Once upon a Time Derechin, Zelvensky district, was a family estate and one of the main residences of the noble Sapieha family. There was also a classic palace with a massive 8-column portico, the construction of which was carried out by Alexander Mikhail Sapega (a well-known figure and chancellor of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from Ruzhany). However, it was originally planned that the building would become a military academy for prominent sons of senior officials. But the events of the late 18th century (sections of the Commonwealth) made strong adjustments, and as a result, the pompous building became the home for the eldest son of Michael - Franciszek and his young wife Pelageya Potocka. Under them, on the one hand, the estate flourished - a park was equipped, the palace was expanded, and on the other hand, Frantisek Sapieha often left Derechin and did not particularly care about preserving his father's wealth. At the same time, from his travels he brought old books, sculptures and various collectibles.
All difficult elections and hard times have already fallen to the lot of his son - Eustathius. For support and active participation in the uprising of 1830-1831, the Derechin estate, along with the palace and all the Sapieha relics, were confiscated. Subsequently, many artifacts and valuables will emerge in the St. Petersburg Hermitage Museum, where they were taken out by order of the emperor. The building of the palace will be given over to the needs of the military - there will be an infirmary for 100 places, and the proteges of Nicholas I will begin to manage the estate.
A rather detailed description of the Sapieha Palace has been preserved: one-story, consisted of 22 separate rooms, richly decorated and decorated. A two-story building adjoined the main volume, which apparently housed a real theater. The construction was carried out by the court architect Sapieha - Samuel Becker, on his account not only residence in Ruzhany, but also many other places of worship on the territory of Belarus.
The history of the palace at the end of the 19th - the first half of the 20th century is rather vague. It is not clear for what needs the building was used at that time. Judging by the old photographs from 1930 to 1939, the building was abandoned and gradually collapsed.
Considering how badly Derechin suffered during the Second World War, there is every reason to believe that by 1945 the palace was gone, or only ruins remained.
In Derechyn, they decided not to forget about the past and a few years ago they made a “Sapegausky” park - they ennobled the territory, installed carved sculptures and information shields.
In the agro-town itself there is also a small museum where you can learn more about this place with a 600-year history.
There are 2 small mounds in the park, one, as I wrote above, is dedicated to the Sapieha Palace, and the second to the Dominican monastery, which was located next door.
It is difficult to indicate the exact place where the palace was located, presumably here:
In Derechin you can also see Orthodox church и Church of the Virgin Mary, and at the entrance - an old Jewish cemetery. The agricultural town has an excellent location, close to two interesting tourist points - Slonim и Dyatlovo.
