Location: Hajciunishki Map
Constructed: 17th century
Hajciunishki Manor, also known as the Nonhart Residence or
Haytsyunishki Manor, is a historic fortified estate located in the
village of Haytsyunishki (Hajciunishki) in the Voranava District of
the Grodno Region, Belarus. Built in the early 17th century, it
represents a blend of residential and defensive architecture,
reflecting the turbulent historical period of its construction. The
manor is situated at coordinates approximately 54°15′12″N
25°26′02″E, on the left bank of the Zhizhmy (Zizma) River near its
confluence with the Voishelk (Vaišvilkas) River. Originally a
private noble residence, it has evolved over centuries from a family
estate to a state-owned facility, currently serving as a psychiatric
hospital closed to the public. The site holds cultural significance,
potentially inspiring the fictional village of Soplicowo in Adam
Mickiewicz's epic poem Pan Tadeusz. With its Dutch-influenced design
and defensive features, the manor exemplifies early modern
Belarusian architecture amid regional conflicts.
The estate's
total area historically included a courtyard, outbuildings, stables,
vegetable gardens, and fenced areas, though much has been altered
over time. As of 2025, no major recent developments or restorations
are reported, and access remains restricted due to its current
function.
Haytsyunishki village and the manor are nestled in the flat, riverine
landscape of northwestern Belarus, part of the Grodno Region's lowlands.
The site is positioned on the outskirts of the village, adjacent to a
pond formed by the Zhizhmy River, with the Gismu River flowing nearby to
the southwest. This watery environment, including deep moats that once
surrounded the manor, underscores its strategic defensive placement. The
surrounding area features forests and agricultural fields, typical of
the region's rural character.
The climate is humid continental
(Köppen: Dfb), with mild summers, cold winters, and moderate
precipitation. Summers are comfortable with average highs around 23°C in
July, while winters can drop to -5°C in January, often accompanied by
snow and overcast skies. Annual precipitation averages about 650 mm,
with the wettest period from June to August. The time zone is Moscow
Standard Time (UTC+3), without daylight saving.
The village of Haytsyunishki was first documented in 1512. By 1565,
the estate belonged to the Rimshi (Romans) family, comprising a
courtyard with residential buildings, stables, and gardens. In the early
17th century, the lands were granted to the Nonhart family, Dutch-origin
nobles who served the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Peter Nonhart, a Vilna
city clerk, designed and built the manor in 1611-1612 with engineer Van
Duden. Upon Peter's death, it passed to his daughter Susana, who married
Yuri Khreptovich, bringing the estate as dowry. Their son Adam
Khreptovich inherited it and built a family chapel in 1633.
Ownership
shifted through marriages: to the Rotheram "Lubicz" gentry, then
Puttkamer family via Dorota Shroter's dowry, and by the 19th century to
the von der Osten-Sacken family. It returned to the Rimsha family in
1830, with Edward Rimsha as the penultimate owner until 1937, followed
by his daughters Elena and Sophia. During the Great Northern War
(1700-1721), Swedish troops occupied and defended the manor against
Polish forces. In World War I, German invaders burned the archives and
library. After World War II, under Soviet control, it served as an
engineering school (1946-1949) before becoming a psychiatric hospital in
1956.
The manor may have literary ties, serving as a prototype for
Soplicowo in Mickiewicz's Pan Tadeusz.
The manor is a rectangular, white-plastered structure with a high red tiled roof, embodying Dutch architectural influences from Peter Nonhart's heritage. Designed for defense amid wars with Moscow and Sweden, it features 1.5-meter-thick walls, corner towers, a three-story central tower over the entrance, surrounding moats, and bastions. The castellated design includes castle-like elements for protection against revolts or invasions. Interiors were once adorned with hunting scene paintings by artist Shretter (Shroter). Auxiliary 19th-century outbuildings and the ruins of the 1633 Calvinist chapel (a small family tomb) add to the site's architectural ensemble.
As of 2025, the manor is state-owned and functions as part of the Republican Psychiatric Hospital for compulsory treatment of violent offenders, established in 1956. It is closed to the public, with no tourism access. The main building remains intact, though adapted for medical use, while the chapel and some outbuildings are in ruins. Preservation efforts are minimal, focusing on its operational role rather than heritage tourism.
Due to its restricted status, Hajciunishki Manor offers limited attractions for visitors. External views of the structure are possible from public areas in the village, highlighting its white facade and red roof. Nearby ruins of the 1633 chapel provide historical interest for those exploring on foot. The site's literary connection to Pan Tadeusz may appeal to literature enthusiasts, though no guided tours exist. The surrounding rivers and ponds offer scenic walks, but tourism infrastructure is absent. Proximity to Radun (57 km) allows integration into broader regional itineraries focusing on Belarusian history.
Haytsyunishki is accessible via regional roads from Voranava or Grodno, with the nearest major city being Grodno (about 100 km away). Public buses connect to nearby towns, but private transport is recommended for rural access. The closest airport is in Minsk (approximately 150 km east), with train services available from Grodno station to regional hubs.