While sightseeing in Minsk, you will definitely notice the silhouette of a beautiful castle with towers, resembling a fine example of medieval architecture. You can get a better look at it if you walk from Independence Square toward the Nemiga River, past the Red Church.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to get inside, and we would not advise it anyway. This is Pishchalauski Castle, currently known as Pretrial Detention Center No. 1, the only place in Europe where death sentences are still carried out. The castle stands directly on the prison grounds, enclosed by a high fence.
It was built in 1825 by the architect Kazimir Khrshchanovich, commissioned by the local landowner Rudolf Pishchallo. However, he was only the contractor during construction, and who the actual owner was is not known for certain.
In any case, the beautiful palace, created in the style of classicism with elements of pseudo-Gothic, did not serve long as a private residence. Just a few years later, under pressure from the authorities, the owner was forced to sell the building, which was immediately turned into a prison. Since then, the function of Pishchalauski Castle has not changed.
Because of its appearance and reliability, the prison is often called the "Belarusian Bastille." At various times, many well-known people of Belarus were imprisoned here: political activists, revolutionaries, and dissidents.
