Heritage of Belarus: Restoration of Kreva Castle and Halshany Castle

Kreva Castle and Halshany Castle are the architectural gems of Grodno Oblast, included in the state historic heritage preservation program. Today these projects are experiencing a rebirth. Conservation and restoration works have been underway for many years. However, since June, after the instruction of the Belarusian president, the pace has accelerated. A lot has been done indeed by the end of 2018.

 is one of Belarus’ oldest castles built of stone. It was destroyed a century ago and has so far lied in ruins. Therefore, the main focus is the preservation and restoration of its fragments. According to specialists, the conservation of the Princely Tower was finished in 2017. The restoration of the northwestern wall is nearing completion. The restoration works are done in a very careful way, using hand-made bricks with varying degrees of burning as well as a special solution. After that, the rubble masonry of the other walls will be rebuilt using local stones.

Halshany Castle featured in the famous novel by Vladimir Korotkevich is also under restoration. The work has been underway since the spring this year. The least affected northern tower, as well as the adjoining walls are to be restored. The remaining part is to be conserved. The foot of the castle has already been cleared. The castle received renewed laying, reinforced and plastered walls, a restored roof system, a tiled roof and a weathercock. The plans also include the mounting of an external staircase to unite the second and third levels of the tower, and finishing works inside the tower.

Restoration works and a bird’s-eye view of the castles in our photo gallery