed only in 2015. Today it is an elegant mansion with restored interiors and an abundance of antiques in them.

What does Loshitsa (estate, Minsk) look like today?

Restoration of the manor house took quite a long period of time. The thing is that at the time of the start of work, the state of the building was approaching ruin. Inside, only elements of stucco and wooden elements, as well as tiled stoves, have been preserved. The situation was complicated by the fact that there were very few photographs of the interiors, and even fewer genuine pieces of furniture and personal belongings of the Lyubanskys. The restorers were faced with a difficult task - to preserve and restore what is possible as much as possible, as well as to come up with all the missing elements.

Today Loshitsa is a manor where the life of the last owners is not preserved in detail, but qualitativelyreproduced. Each room is designed in its own unique style. Most of the interior items are originals of the 18th-19th centuries. All modern elements of interior decoration and decoration were made by hand by the best craftsmen. There is even a room in the manor house covered with wallpaper, which the restorers made on their own, since not a single factory will take on the production of several rolls on special order.

Museum or universal cultural and entertainment complex?

The manor house and the Loshitsky park surrounding it are already receiving tourists today. In the main building, the first floor shows a reconstruction of the life of the nobility of the 19th century, and various exhibitions are held on the second. An outbuilding is also open for visiting, the entire surrounding area is ennobled and well-groomed.

Loshitsky Park today is a great place for walking residents and guests of the city. It peacefully coexists with plaques and monuments with historical references, modern playgrounds and paved paths. On the territory of the recreation area, you can see rare plants, as well as old trees, some of which, according to experts, are more than a hundred years old.

In the near future, it is planned to reconstruct other buildings of the estate complex. The museum management strives to make it as interesting as possible, today balls and cultural events are held here, the newlyweds are offered solemn exit registration of marriage.

Legends and ancient legends

Loshitsa -the estate, which is associated with many interesting stories and superstitions. One of the most interesting and widespread legends of this place is connected with the death of the wife of the last owner of the Lyubansky estate E. I.

His wife was a woman of incredible beauty and even after marriage had many admirers. Yadviga Lubanskaya died at a young age and under strange circumstances. At night, the woman left the manor house alone and headed for the river, in the morning she was found drowned not far from the overturned boat. Local gossips claimed that Jadwiga had an affair with a young man. Some say she committed suicide. There were also rumors about an unsuccessful attempt to escape from her lawful husband.

The woman was buried here, in Loshitsa, in the Roman Catholic chapel. Rumor has it that her soul did not find peace, and even today the ghost of Jadwiga can be seen near the burial place or the main manor house.