Press releases

18th-century town hall in Chechersk reopens after renovations

Gomel Oblast Executive Committee

CHECHERSK, 20 January (BelTA) - The 18th-century town hall in Chechersk has reopened after renovations, BelTA learned from the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee.

This landmark rightfully serves as the hallmark of the Chechersk land. The structure, dating back to the second half of the 18th century, is a first-category architectural monument and is included in Belarus’ State Register of Historical and Cultural Heritage.

Following extensive renovations, the town hall is once again ready to welcome visitors. “We have carried out a large-scale reconstruction and restoration aimed at maximizing the recovery and preservation of the building's authentic components. The historical authenticity has been recreated without distorting the structure's stylistic features,” the regional administration explained.

The original height of the building has been restored, and an observation deck with a weathervane has been installed. The roofing has been reinforced and replaced, and the central tower along with four corner towers has been reconstructed. Specialists have protected the foundation from deterioration. In addition, a new staircase connecting the third floor to the tower has been built, and a spiral staircase was finished with granite cladding. Interior and exterior finishing work has been carried out, and nearly all utility and engineering systems have been replaced.

The building has had quite a few incarnations over the years. It was badly affected in the fire in the early 1970s, after which restoration took many decades. The town hall was reopened in September 2004, followed by a new phase of its rehabilitation. Today, the building once again houses exhibitions of the Historical and Ethnographic Museum.

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