George Konissky Palace

Konissky Palace is a modest classical style building in the heart of Mogilev. Not all citizens know what is interesting about this discreet building. However, the owner of the mansion was an extraordinary person.

The memorial plaque at the entrance laconically says: “In this house lived and worked in 1785-1795, a famous worker of culture of the Eastern Slavs, educator, writer and politician – Archbishop George Konissky.” The famous Pushkin spoke of him as one of the most important figures of the XVIII century.

And indeed, George Konissky was ahead of his time. As a church figure, he spent his whole life spreading education and culture, which in itself was an absolute progress for those distant times. He opened schools, wrote and published books, created his own printing house. He was a man of progressive thoughts and bubbling energy, embodying many ideas.

The building itself was originally planned as a symmetrical complex framed by monastery cells. It was built by the Vilnius architect J. Glaubitz in 1762-85. Only part of the building, which is considered a historical and architectural monument, has survived to this day.