The main building is a two-story palace in the Classicist style, with a U-shaped layout. Its majestic facades are adorned with columns, stucco molding, and classical architectural elements characteristic of aristocratic residences of that time. The palace's interiors are distinguished by luxurious decor, exceptional acoustics, and carefully restored decorative elements.
The park surrounding the palace is designed in a landscape style and represents a natural setting complemented by artificial ponds and alleys. Here, you can see rare tree species such as silver maple, Pennsylvania ash, and European larch.
Today, the palace is one of the most popular excursions in Belarus, attracting tourists with its historical heritage, architectural beauty, and the atmosphere of an old aristocratic estate.
History of Construction
The construction of the palace began in 1825 at the initiative of Ignacy Bulgak, a representative of a prominent noble family. His dream was to create a luxurious residence that would surpass all other noble estates in Belarus. Inspired by European palaces, Bulgak spared no expense in decorating his estate.
The uniqueness of the palace lay in the combination of residential and cultural spaces:
- One wing of the building housed a chapel (Catholic church), where services and family ceremonies were held.
- The other wing contained a tropical greenhouse, specifically ordered in Warsaw. It housed palm trees, cypresses, oranges, and other exotic plants. In summer, these were planted in the park, creating the atmosphere of a southern resort.
Ignacy Bulgak paid special attention to music, so the construction of the palace involved the best European craftsmen, who created halls with perfect acoustics. This allowed for musical evenings and concerts, which attracted guests from all over Belarus and neighboring countries.
Unfortunately, after the owner's death, the palace gradually began to lose its original splendor, but despite numerous historical upheavals, it has been preserved to this day.
Palace Architecture
The architectural design of the Bulgak Palace in Zhilichi represents a classic noble style with rich interior decoration. The main building is two stories high, with a symmetrical facade adorned with pilasters, columns, and decorative stucco.
The interiors impress with sophistication and grandeur:
- The stucco on the ceilings and walls has been preserved in its original form, showcasing the craftsmanship of 19th-century artists.
- One of the drawing rooms features gilded paint, which indicates the wealth and status of the owners.
- The grand halls retain antique furniture, mirrors, and paintings, recreating the atmosphere of the past era.
The palace miraculously avoided destruction during wars: not a single bomb damaged the building, it never caught fire, and it did not undergo significant restoration changes. Over time, it housed:
- In the 1920s — a school for working youth.
- In the 1930s — an agricultural technical school.
- During World War II, the Nazis turned the palace into a hospital. A cemetery was established in the park, but it was plowed up after the war.
Today, the palace is undergoing active restoration. The second floor has already been restored, and work continues on reconstructing the chapel, greenhouse, third floor, and tower.
Excursions with Palace Tours
The Bulgak Palace is an important historical site included in excursion routes around Belarus. Visitors can explore its unique architecture, learn about the history of the Bulgak noble family, admire the beauty of the interiors, and stroll through the historic park.
During the excursion, guides tell visitors about the history of the complex, architectural features, and preserved relics. Tourists can visit the grand halls, see antique furniture, mirrors, paintings, and learn fascinating facts about this remarkable place. The palace also hosts thematic exhibitions and cultural events.
For visitors’ convenience, it is possible to book an excursion with a palace tour on our website. One of the most popular options is the excursion from Minsk, which includes a trip to the palace, a tour of its grounds, a walk through the picturesque park, and visits to other attractions.
The Zhilichi Palace is a unique heritage site of Belarus, offering visitors a chance to touch history and experience the atmosphere of the noble era.
