What is happening now in Pishchalovsky Castle and how it looks PHOTOS
Walls more formidable than these are unlikely to be found in Minsk. For almost two centuries, Pishchalovsky Castle served as a prison. And nothing else. Dark, cold, intimidating. For two years now, the once high-security facility has been empty. Onlíner visited one of Minsk's largest construction sites.
Pishchalovsky Castle is still surrounded by an impenetrable fence. Just like in 1825, in 2026, entry to the prison territory is not easy: security. Only now, behind the high fence, a completely different, unknown life for this location is unfolding.
— The idea of returning Pishchalovsky Castle to the city has been around for quite some time, — says Oleg Pilat, head of the production department at "Minsk Heritage". — Essentially, the only question was the relocation of the previous institution. Since it was a high-security facility, we couldn't start any work in advance. The first specialists who examined the condition of the castle and other buildings only appeared here after all the premises were empty.
The territory of the former Pre-trial Detention Center No. 1 (also known as "Volodarka") is not as large as it might seem: only 1.85 hectares. Several buildings dating back to the Soviet period and lacking historical value were demolished last autumn. Now, four impressive buildings are hidden behind the high fence. Builders will have to restore one more from scratch.
But the main interest, of course, is centered around the castle itself. Plaster that has fallen off in entire layers, brick weathered down to the joints, deep cracks spreading across the entire facade... The building, which began construction in 1822 under the leadership of "general contractor" Rudolf Pishchala, looks sad.
— Satisfactory, — corrects Oleg Vladimirovich, who has seen much during his years at "Minsk Heritage" and is not intimidated by buildings in emergency condition. — Of course, measures to strengthen the foundations, ceilings, and other elements will be indispensable. The work ahead is serious, labor-intensive, and very meticulous: strengthening will be carried out in sections — one meter by two. But nothing is impossible.
The reconstruction of Pishchalovsky Castle is a challenging task. The first serious repair works were carried out in it just a few years after the completion of construction.
Moreover, when the third floor was added to the castle in 1890 (there wasn't enough space for prisoners), it turned out that the walls were already in an emergency condition at that time.
And this was after only 68 years of operation.
The "Minsk Prison Castle" might not have survived to our days if it hadn't been "stitched" with metal "threads" during the Soviet years. This green belt on the facade is nothing other than a tie-rod that penetrates (and reinforces) the thick castle walls right through.
Inside the building, the tie-rods look like this. In most cases, they are "pressed" against the walls of the rooms, but sometimes they run almost through the middle.
Work on clearing the ceilings is already visible in some rooms
21st-century builders have already picked up the baton of emergency anti-damage work. Oleg Vladimirovich shows a "classic example of foundation strengthening": powerful metal channels "embrace" the main support of the building from two sides. They are pulled together by "studs". Below, a new foundation has been poured from modern strong concrete.
And this is how one of the emergency corners was reinforced, also with "studs": a serious vertical crack did not allow specialists to postpone the work.
But there's no need to worry: all these "monstrous" structures (both old and new) will eventually disappear from the facade. After properly conducted strengthening and replacement of ceilings, all structures will begin to function independently, without "crutches". As a result, the building will be maximally brought closer to its historical appearance, as architect Kazimierz Hryszczanowicz intended.
Inside the castle, however, everything still looks the same: the typical tiles are not removed anywhere, the plaster is not dismantled, there's no talk of redeveloping the premises. Don't the builders themselves want to start changing this place faster? Maybe they do, but emotional impulses run into common sense: any vibration is not good for the castle. Therefore, first – total strengthening of all structures, and only then – internal work.
How will everything proceed?
When it comes to the reconstruction of historical and cultural heritage sites, the help of scientists is essential. They are the ones who dig up all the documents, compare images from different years, and, in general, restore architectural justice. Looking at the castle's facade, even a non-specialist understands that at least the window pattern has been "rewritten". And what else might be there if one delves into the depth of centuries?...
