BREST, 16 November (BelTA) – Emergency conservation works have begun on the chapel-tomb of the Orzeszko family in the village of Zakozel, Drogichin District, BelTA learned from Inna Pronevich, head of the department for ideology, culture and youth affairs of the Drogichin District administration.
The chapel in the neo-Gothic style is on Belarus' historical and cultural heritage list. It was part of the 19th-century mansion and park ensemble. Currently the building is in a critical condition. In an effort to preserve the chapel, the Brest Oblast administration has allocated over Br50,000 for emergency conservation works on the chapel.
“In September-October, we cleared the roof and are planning to build a temporary cover over the chapel to shield it from precipitation. The Drogichin District administration is looking into ways to attract more funding. One Polish fund has already pledged its support: we are currently in talks over financial assistance and design documentation,” Inna Pronevich noted.
The works are meant to prevent further damage to the roof of the unique structure. “This is one of the oldest buildings in the neo-Gothic style in Belarus. This year the chapel turns 150. The chapel was a truly fascinating building but, unfortunately, some of its elements were lost. We are looking through the archives to find information about its original looks. If we restore the chapel, it will become one of the most beautiful historical sites in Belarus,” Inna Pronevich believes.
The village of Zakozel and its surroundings belonged to one of the branches of the Orzeszko family since the 18th century. In the 19th century, the family built a mansion there and laid out a park that covered about 30 hectares. The chapel-tomb was build in 1839-1849. Several members of the Orzeszko family were buried there. Their remains were discovered during archaeological excavations in 2009. Other artifacts found in the chapel include elements of the interior design, wooden and gypsum statues, bronze items, and a fragment of a Slutsk belt.
The department for ideology, culture and youth affairs of the Drogichin District administration is raising funds to restore the chapel-tomb.
Photos by Vadim Yakubyonok
