History of the development
The History of Smalyany dates back centuries – the first written mention of the settlement dates to 1484, when it was owned by the Belsky princes. In the following centuries, Smalyany repeatedly changed hands among prominent noble families, including the Kurbskys, Ostrozhskys, and Sanguszkos.
The origin of the settlement's name has several theories. According to one, it is associated with the extraction and processing of tar, as in ancient times, tar distilleries were located here. Another hypothesis suggests that the name comes from its geographical location — the settlement was situated on the border between the Polotsk and Smolensk voivodeships, which might have influenced its name.
The noble Sanguszko family, which traces its lineage back to Grand Duke Algirdas, played a significant role in the development of Smalyany. One of its members, Szymon Samuel Sanguszko, built the «Bely Kovel» Castle in Smalyany, which became an important defensive and cultural center of the region.
In 1678, the settlement was granted the status of a town. By 1880, its population had reached 2,315 people, whose main occupations were craftsmanship and trade.
Tourism potential
The main attraction of Smalyany is the ruins of the Sanguszko Castle, also known as «Bely Kovel». It is located near the central Orshanskaya Street and is one of the most significant defensive architectural monuments of the 17th century in the region. Despite its destruction, the massive walls and remnants of towers still impress with their grandeur.
On the same street, in the very center of the village, stands the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary, which was once part of the Dominican monastery complex. This majestic Baroque-style temple is considered one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Orsha region.
Continuing along Miru Street, you will reach the local cemetery. Although it lacks distinctive architectural features, it is the resting place of Tomasz Zan—a poet, public figure, member of the Philomaths Society, and a close friend of Adam Mickiewicz and Jan Czeczot. Nearby are the graves of his wife, Brygida Zan, and their infant son.
Smalyany is also home to two surviving Orthodox churches: Church of the Holy Savior and Alexeyevskaya Church. The Savior Church, built in the 18th century, is a wooden temple created by folk craftsmen in the Baroque style. Unlike most historical buildings in the village, it has been well preserved and remains an active church. Alexeyevskaya Church, built in the second half of the 19th century, is now in an abandoned state. Next to it is the looted chapel-mausoleum of the Semyonov family, who financed the construction of the church.
Among other historical sites, the Titov Estate, built in the 19th century, is worth noting. The main house was destroyed during the war, but a two-story wooden agricultural school building was later constructed on its foundation. Despite this, some estate structures remain, including a blacksmith's workshop, a workers' house, and a mill, providing a glimpse into the scale of the manor in past centuries.
