A. Lukashenko positively assessed the work done on the restoration of the palace and park ensemble in Nesvizh

On July 20, Nesvizh / Correspondent of BELTA. President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, visiting the palace and park ensemble of the 16th-19th centuries in Nesvizh on July 20, positively assessed the work done on its restoration, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. The restoration of the palace and park ensemble was carried out from 1997 to 2012, and the Nesvizh Castle from 2004. During this time, the President issued 19 instructions regarding the restoration and reconstruction of the complex. Alexander Lukashenko visited the palace and park ensemble in May 2008. At that time, he drew attention to the slow pace of work on the restoration of the castle, after which the general contractor construction organization was replaced. To date, all restoration and reconstruction work on the complex has been completed. The castle, kamienica, arsenal, southern and eastern galleries, an annex to the castle, the entrance bridge, underground passages of defensive structures, the moat, the ice house, underground structures under the eastern rampart have been restored and reconstructed, and the territory of external fortifications has been landscaped. The interiors of the princely chambers, castle chapels, the Golden, White Ballroom, Hunting, Small Dining, Hetman Halls, and other premises have been fully restored. Alexander Lukashenko inspected these halls, familiarized himself with the exposition of the restored Nesvizh Castle and was generally pleased with what he saw. The Castle, Japanese, Marysin, and English parks are awaiting restoration. As the head of state noted, parks should be maintained in their natural state. "They should be as they were in those times," he said. Specialists have completed the restoration of the preserved interiors and their elements. 57% of the exhibits are original items from the 16th to the early 19th century, the rest are copies and modern reproductions of old originals. International experts have given a positive assessment of the restored interiors. In this regard, the President touched upon the issue of restoration personnel. Alexander Lukashenko believes that the existing system in restoration needs to be reorganized and all specialists should be united into one organization. "This is the last castle where I walk and keep everything under control. Sit down and think about what the restoration enterprise will be like. We need to unite everyone into one organization. Otherwise, we are spending a huge amount of money there, doing it many times more expensive than if foreigners did it," said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko believes that Belarus has good restorers who should not be lost. "These are rare people, and they should receive good money for their work," he noted. The President instructed to submit proposals for the creation of "a strong, worthy organization that would unite all restorers." "We must not lose talent," he added. Alexander Lukashenko was informed about the implementation of his instructions regarding the restoration and reconstruction of the palace and park ensemble. As the Minister of Culture informed the head of state, the palace and park ensemble is already providing a number of paid services. In 2011, revenues from these services amounted to Br1.5 billion. The number of visitors to the complex has also increased over the past three years. If in 2010 the palace and park ensemble was visited by 173 thousand people, in 2011 – 210 thousand, then in the first half of 2012 – about 136 thousand people. It is expected that by the end of the year, about 300 thousand visitors will have visited the site. According to Pavel Latushko, within two to three years, the complex will achieve 100% cost recovery for its maintenance. For the convenience of tourists, a hotel with 47 rooms has been opened in the castle, located in the premises of the kamienica and the former carriage house, as well as a cafe, restaurant, and souvenir shop. Musical, theatrical, and other cultural and entertainment events are held in the premises and on the territory of Nesvizh Castle. Alexander Lukashenko noted that visits to the palace and park ensemble in Nesvizh should be accessible to Belarusians. "There is no need to strive and run after big money. Everything must be done gradually. Otherwise, we will discourage our own people. Belarusians must see this," the head of state noted. "Everything must be done very carefully and reasonably. The director must proceed as if it were his own complex; any step to the left or right means losses. And not to think that the state will help somewhere, will lend a shoulder," the President emphasized. Alexander Lukashenko also communicated with representatives of the Radziwill family, who came to visit the restored castle. They noted that, on the whole, they liked what had been done in the castle. "The Radziwills never wanted to leave here, but in 1939 they were forced to do so. But our hearts are always here," said one of the Radziwill descendants. "Come here. Now you have somewhere to come," the President said in turn. The Head of State presented a Slutsk-type belt, characteristic of those produced in the manufactories of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the 1760s-1790s, as a gift to the museum. It is woven from silk and silver gilded threads. Alexander Lukashenko also made an entry in the palace and park ensemble's guest book: "The rich cultural and historical heritage of Belarus instills a sense of pride in every one of its citizens. One of the unique architectural monuments is the palace and park ensemble in Nesvizh, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has been renovated more than once after wars, fires, and periods of neglect. Thanks to the work of restorers, builders, and museum specialists, we see Nesvizh Castle in all its beauty today. May this magnificent work of national architecture continue to be an embodiment of Belarus's cultural richness, a symbol of the inexhaustible creative forces and abilities of our people." In turn, the President was presented with a tapestry depicting views of Nesvizh Castle as a memento of his visit to the palace and park ensemble. -0-

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