BREST, 7 July (BelTA) – Work has begun work on the conservation of the ruins of the Bernardine Convent in Brest, BelTA learned from Igor Kosenkov, Director of the Brest Capital Construction Department.
The ruins of the historic building are located on the grounds of the Volyn Fortification of Brest Fortress. The conservation work is conducted under the Cultural Space program for 2026-2030. Scientific project documentation has been developed, and restorers have taken on the task. Work began at the end of May this year.
“We started with a phased clearing of the site from debris, sand, brick fragments, and overgrowth. Restorers carefully extract unused bricks, sort them, and test them for further suitability. These bricks will then be used for restoration work. We are planning reinforcement of the ceilings. Repair and restoration work will involve walls and floors. We will keep everything as authentic as possible. The main principle is to prevent further deterioration and preserve the historic appearance,” Igor Kosenkov emphasized.
The foundation will be reinforced. Part of it will be left exposed so that visitors can see the construction work from the past. Special protective caps will be installed on the surface of the ruins to protect the ancient walls from further decay. The central courtyard of the Bernardine Convent is intended to be made accessible to tourists, allowing them to view this historical and architectural landmark up close.
The work ahead will be painstaking. Subject to funding, the planned work is expected to be completed by 2027. “In general, restoration work inherently involves something unusual and non‑standard,” Igor Kosenkov said.
The Bernardine monastery complex in Brest-Litovsk was founded in the 17th century and was the only one within the borders of modern Belarus. For a long time, this site, with its church, served as a spiritual center. Between 1842 and 1854, the former buildings of the Bernardine order housed the Brest Alexander Cadet Corps, and from 1854 onward, a military hospital. In the run-up to the Great Patriotic War, it housed Brest Military Hospital. From 1944 until the 1990s, its ruins were part of the Soviet military grounds. The Volyn Fortification was closed to the public. After the withdrawal of military units in the early 1990s, this site has remained unused.
The ruins of the historic building are located on the grounds of the Volyn Fortification of Brest Fortress. The conservation work is conducted under the Cultural Space program for 2026-2030. Scientific project documentation has been developed, and restorers have taken on the task. Work began at the end of May this year.
“We started with a phased clearing of the site from debris, sand, brick fragments, and overgrowth. Restorers carefully extract unused bricks, sort them, and test them for further suitability. These bricks will then be used for restoration work. We are planning reinforcement of the ceilings. Repair and restoration work will involve walls and floors. We will keep everything as authentic as possible. The main principle is to prevent further deterioration and preserve the historic appearance,” Igor Kosenkov emphasized.
The foundation will be reinforced. Part of it will be left exposed so that visitors can see the construction work from the past. Special protective caps will be installed on the surface of the ruins to protect the ancient walls from further decay. The central courtyard of the Bernardine Convent is intended to be made accessible to tourists, allowing them to view this historical and architectural landmark up close.
The work ahead will be painstaking. Subject to funding, the planned work is expected to be completed by 2027. “In general, restoration work inherently involves something unusual and non‑standard,” Igor Kosenkov said.
The Bernardine monastery complex in Brest-Litovsk was founded in the 17th century and was the only one within the borders of modern Belarus. For a long time, this site, with its church, served as a spiritual center. Between 1842 and 1854, the former buildings of the Bernardine order housed the Brest Alexander Cadet Corps, and from 1854 onward, a military hospital. In the run-up to the Great Patriotic War, it housed Brest Military Hospital. From 1944 until the 1990s, its ruins were part of the Soviet military grounds. The Volyn Fortification was closed to the public. After the withdrawal of military units in the early 1990s, this site has remained unused.
