DROGICHIN DISTRICT, 22 January (BelTA) - The Orzeszko family chapel vault in Drogichin District was opened on 22 January, BelTA has learned.
The Orzeszko family chapel vault is located in the old manor park of the agro-town of Zakozel. Built in the mid-19th century, it features late Classicism and neo-Gothic architectural styles. Emergency stabilization work on the chapel began in 2019. The following year, specialists undertook the restoration of this neo-Gothic landmark. The roof and turrets, cast-iron elements, and stained-glass windows were restored, the facade was renewed, and the paved pathways around the historic building were returned to their original state. Restorers meticulously revived the interior decor with exquisite stucco work.
All this splendor was created by the talented hands of restorers. “The building was roofless for a long time. When we first entered, you could see the sky through the vaults. The first stage involved clearing the debris and the old roofing. Then came masonry work, restoring the vault, the ruined turrets, and after that, we moved on to finishing," said Aleksandr Kushneruk, Director of the Brestrestavratsiya branch of the Belrestavratsiya company. He noted that the specialists used the surviving fragments and old photographs to recreate the necessary elements. For example, restorers spent virtually the entire year of 2025 working on the decorative patterned vault of the chapel.
“It only seems like a small object. In reality, the volume of work done was immense. Our people worked here and also at the industrial facility making joinery products and glazing the stained glass,” noted Director of Brestrestavratsiya. “By the way, the chapel vault was designed by architect Franciszek Jaszczołd. He also contributed to the Kossovo Palace construction project.
The Orzeszko family chapel vault is located in the old manor park of the agro-town of Zakozel. Built in the mid-19th century, it features late Classicism and neo-Gothic architectural styles. Emergency stabilization work on the chapel began in 2019. The following year, specialists undertook the restoration of this neo-Gothic landmark. The roof and turrets, cast-iron elements, and stained-glass windows were restored, the facade was renewed, and the paved pathways around the historic building were returned to their original state. Restorers meticulously revived the interior decor with exquisite stucco work.
All this splendor was created by the talented hands of restorers. “The building was roofless for a long time. When we first entered, you could see the sky through the vaults. The first stage involved clearing the debris and the old roofing. Then came masonry work, restoring the vault, the ruined turrets, and after that, we moved on to finishing," said Aleksandr Kushneruk, Director of the Brestrestavratsiya branch of the Belrestavratsiya company. He noted that the specialists used the surviving fragments and old photographs to recreate the necessary elements. For example, restorers spent virtually the entire year of 2025 working on the decorative patterned vault of the chapel.
“It only seems like a small object. In reality, the volume of work done was immense. Our people worked here and also at the industrial facility making joinery products and glazing the stained glass,” noted Director of Brestrestavratsiya. “By the way, the chapel vault was designed by architect Franciszek Jaszczołd. He also contributed to the Kossovo Palace construction project.
For the restoration of the landmark in Zakozel, funds were allocated from the district and regional budgets, the Belarusian President's Fund for the Support of Culture and Art. Financial assistance was also provided by sponsors. “Approximately Br4 million was invested in this project. Thanks to the restorers, the chapel has been transformed. I am confident that this site will attract tourists and enjoy great popularity," noted Sergei Pachko, Chairman of the Drogichin District Executive Committee.
Numerous visitors have been observing the chapel's restoration over several years. Deputy Culture Minister Sergei Sarakach believes that with the completion of the work, this architectural gem of Polesie will find its place on Belarus’ tourist map. “In my opinion, this site possesses immense tourist potential. It will become a vibrant highlight on the tourist map of Brest Oblast. I am confident that in the near future, thousands of tourists, not only from our country but also from abroad will come to see this landmark,” he said.
The chapel will be used as a multifunctional exhibition hall and will host on-site tours and exhibitions.
Brest Oblast takes great care of traditions and historical-cultural values. “There are 773 objects listed as historical-cultural values in Brest Oblast. Every year, we engage in the restoration of historical monuments because a people who do not remember their history are doomed to failure. We carry out this work piece by piece. We have restored Kossovo Palace, which is a primary stop on the tourist route for visitors to our region. Work is underway on Ruzhany Palace. It has been included in the state program for 2026-2030, which provides funding not only from the budget of Brest Oblast and Pruzhany District but also from the national budget. Significant funds are allocated for restoration of the Brest Fortress sites,” Piotr Parkhomchik, Chairman of the cited several examples Executive Committee, cited several examples.
In particular, restoration work at the Brest Hero Fortress is being carried out with funds from the Union State of Belarus and Russia. He emphasized that the restoration of ancient structures cannot be done quickly. It requires meticulous effort and is associated with many nuances, including the need for archaeological excavations. This, in turn, requires time, patience, and the immense talent of specialists.
Numerous visitors have been observing the chapel's restoration over several years. Deputy Culture Minister Sergei Sarakach believes that with the completion of the work, this architectural gem of Polesie will find its place on Belarus’ tourist map. “In my opinion, this site possesses immense tourist potential. It will become a vibrant highlight on the tourist map of Brest Oblast. I am confident that in the near future, thousands of tourists, not only from our country but also from abroad will come to see this landmark,” he said.
The chapel will be used as a multifunctional exhibition hall and will host on-site tours and exhibitions.
Brest Oblast takes great care of traditions and historical-cultural values. “There are 773 objects listed as historical-cultural values in Brest Oblast. Every year, we engage in the restoration of historical monuments because a people who do not remember their history are doomed to failure. We carry out this work piece by piece. We have restored Kossovo Palace, which is a primary stop on the tourist route for visitors to our region. Work is underway on Ruzhany Palace. It has been included in the state program for 2026-2030, which provides funding not only from the budget of Brest Oblast and Pruzhany District but also from the national budget. Significant funds are allocated for restoration of the Brest Fortress sites,” Piotr Parkhomchik, Chairman of the cited several examples Executive Committee, cited several examples.
In particular, restoration work at the Brest Hero Fortress is being carried out with funds from the Union State of Belarus and Russia. He emphasized that the restoration of ancient structures cannot be done quickly. It requires meticulous effort and is associated with many nuances, including the need for archaeological excavations. This, in turn, requires time, patience, and the immense talent of specialists.
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