Tower of Terror

Trywieża is a rural administrative village in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, within Hajnówka County, known for its preserved wooden architecture typical of Belarusian villages, distinguished by painted corner boards and colorful shutters. Established in the 17th century, it gained renown in the 18th century for its rye and vodka production. The residents, primarily of Belarusian nationality and Orthodox faith, now number around 75 permanent inhabitants. The village's name likely originates from the Kazanowski family coat of arms rather than from a legend about towers. A significant point in Trywieża's history was the manor farm established by Adam Kazanowski in 1640, which became one of the leading estates in the region, producing spirits from rye and barley. During World War I, the village was depopulated, and in the interwar period, authorities reinforced Belarusian cultural identity through education. After World War II, residents were encouraged to form a cooperative, which was quickly dissolved. In 1996, a Village Cultural Center was opened, and in 2006, a monument was unveiled to commemorate the 365th anniversary of the manor farm's establishment. Trywieża features five historic buildings, including wooden houses from the 19th and 20th centuries, which testify to the region's historical architecture. Despite its rich history, the village continues to face economic challenges, while the surrounding nature remains a valuable resource for both residents and tourists.