The modern district of Minsk Loshitsa got its name from the old palace and park complex. Historians suggest that in the X-XIII centuries in this area there was a large settlement, which was gradually divided into several autonomous land holdings. Modern Loshitsa - the estate in which the museum is open, and the adjacent park - dates back to the 18th century.
The heyday of the manor complex Luban
The estate, located in a picturesque place, always attracted and attracted wealthy people. The first mention of the palace and park complex that has survived to this day dates back to 1557. The most striking pages of the history of the estate and the adjacent park are connected with the Prushinsky, who became the owners of the residence in the XVIII century. At that time, the main house was rebuilt, many outbuildings appeared, the park was landscaped. Even under the Prushinsky many famous and influential people came to Loshitsa, the estate was considered very rich.
And yet, most often this estate is associated with the name of Eustathius Ivanovich Lubansky. It was with this owner that the estate and park complex was recognized as exemplary for its time, and the number of distinguished guests increased significantly. Evstafy Ivanovich lived in Loshitsa with his young wife Yadviga, their house was distinguished by hospitality and was tastefully furnished. Lyubansky paid enough attention to the arrangement of the park: he ordered plants from other countries, he himself conducted experiments on their crossbreeding and cultivation in open ground.
Modern pages of the history of Loshitsy
Luban are the last owners of a luxurious estate. The story of their life in Losice has a sad ending. Jadwiga died at a fairly young age under mysterious circumstances. According to some sources, Eustathius buried his wife and almost immediately after this mournful event he left his estate forever.
In the 20s of the last century, the Loshitsa Park and the manor house became the location of the GPU of Belarus. Among the locals, legends today are heard from relatives of the older generation about the mass executions carried out on the territory of the palace and park complex, the sounds of gunfire and the cries of people. During the Great Patriotic War, the headquarters of German military leaders was located in the main manor house. In the post-war years, various organizations were located here, in particular: the Office of the UNRRA mission, the Belarusian branch of the All-Union Institute of Plant Growing, an equestrian club and an agricultural complex growing seedlings of plants for sale.
Since 1988, Loshitsa has been a manor that has received the status of a historical monument of architecture and culture and is under state protection.
Reconstruction and Rebirth
In the second half of the 20th century, the manor house looked deplorable; it was a scruffy, dilapidated building in need of repair and restoration. Competent organizations began to deal with this issue only in the 2000s. Since we are talking about a monument of architecture and history, a banal "overhaul" repair for its revival would not be enough. A thorough restoration was planned, during which the large house was literally dismantled in a block and brick, and then assembled again. Lubanskiy Manor was to become a museum in 2008, however, the complete reconstruction of the object was completed only in 2015. Today it is an elegant mansion with restored interior interiors and an abundance of antique objects in them.
What does Loshitsa look like today (manor, Minsk)?
The restoration of the manor house took quite a long period of time. The thing is that at the time the work began, the condition of the building was approaching ruin. Inside, only stucco and wooden elements were preserved, as well as tiled stoves. The situation was complicated by the fact that there were very few photographs of the interiors preserved, and there were even fewer genuine pieces of furniture and personal belongings of Luban. The restorers were faced with a difficult task - to preserve and restore what is possible as much as possible, as well as to come up with all the missing elements.
Today Loshitsa is a manor in which the life of the last owners is not kept in detail, but is reproduced in a quality manner. Each room is designed in its own unique style. Most of the interior items are originals of the 18th-19th centuries. All modern elements of interior decoration and decoration were hand-made by the best craftsmen. In the manor house there is even a room covered with wallpapers that the restorers made on their own, since no factory will undertake the production of several rolls on special order.
A museum or a universal cultural and entertainment complex?
The manor house and the surrounding Loshitsa Park are already hosting tourists. In the main building, the first floor demonstrates the reconstruction of everyday life of the noblemen of the XIX century, and the second one hosts a variety of exhibitions. An outbuilding is also open for visitors, the entire surrounding area is ennobled and well-groomed.
Loshitsky park today is a great place for walks of residents and visitors. Signs and monuments with historical references, modern playgrounds and paved paths peacefully coexist in it. In the recreation area you can see rare plants, as well as old trees, some of them, according to experts, more than a hundred years.
In the near future, it is planned to reconstruct other buildings of the manor complex. The museum’s management strives to make it as interesting as possible. Today, balls and cultural events are held here, the newlyweds are offered solemn exit registration of marriage.
Legends and ancient legends
Loshitsa is a manor with which many interesting stories and superstitions are associated. One of the most interesting and widespread legends of this place is associated with the death of the wife of the last owner of the estate Lyubansky E.I.
His wife was a woman of incredible beauty and even after marriage had many admirers. Jadwiga Luban died at a young age and under strange circumstances. At night, the woman left the manor house alone and headed for the river, in the morning she was found drowned not far from the overturned boat. Local gossipers claimed that Jadwiga had an affair with a young man. According to some, she committed suicide. There were rumors of an unsuccessful attempt to escape from a legitimate husband.
The woman was buried here, in Loshitsa, in a Roman Catholic chapel. Rumor has it that her soul did not find peace, and even in our days the ghost of Jadwiga can be seen near the burial place or the main manor house.