Haĺšany

Halšany (Belarusian Гальшаны; also known as Golshany from its Russian name) is a small town (or a big village) in Grodno Oblast, Belarus. It is mostly known for the ruined castle.

Understand

Since at least the end of the 14th century, Holszany was the seat of Holszanski princes, a powerful family from which (through Sophia of Holszany, queen consort of Poland) many monarchs of today are descended. After the death of the last male members of the family in mid-16th century the estate was inherited, through marriage, by a member of Sapieha family. It was under Sapieha princes that the buildings which now attract the tourists were built.

See

The ruins of the castle.

• 1 Halshany Castle. The residence of Sapieha family built in 16th-17th centuries. Now in ruins. 
• 2 Church of St John the Baptist. A Baroque church originally belonging to a Franciscan monastery. The monastery buildings survive as well but are less interesting than the church itself.