— Alexander Vashkevich, the scientific director of the project, is responsible for the accuracy of Pishchalovsky Castle's future appearance. So you can be sure that everything will be done at the highest level. We have already restored more than one object with him. In general, the reconstruction project is being developed by UP "Minskproekt". As soon as the documentation is ready, we will proceed with the work.
Just so you understand: attention is paid to the smallest details, even to the extent that the facade's shade will be exactly the same as 200 years ago. All decorative belts and cornices will also be returned to their place: templates are already being made (based on preserved samples), thanks to which the missing elements will be created from restoration materials, — explains Oleg Pilat.
The return of Pishchalovsky Castle to "secular" life is divided into three stages. The first has already taken place: this was the demolition of unattractive modern buildings. The second is much more interesting. It includes the construction of a lost building next to the castle and the reconstruction of the former administrative building.
The third stage — as it's called, the main one: involves the restoration of the castle itself, external networks, and landscaping of the territory. Builders will also have to restore the fourth tower of the castle, which collapsed in 2008.
— It's already clear that colossal zero-cycle work awaits, — notes Oleg Vladimirovich. — By my estimates, just strengthening the castle's foundation will take at least six months. Opening the floor, lowering its level — all these stages will be carried out manually; you can't drive an excavator into the basement… It's not to say that this is a highly exclusive task, but it's certainly labor-intensive.
— A pit for the future construction of building No. 3 according to the master plan has already been dug near the castle. Were there any strange finds?
— Only three layers of asphalt, — smiles the specialist. — Even before the start of work, scientists warned us that no artifacts could be expected. Over the previous years, everything here was dug up so much that no valuables remained. Perhaps only construction debris would be found. And so it turned out.
From prison — to a center of attraction?
Pishchalovsky Castle is no more, no less than 4646 square meters that require not only reconstruction but also a complete re-conceptualization.
The concept for the development of the castle and its associated buildings is still being finalized, but it is already known that there will be no prison life museum or anything of that nature within the historical walls. This will be a "secular" place. "It seems to me a very correct decision to give new meaning to this place," reflects Oleg Pilat.
When the high stone fence falls (this will happen at the very end of the reconstruction), Minsk will discover a new area for public festivities, a promenade, and a large multifunctional complex.
What to expect? The current entrance group, which includes two buildings, will be transformed. The buildings will be restored to their historical height, and inside they will house catering establishments, an information and tourist center, and a separate public restroom.
The castle will also be open and accessible to all. Catering facilities will "settle" on the basement and first floors. Administrative premises will be on the second and third floors. It is likely that an exhibition gallery, a museum, and a tourist office will open there.
Behind the castle, the former stable building will be restored. It will be adapted for another catering facility. In the two-story building, located at the maximum distance from Volodarsky Street, administrative premises and, possibly, a historical reconstruction club will be accommodated.
— Of course, this is a very complex object. But it's feasible. There are methods and techniques that allow it to be restored. Yes, it won't be cheap, but in return, the city will get a new iconic landmark, — says the head of the production department of "Minsk Heritage".
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"В остроге отбывали наказание многие политические заключённые: повстанцы 1830—1831 и 1863—1864 годов, в том числе белорусский писатель и драматург Винцентом Дуниным-Марцинкевичем, поэты-возрожденцы Карусь Каганец и Алесь Гарун, Якуб Колас, был казнён революционер Иван Пулихов, покушавшийся на генерал-губернатора Курлова.
В период сталинских репрессий, а именно в ночь с 29 на 30 октября 1937 года в подвале замка сотрудниками НКВД казнено 36 белорусских деятелей культуры, науки и искусства. Ещё 52 были казнены в ту ночь в подвале здания внутренней тюрьмы НКВД в Минске недалеко от Пищаловского замка".
Калі штосьці і рабіць у гэтым мерзкім будынку, то толькі музей расейскага генацыду беларускага народа.