Minsk prison castle. Book 1. Run away

This book is the first part of the first professional study of the 200-year history of the Minsk prison castle (today SIZO No. 1 or "Volodarka"). In December 1821, Rudolph Pischallo (the name "Pischalovsky Castle" was preserved in his honor) won the public bidding for the construction of this stone building. The prison was accepted by the commission on January 30 (according to the new style: February 11) 1825, and from that day we can count the history of this unique structure for Minsk. Before you is a book that introduces new documents into scientific circulation and destroys old myths. Including the one that "Pishchalovsky Castle" is one of the most secure prisons in the world, from which no one has managed to escape. And the main theme of this volume will not leave readers indifferent, because it is precisely escapes! About fifty all-possible escapes and attempted escapes (underminings, break-ins, disguises, seduction, lockpicks, escape with a guard, storming the gate, ropes from sheets, saws in a herring, and much more). With few exceptions, these are unique archival materials that are being published for the first time. But in addition, the book contains the first biography of Rudolph Pischallo himself, as well as information about the chiefs, guards and prisoners (including such stars as Vincent Dunin-Martsinkevich, Jakub Kolas, Ales Harun) of the prison castle. And as the main theme of future books: prison customs of the 19th century and much more.

How often did the chiefs change in the prison? How were the prisoners punished for escaping and how were the guards? Which escape can be called classic, and which is the most ridiculous? Which escape was the most massive? Were there any lucky ones who were not caught? Were there prisoners who managed to escape from the Minsk prison twice? The answers are on the pages of this book.