The Oginski estate in Zalesye

Recently the Belarusian tourism is developing rapidly. And this is not surprising because in Belarus for more than 7 thousand sights, 740 of which family palaces and estates. 200 of these are historically significant, but unfortunately are taking care is not for everyone.

The history of the estate Oginski

Manor in Zalesie belonged to Oginsky since the 18th century. Frantisek Xavier Oginski, kukhmistr on, gave in 1802 nephew Michael Cleophas. With a new owner, the estate received a completely new appearance. The HOMESTEAD, built to your liking, composer along with his wife and children spent the most fruitful years of his life. The Palace complex consisted of items such as:

• The Palace (now under restoration) and 2 of the greenhouse
• The mill, connecting with the greenhouse fence
• Chapel
• Two Park pavilions
• Several outbuildings.

After the death of ogiński's estate has lost its former glory and began to gradually break down. In 1920 the estate was opened a private boarding house, which with the advent of Soviet power became a sanatorium.

During world war II the estate was used as the headquarters of the German invaders. With the advent of peace, the manor was converted into a nursing home. In the late 20th century the estate passed into the possession of the Ministry of culture.

Two centuries the estate belonged to different owners that are not too cared for her and worried for her safety. Eventually the estate began to deteriorate. Therefore, its recovery was needed very serious work.

Some facts from the life of Michael Cleophas Oginski

Father of Michael Kleofas Oginski Andrew was one of the closest associates of the last king on – Stanislaw August Poniatowski.

One day, the king asked the four year old Michael who he wants to become in the future. The child replied that he wants to be a patriot. Mikhail Kleofas had an unusual political and diplomatic abilities. He took part in the uprising of Tadeusz Kosciuszko, and developed a special plan for the creation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the Russian Empire , a well - known plan Oginski.

In Zalesie, organized a sumptuous balls and receptions. The estate was a favorite place of nobles to discuss important political events and news. Literary-musical evenings were all going to know each time it sounded new.

Restoration work

Over the past decade, the estate tried one more time to start to restore. In 2010 was created a charitable Foundationwhose purpose was the return of Zalesie former glory and greatness, as well as mass tourist attraction.

The beginning of the revival of the estate was necessary. Conscientious efforts of the EU, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus was completed the restoration of the concert hall in the estate of the great composer. The practical application of hall in the programme of the project – concerts, theatrical performances, scientific conferences, seminars. Zales again soon will become a cultural center. The joint project contributes to the development of tourism in Belarus.

He expects the estate Oginski in the future

Even in the dilapidated manor gathers many tourists annually. After restoration, the attractiveness of the estate will increase significantly. This contributes to the favorable location of the estate. Close to train station, highways and important landmarks: the ruins of Krevo castle and Smorgon Calvinist collection. Therefore, the estate is pretty big tour plans - she will be an interactive Museum.

In Belarus already was given back an archive of Oginski, which is now undergoing thorough investigation.

Office, the library, the pink lounge, billiard room and music salons will be furnished with counterparts of the time. The spirit will give Oginski sounding everywhere the music of the famous composer. The Cabinet will be placed the hologram of the composer, created based on theatrical image. Installed information kiosks will tell the tourists about the biography of the Oginski.

During the Oginski estate was famous for its greenhouses. Michael Cleophas was very fond of flowers. During their travels, seeing a new plant, he always asked the gardener to plant the same in their own garden.

In 2015, it will be 250 years since the birth of the talented composer. Under the auspices of UNESCO it was decided to declare next year the year of Oginski, which will attract to the Zalesie huge tourist interest.

Contacts

Address: AGR. Zalesye, Smorgon district, Grodno region
Working time: 9.00 – 13.00, 14.00 -18.00 hours.
Closed Monday.

Tours are conducted Tuesday - Sunday 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 15.00, 16.00, 17.00 hours.

Museum Director: Grodecka Lyudmila Vladimirovna, slave. phone +375 1592 45484, +375 1592 45784.
E-mail: oginski-muz@tut.by
Official website: www.aginski.by