Hello everybody! The village of Molodvo is a significant place first mentioned in 1497. During its existence, the village was a significant territory which was owned by noble people of those times. By the way, Molodovo still exists today. But from the pomposity of the vulgar centuries, only small traces remained. However, there are several architectural monuments here, one of which is the Rotunda Chapel of the Skirmunt family. During the reign of the Skirmunts, Molodovo was transformed from a backwater into the center of the cultural and economic life of the region. Previously, a majestic palace and park complex was located on this site, but today only the building of the rotunda chapel remains dilapidated. Earlier, I showed you the Building of the Skirmunts Palace in the form of a miniature copy located in the city of Ivanovo.
Unfortunately or fortunately the Chapel of the Skirmunts has not been well preserved. However, during my visit, this building began to be restored. This gives hope that soon the chapel will have its original appearance. Take a look at what the Skirmunts chapel looked like before the restoration began.
View of the chapel in 2009 Photo source
The building of the family tomb of the Skirmunts is the only preserved part of the architectural ensemble in Molodovo. The chapel is located near the ancient cemetery of Skirmunts. The building was designed by the famous Vilna architect, artist and Count Tadeusz Rostvarovsky in 1905–1908. However, in the 1960s, the burial from the tomb was stolen and destroyed. For a long time the majestic building of the chapel was destroyed and overgrown with dense vegetation.
The majestic building of the Chapel-tomb was made in the classical style of that time. I would note that the tomb in its style reminds me of the ruined residence of the Skirmunts of the avant-garde style. The building has 4 entrances which are oriented to 4 cardinal directions.
I understand that because of the scaffolding, it is difficult for you to see all the details of this beautiful structure. To my regret, I learned that the restoration has been going on for a long period of time. But still, I hope that sooner or later the tomb will return to its former appearance. However, as I got closer, I was able to make out some details of the Scrimunts tomb.
Each of the four entrances to the chapel has an antique portico with Tuscan columns. This gives a small building a majestic appearance. The chapel has a large amount of stucco decoration, which looks like relief garlands and wreaths. Judging by the external description (on the plate outside), the tiled flooring and the main interior details have been preserved inside. Unfortunately, at the moment the building is mothballed for an indefinite period.
Although I have not been to Rome, I am virtually familiar with its architects. But this round building reminded me of a miniature copy of some Roman structures. In order to get acquainted with the building of the Shrine of the Skyrmunts, I had to go a long way and make my way through the vegetation. I see that the building is being restored, but no one knows how long this process will take. However, there is progress...
I really hope that in the future I will be able to return to this place and see the tomb restored.
Photo information:
Author: @danny.green
Camera: Nikon D5200
Location: Village Molodovo, Belarus
Thanks to everyone who reads and supports. Best regards from @danny.green.
Greetings @danny.green. You're absolutely correct! The Rotunda Chapel of the Skirmunts more or less mimics a Roman Pantheon (photo below), but in a much smaller version. The resemblance is uncanny. Because the Skyrmunts were a wealthy family, I'm pretty sure they must have traveled to Western Europe many times, most especially to locations where ancient Roman architectural infrastructures had influential footprints, It's a pity though that monument is still in ruins. Let's hope its complete renovation would push through and revive a constructed relic back to its former glory. Have a splendid week! 😊
Roman Pantheon | Source
Oh yes, your photo shows a great resemblance of the Skyrmunt Shrine to the Roman Pantheon. Even in a miniature copy, it (the rotunda) looks amazing. The Skirmunts were certainly fascinated by ancient Roman architecture. But I am very glad that some influential people brought a piece of great architecture to Belarus. Therefore, they chose the best of what they saw in Western Europe. I hope that the restoration of the Rotunda Chapel of the Skirmunts will restore its former glory.
Thank you for your attention and support and wish you a successful week! 😊
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Thanks for your support and great work! 😊
With great pleasure dear @danny.green. All the best! 😀
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Correct me if I am wrong, the design of this structure is ahead of its time, it has elements that can also be seen with modern buildings.
Yay! 🤗
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I also noticed this similarity. The rotunda is reminiscent of the Skyrmunt Palace. Unfortunately, this is now just a story. I want to believe that the tomb will still be restored. But it looks unusual, especially against the backdrop of thickets and trees.
Thank you for your attention:) 😊