Description of the attraction
Mogilev City Hall - a replica of the city hall that once adorned the city of Mogilev, reconstructed today, was its pride and a symbol of independence.
In 1577, Mogilev received the Magdeburg Law - a set of freedoms and privileges that were received by cities capable of maintaining law and order on their own. Such cities received significant tax benefits, the right to rule the courts and solve intra-city economic problems on their own. A year later, the first city hall was built on the central square of Mogilev. It was built of wood and, as a result, was repeatedly burned to the ground.
The stone tower of the town hall was built for a long time and thoroughly. Construction began in 1679. By 1681, the first two floors were completed. In 1686, the artel, under the leadership of the master Fezki, built such a high tower (26 meters) that it could not bear its own weight and collapsed. The new tower, solid and solid, was entrusted to erect the master Ignat. It was built in 1692 and stood until 1957. The tower was octahedral, five-tiered, ending with a balcony with a metal lattice and a dome. Its height was 46 meters. A clock was set on the town hall.
All the most important things for Mogilev were concentrated in the city hall: the courts were held here, there was a prison in the basement. The city treasury was kept here, the magistrate sat.
Over the years, the town hall has been rebuilt and renovated several times, acquiring a more modern and luxurious look. In 1780, the monarchs of two European powers admired the city from its observation deck: the Russian Empress Catherine II and the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph II.
During the Great Patriotic War, the town hall in Mogilev was badly damaged, but it was decided to restore it. A special commission was even drawn up, plans for reconstruction were developed. In 1957, the town hall was unexpectedly blown up. Who made this decision and for what reasons remained unknown.
Until 1992, there was no town hall in Mogilev, but the townspeople remembered the pride of their city and dreamed of rebuilding the town hall. In 1992, the first stone was solemnly laid. However, it took many years to carefully develop the construction plan so that the tower was an exact replica of the former town hall. Almost the same technologies were used in construction as in the past. On July 18, 2008, the city was awakened by the striking of the clock on the tower of the reconstructed town hall. The watch was specially made by the watchmaker Gennady Golovchik. The watch is unique and almost forever. Their warranty period is 500 years.
Now the city museum is located in the Mogilev City Hall. However, the city authorities decided to hold ceremonial receptions and meetings in the town hall. This is one of the few operating town halls. Tourists can visit these lounges when they are free.
