Ruzhany - is a city of Pruzhany district, Brest region of Belarus. The city Ruzhany survived some very important landmarks and attractions. In terms of its cultural and historical heritage of the city Ruzhany is one of the key settlements of Brest region and the whole of Belarus. And for tourists and travelers in Belarus, this city is one of the most interesting opportunities for weekend travel. Also, this city - is one of the most popular excursion destinations in the whole of Belarus.
A key attraction of the city Ruzhany, due to which this city and became so well known, are the ruins of the palace complex of Sapieha. Originally, this palace was built in 1602 by nobleman and statesman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Lew Sapieha. At that time the palace was very well fortified, and could even be described as completely locking. In the second half of the 18th century castle in the town Ruzhany was very much rebuilt. It was then that he became a palace, and that fragments of buildings of the 18th century and reached our time. The palace in the city Ruzhany was central residence of Sapieha - one of the richest magnate families of Belarus. This palace was also one of the most majestic and beautiful palaces all over the country. After the defeat of the uprising in 1831, in which Sapieha took an active part on the side of the rebels, their palace was confiscated. After the building of the palace complex leased from the state local entrepreneur, he organized a weaving factory there. Palace in Ruzhany city was badly damaged in World War I, and during World War II, he finally turned into ruins.
As can be seen in one of the photos below, which shows the appearance of the reconstruction of the palace in the city of Ruzhany in the era of its heyday, formerly a part of this palace complex consisted of two lateral wings connected to the central body of the palace beautiful greenhouses, as well as a very solid entry gate. Palace in the city of Ruzhany was very well built high on a hill. He still looks very picturesque and is visible from afar. Around the palace, there was also once a beautiful park and a range of different outbuildings.
To date, unfortunately, one of the wings of the palace in the city of Ruzhany completely lost, like all other farm buildings. Central entry gate perfectly restored, and there is a museum today. A main body of the palace and preserved wing continue to slowly be restored but still represent a ruin. Nevertheless, even in such a state palace complex in the city Ruzhany is an outstanding architectural monument and landmark of Belarus.
However, the city Ruzhany perhaps would not be so popular with tourists, though its list of attractions exhaust the only one palace complex. And indeed, there are several very valuable architectural monuments. One such city Ruzhany monuments is the Orthodox church of Saints Peter and Paul. Today it is a common parish church, but previously it was part of the Uniate monastery. Initially, the temple was built in 1778. The design of this temple has developed the same architect (Jan Samuel Becker), which led a large-scale reconstruction of the palace was carried out as mentioned above, at the same times. But the monastery was established a little earlier, but also in the 18th century. By the way near the church is well preserved and the monastery building, built in 1788. Today the church in the city Ruzhany functions, is in excellent condition and is interesting sites and monuments of Belarus.
Another important attraction of the city Ruzhany is another temple, namely the Catholic church of the Holy Trinity. This temple is located in the central square of the city Ruzhany directly opposite the Orthodox church. The original Catholic church was built back in 1617. This venerable age makes this temple a special value. The funds allocated for its construction chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Lew Sapieha. The church in the city Ruzhany rebuilt and reconstructed several times. The most ambitious of these reconstructions supervised all the same J.S.Becker. You can also note another interesting milestone in the history of the church in the city Ruzhany. The fact is that, unlike most other Catholic churches in Belarus, this temple was not closed during the Soviet era. Today, it is also open for believers, a fully restored condition and is a very valuable architectural monument of the early 17th century.
The churches in the city Ruzhany form a very remarkable and traditional for Belarus architectural ensemble of historic buildings downtown. Only in Belarus, often in different cities and towns temples peacefully coexist two main Christian denominations, occupying two sides of one and the same square.
Another very notable landmark of city Ruzhany is a Catholic chapel of St. Casimir. This temple was built in 1792. Initially, the temple was a full-fledged church, but today he was characterized as a chapel. Status of the chapel in the city Ruzhany far from perfect, restoring it, apparently, it is not planned. However, even in such a chapel in the town of Ruzhany, it is a valuable architectural monument.
This chapel is located on one of the local cemeteries, which in turn is housed on the highest point of the entire surrounding area, visually, even higher than the hill on which stands the palace. From the chapel a beautiful view of the surrounding area, including this hill to see all the sights of the city Ruzhany previously described (see the last two photos). By the way, the project of this chapel has developed J.S.Becker. This Saxon architect was invited to his service at the end of the 18th century, representatives of the Sapieha, and, as we see, he really put his work to the creation and updating of virtually all architectural monuments of the city Ruzhany - Sapieha family nest.
Finally, one should also note that the city Ruzhany has several historical buildings, which also can be considered a small city sights. Among these structures deserves special mention building complex formerly part of the synagogue of the 18th century. Today, the synagogue itself is a ruin, and some other buildings previously included with the synagogue in a single architectural complex, restored today (see the following two pictures). The rest of the historic city of terraced houses presented Ruzhany 19th - early 20th centuries. These buildings are well complemented by an excellent tourist town atmosphere Ruzhany. But unfortunately, it does not save at least one full historic quarter. And described the building located in the central part of the city occasionally, and are lined with modern buildings.
Also it is necessary to note, that although the city Ruzhany and quite small, yet here you have all the necessary tourist infrastructure. In particular, here, of course, there are: cafes, hotels, shops, pharmacies, banks, gas stations and more. But, by the way, for some reason the city Ruzhany, not developed the trade of souvenirs and other similar products. But it is not so important, the main thing that the overall impression of the visit to the city Ruzhany tourists are always very good.
Sketches of Napoleon Orda, Ruzhany:
