Archaeologists working at the palace complex in Ruzhany have unearthed the foundations of two towers from the original Sapieha Castle, dating to the late 1500s and early 1600s. The discovery came during ongoing restoration and research work at the site, according to local culture officials.
Restoration at Ruzhany began in 2008. Work has included renovation of the central entrance gate, restoration of the side wings that now house a museum, and restoration of the northeastern arcade. Exterior work on the East Wing has been completed, and plans call for the space to be adapted for museum exhibits, collection storage, cultural events, a small hotel, and a cafe. Additional work is planned under the Cultural Space program for 2026 to 2030, including conservation with partial restoration of the main building and arcades, plus interior work in the East Wing.
Excavations on the main building grounds are being done under the supervision of archaeologists, with surveys focused on layout, structural features, and the surrounding cultural layer. This season’s work exposed the northeastern corner tower and a southern central tower. The corner tower had been excavated in the 1990s, and crews returned this year to study its structure in more detail.
The southern tower surfaced during foundation clearing when restorers encountered masonry. Using plans tied to 18th-century architect Jan Samuel Becker, the team traced the outline, confirmed corners, and passed findings to archaeologists, who then uncovered the foundation. The work also confirms that Lew Sapieha’s original castle had three towers. The western tower remained in place and was integrated into the later palace ensemble, and restorers have cleared it enough to reveal an entrance to the cellars and a spiral staircase.
Inventory records indicate the corner tower held Lew Sapieha’s study and the southern tower contained a chapel, and the towers supported the site’s defensive role. Officials expect a decision by the end of the year on how to adapt the main building for museum use once excavations and surveys are complete.
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