Postavy. 18th century artisan houses.

Walking along the Postavy central square, it is impossible not to pay attention to the neat line of colorful houses, as if descended from an engraving of the old town. This is not just a historical building, but a unique architectural complex - the houses of 18th-century artisans, carefully preserved for posterity.

What is their main architectural trick? Upon closer examination, it becomes clear: these houses are kind of "hybrids". In an era when bricks were expensive and practical only for the front facade, local builders applied a rational approach. The front wall facing the square is made of brick, demonstrating its status and neatness, while the other three walls are made of wood. This engineering solution not only saved resources, but also provided excellent thermal insulation during harsh winters.

The original layout of these buildings reflected the way of life of artisans centuries ago. Each house was divided into two functional halves: a working (workshop) and a living one, where family life took place.

Today, this architectural ensemble is a harmonious symbiosis of history and modernity. Of the entire complex, only one house has retained residential status, while the rest have found a new life after careful restoration. There is now a lot of entrepreneurial activity here, which returns the buildings to their historical purpose - to be centers of craft and trade.

The complex includes several expressive buildings, each of which has its own character:

· Two two-storey houses with high roofs: The "Doctor's House" (Lenin Square, 4) and the "Visiting House" (No. 11) were ceremonial buildings that welcomed guests and important people.

· Three one-storey "Craftsman Houses" (Nos. 5, 9 and 15): They are decorated with cozy attics and decorative shields on the facades, which give the building a unique flavor.

· The "Residential building" with a turret (No. 13) is the most romantic building in the ensemble, the accent of which is an elegant turret that gives the square a picturesque silhouette.

While walking along the Postavy, be sure to take a closer look at these houses. In their brick-and-wooden walls, in the details of the decors and gable roofs, the history of the city is encoded, which can be read without entering the museum. It is a place where the 18th century meets the 21st century, remaining cozy and lively.