Gomel. Winter Garden

The winter garden in Gomel is located in the building of the former sugar workshop, which is now recognized as an architectural monument. It was founded by Prince Fyodor Paskevich in 1877. This winter garden, in fact, is a greenhouse, where even in the cold season you can find yourself among lush tropical greenery. Today, there are about 18 species of plants in the garden, including orchids, jasmine, figs, laurel, fern, cypress and others.

The building of the Winter Garden in Gomel was erected in the first half of the XIX century, simultaneously with the beginning of the construction of the palace and park ensemble itself. Each of the owners of the estate sought to transform the Winter Garden in accordance with their ideas about the spirit of the time. The building was originally adapted for a sugar factory, but historians disagree about its original purpose. One version says that the building was built for a sugar factory, another claims that it was used as a house for the count's servants or as a military campaign office of the count. After some time, the count decided to convert the building into a noble school and add two more floors.

In 1887, the last owner of the estate, F.I. Paskevich, decided to convert the building. He was a great lover of rare plant species and wanted to create a suitable place for them. Thus, the sugar factory building was transformed into a greenhouse, where unique and rare plants were stored. Two Russian stoves were installed in the basement under the building, which helped to maintain the necessary temperature for the plants. The interior walls of the building were lined with natural minerals, which not only looked incredibly beautiful, but also created the opportunity for the growth of climbing plants that formed a living carpet.

Count Paskevich sought to create a truly unique greenhouse. In 1888, he planted a rare species of palm tree Hamerops, which still grows in the Winter Garden. The garden's collection currently includes about 18 species of subtropical plants. It is replenished annually with gifts from citizens, tourists and various organizations of the city.

During the Great Patriotic War, the building of the Winter Garden and the plants were practically not damaged, which is a great happiness. In addition to plants, the Winter Garden today has a collection of rare fish, turtles, rabbits and guinea pigs, which makes it even more attractive to visitors of all ages.