Solyanyie Sklady included into Vitebsk sights list after restoration

The restoration of the specimen of the 18th century architecture “Solyanyie Sklady” (salt storage facilities) in Vitebsk has been completed, Viktor Kibisov the chief of the culture department of the Vitebsk town council, told BelTA. The site will be interesting to see not only because this is an example of the 18th century architecture. Built in 1774 on the bank of the Western Dvina River, the storage facilities were used to store strategic stock of grain, flour and salt. The compound included three buildings: a central building and two wings. Only two of them survive – the central part and the right wing with arcs and pilasters. In the post-war period the place was used to keep army provisions. Today it is home to the crafts centre “Zadvinie”, an exhibition hall and a national cuisine cafй. The restoration of the site was included into the investment programme of the Ministry of Culture. The Ministry assigned more than Br2 billion for restoration work. The first phase of the project was completed last year, the second one – this year. Viktor Kibisov stressed that the project will be continued next year with the reconstruction of a blacksmith shop, beatification of the surrounding area.