Visiting the palace is part of the most popular excursions around Belarus, which can be booked both as part of a group tour and individually. Particularly popular are excursions from Minsk, which allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the noble era in just one day, hear fascinating stories about the noble Puslovsky family, and examine architectural details hidden within the walls of the old castle.
History of Creation
The history of the Puslovsky Palace begins in the first half of the 19th century, when Kazimir Puslovsky, a representative of a noble family, decided to build a luxurious residence in Kossovo, reflecting the spirit of the times and the grandeur of his lineage. In 1838, construction of the palace began under his commission. Architect Franciszek Jaszczołd from Warsaw designed the building in the Neo-Gothic style with elements of Romanticism. Inspired by Western European castles, he aimed to recreate the spirit of ancient fortresses with towers, arches, and battlements in Kossovo.
The palace interiors were entrusted to the renowned Italian artist Antonio Marconi, who decorated the halls in the style of late Classicism and Renaissance, adding sophistication and charm. After Kazimir’s death, construction was continued by his son Wandalin Puslovsky, an industrialist, entrepreneur, and patron of the arts who invested heavily in the project. The palace hosted aristocrats, scholars, and artists. Records indicate that the castle’s library contained over 10,000 books, and the walls were adorned with works of art.
However, the prosperity did not last long. Wandalin’s heir, Leon Puslovsky, lost the family estate in a card game. After this, the castle changed owners multiple times and gradually fell into decline. In 1914, during World War I, the palace was looted. During World War II, it suffered even greater damage when Soviet partisans set the building on fire to prevent the Nazis from using it to station their troops.
After the war, the castle remained in ruins for a long time, and only in the 21st century did restoration work begin. Today, Kossovo Castle is under state protection as a site of cultural significance, making it an important stop on tourist routes.
Architecture of the Palace
Kossovo Castle is an example of Neo-Gothic architecture with characteristic features of Western European castles. The central building is surrounded by 12 towers, each symbolizing a month of the year. According to legend, the castle was designed so that sunlight would illuminate specific rooms on particular days. Thus, each hall had its own "sunlight day," which the Puslovsky family celebrated in a special way — hosting a “room day,” decorating the space with flowers and fabrics, and holding festive receptions.
The castle had over 100 rooms, including a ballroom, a library, reception halls, and a rare room with an aquarium beneath a glass floor. Servants and guests could observe exotic fish swimming below their feet. The castle featured a complex system of corridors and secret passages. At night, a live lion would roam these corridors — according to legend, the owners used it as protection against theft.
In addition, the palace was surrounded by a picturesque park, ponds, and alleys. Only fragments of this beauty have survived to this day, but even the ruins and partially restored towers impress with their scale and grandeur. Each year, the castle transforms, gradually regaining its former glory.
Excursions with Palace Tour
Kossovo Castle is one of the key stops on routes offering excursions around Belarus. Many travelers visit it as part of excursions from Minsk, which include not only a tour of the castle but also visits to other attractions in the area. During the excursion, tourists learn details about the palace’s construction, its owners, legends, and notable events.
Excursion programs include tours of restored halls, towers, ancient cellars, as well as walks through the former park grounds. Guides talk about the restoration process, show preserved interior elements, and share stories about the daily life of the 19th-century nobility. Visitors can take memorable photos and experience the atmosphere of past grandeur and mystery.
On the website ekskursii.by, you can easily book an excursion with a tour of the Puslovsky Palace, choosing a convenient time and trip format. It’s a great opportunity to spend the day in an interesting and educational way, discover historical Belarus, and immerse yourself in a world where legends come to life.
