Minsk Revealed What the Former Valadarka Will Look Like After Reconstruction PHOTOS
A large-scale reconstruction of Pishchalauski Castle on Valadarski Street — the former pre-trial detention center No. 1 (popularly known as "Valadarka") — has begun in Minsk. The project is timed to coincide with the building's 200th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2025. The main goal is to integrate the castle territory into the general urban space and make it part of the tourist route through the city center, scientific director of the project Alyaksandr Vashkevich told "Minsk-Novosti" agency.
The historical complex includes the castle itself, the entrance group, one-story and two-story buildings, as well as utility structures. Previously, the entire plot was surrounded by walls, but they have not survived, just like one of the towers that collapsed in 2008.
After reconstruction, a multifunctional complex is expected to appear here. Four historically valuable buildings will be preserved: the castle itself, the entrance group, a one-story house, and the former stable. Later additions and the old fence, which have no historical value, were demolished. This will allow the space to be more open. The territory plans to create a venue for mass events with a mobile stage, a walking area, and parking.
The project envisages the restoration of the collapsed wall and one of the towers. The historical dimensions and appearance of window and door openings will be restored, as some of them were altered during various periods. Inside, ancient vaults will be preserved, and the central metal staircase, as well as the spiral staircase in the tower, will be restored. It is planned to partially change the internal layout, removing Soviet partitions to return the building to its original space.
Catering establishments will be located on the basement and first floors. Another food establishment will also open in the former stable, and administrative premises and possibly a historical reconstruction club are planned for the nearby two-story building.
Contractors have already carried out emergency prevention work, reinforced structures, and completed the dismantling of later additions. The dismantling of old engineering networks is currently underway. The design for two of the four buildings is almost complete, and the full package of documentation is planned to be prepared in the first half of 2026. After that, the main construction work will begin.
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