The Governor's Palace in Vitebsk is an example of strict and harmonious classicism, worthy of the attention of any connoisseur of architecture. The building occupies an advantageous position on the high left bank of the Western Dvina River, which underlines its status and historical significance.
The architectural appearance of the palace was formed at the end of the XVIII — beginning of the XIX century. The main three-storey building with an expressive risalite and semi-columns of the Doric order was built in 1772, later a U-shaped two-storey extension with a portico and pediment was added to it. Clear symmetry, laconic facades, massive cornices and attics — all this gives the building a restrained grandeur, without excessive decorativeness.
The interior space is organized rationally: on the ground floor there is a grand lobby and office space, above there are reception rooms, an office, a living room, and private apartments for the governor and his family. The annex housed the office, administrative services, as well as halls for balls, concerts and theatrical performances.
The palace is associated with notable historical events and figures: Napoleon stayed here in 1812, Duke Alexander of Württemberg lived, members of the imperial family and famous cultural figures visited. In Soviet times, the building was used for administrative purposes, today it retains the status of an architectural monument.
The impression of the palace is its integrity, aristocratic austerity and lack of eclecticism. This is not a magnificent residence, but an example of restrained provincial imperial style, where every detail is subordinated to logic and proportion. For an aesthete from St. Petersburg, it is a place where you can see a worthy implementation of the classical principles of architecture outside the hustle and bustle of the capital.
The story of the "starred" guide.
Thanks to Anton, who left a previous review - that's how I found out that guided tours are conducted in the former KGB building. I came to Vitebsk from Moscow and signed up for an excursion. The tour there turned out to be a one-man theater. And in every sense, the audience was given the role of only silent admiration. If you dare to ask a question that Ksenia Vasilyevna Druzhkova did not like or she simply did not understand it, then you will receive a stream of sarcasm and ridicule, and throughout the tour. She ruined her impressions of both the city and the people..
And the palace and especially the basements are beautiful, precisely because they are still "uncombed" and unrefined.
A very interesting place, primarily for its history: Napoleon lived, Konstantin Pavlovich Romanov died, and in recent history it has been a state security institution.
Now the building has been handed over to the city and they plan to make repairs in it.
The most interesting thing. that on Sundays at 12.00 from the town hall to the palace there are group tours (9 rubles per person) with visits, including the "Napoleonic" balcony and basement. And a tour guide is, in general, "something" (in the good sense of the word).