Belarusian authorities move to de-list historical monuments

Belarusian authorities have launched a centralized initiative to remove various historical and cultural sites from the state register of protected monuments. This directive, reportedly issued by the Council of Ministers, instructs local administrations to prepare documentation to strip protected status from specific properties, primarily old manor houses and palace-park complexes often associated with former Polish noble families.

In the Kletsk district, officials were reportedly ordered to prepare documents to de-list seven historical sites by August 10, 2026. Among the targeted sites are two category 2 monuments of national significance: the wooden Neoclassical Radziwiłł palace in Radziwiłłmonty (now Krasnaya Zorka) and fragments of the Wojniłłowicz manor in Kuncowszczyzna. Other category 3 sites slated for removal include the estates of the Jaleński, Wendorf, Czarnocki, and Łabocki families.

Local officials have previously attempted similar actions in the Brest region, such as with the Puzynów estate in Hremiachi and the Orzeszkowski estate in Jazwiny. While authorities have previously denied plans to strip protections, the current directive suggests a broader, centralized effort to 'optimize' the state register. Removing these sites from the protected list often leads to the rapid demolition of ruined structures.