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Pishchalauski Castle, also known as the Belarusian Bastille, is a historic fortress with a complex and layered history that reflects the turbulent political and social changes in the region. Built in the early 19th century, the stone structure was completed by 1824 and officially commissioned in 1825, designed by architect Kazimir Khrschonovich under the approval of Tsar Nicholas I. The castle features a distinctive three-story main building flanked by four corner towers, surrounded by a prison yard, exemplifying the military architecture of the period.
Throughout its history, the castle has served various functions, primarily as a detention facility. During the Russian Empire, it was used to imprison notable figures such as Józef Piłsudski, who was held here in 1887 while under investigation, and Belarusian writers and activists like Vintsent Dunin-Martsinkyevich and Karuś Kahaniec. The structure's design and purpose made it a symbol of authority and control.
In the Soviet era, Pishchalauski Castle became a site of political repression. It was taken over by the Cheka-GPU after World War I, and during Stalin's Great Terror in 1937, approximately 100 people, including prominent Belarusian cultural figures, were executed in its basement. The castle also held Polish prisoners after the Soviet invasion of Poland in 1939, including Ryszard Kaczorowski, the last President of Poland-in-exile.
During World War II, the Germans maintained the prison, and it was used to detain partisans and underground fighters. Post-war, it continued to function as a detention center, and after 1953, it was the only institution in the Belarusian SSR where death sentences were carried out. Notable executions include serial killers and individuals accused of anti-Soviet activities.
Today, Pishchalauski Castle is recognized as a state architectural monument. As of recent years, it has been in urgent need of repairs, with parts of its structure having collapsed. The building has also become a symbol of political repression, housing detainees during significant political events, including the 2020 Belarusian protests. Its historical significance is intertwined with its role as a site of political imprisonment, executions, and resistance, making it a powerful reminder of Belarus's complex history.