It was here, surrounded by Belarusian nature—fields, forests, and open spaces—that the Mickiewicz family lived from 1890 to 1904. Yakub Kolas spent his childhood and teenage years here, first picked up a book, discovered his passion for poetry, and, inspired by his surroundings, wrote his first poem. The estate became a starting point in the poet’s literary biography. Today’s memorial complex is not just a museum—it is a living poem, a vivid book where every room, object, and exhibit speaks in the voice of “New Land.” Visiting the estate offers a unique opportunity to connect with the roots of Belarusian cultural heritage, and many travelers aim to book a tour to explore this special place.
History
The history of the "Albut" estate is closely tied to the fate of Konstantin Mickiewicz, known by his pen name Yakub Kolas. In 1890, his father was transferred to serve in the village of Albut, and the family settled in a small wooden house. For 14 years, the future poet lived on this estate, studied, observed peasant life, and attended a village school in nearby Nikolaevshchina. These early impressions became the foundation for his later literary works.
The poem "New Land" holds a special place in Kolas's work, where Albut appears under the fictional name Porechye and symbolizes the native land, simple labor, and rural life. This poem became the conceptual basis for the literary and memorial exhibition created in the village during the post-Soviet period. Years of work went into recreating the interior, sourcing authentic items, and collecting archival materials, ultimately resulting in a museum that captures the spirit of the era, the poet’s family story, and his poetic worldview. Today, the estate is officially recognized as a historical and cultural landmark and is a key stop on thematic tours across Belarus.
Architecture of the Memorial Estate
The estate's architecture represents a typical Belarusian peasant homestead of the late 19th – early 20th century. The main house is a wooden building with a simple yet cozy layout: a living room, kitchen, bedroom, and hallway. The interior has been restored to reflect the setting of Kolas’s childhood—wooden furniture, woven rugs, a traditional stove, pottery, trunks, and books. Everything evokes the lifestyle of a modest yet educated rural family. The estate also features outbuildings, garden elements, and even a vegetable plot, paying tribute to the everyday life of that era.
The literary and memorial exhibition includes rare photographs of the Mickiewicz family and their neighbors, who became prototypes for the characters in “New Land.” Of particular value are Kolas’s original manuscripts, letters, and editions of his works published over the years. Visitors can view illustrated editions of the poem, artist-made portraits, and even stage decorations used in theatrical adaptations of Kolas’s works. The estate is more than a museum—it is a place where literature becomes tangible and alive.
Tours including the memorial estate
The "Albut" Memorial Estate is included in thematic tours across Belarus focused on literary history, biographies of prominent figures, and peasant culture. Tours from Minsk are especially popular, offering a one-day journey into the Belarusian countryside and insights into the life of Yakub Kolas. The estate visit is often combined with a trip to Nikolaevshchina—another important site in the poet’s biography.
The tour program includes a guided walk through the estate grounds, a detailed story about the Mickiewicz family, reading excerpts from “New Land” in authentic interiors, and a viewing of the exhibition with commentary on each item and its historical context. Tourists can book a tour of the "Albut" estate through our website.
