Mistakenly, under the influence of books and films, many of us think that ancient castles can only be seen in Western Europe, but ancient castle buildings with a fascinating history can also be found in such a Slavic country as Belarus. And although many of them were destroyed over the past centuries, those that have survived are undoubtedly of considerable interest to both tourists and historians. After all, they reveal many secrets in the history of Belarus.

Today, on its territory there are more than a dozen ancient castle complexes.

Mir Castle

Thus, the most famous castle in Belarus is the medieval monument Mir Castle. It is located in the village of the Grodno region - Miru. Built in the 16th century as a defensive fortress, the Mir castle complex had four towers 25 meters high, two rows of loopholes that provided all-round fire and a defensive ditch, over which a suspension bridge was thrown, connecting it with the rest of the territory. There were rumors that it was connected by an underground passage to Nesvizh, but they were not confirmed. Although the underground of this structure is really huge - significantly larger in area than its above-ground part.

Today this ancient castle complex of Belarus is under state protection.

Nesvizh Castle

The Nesvizh castle complex, which is located in the Minsk region, in the city of Nesvizh, is also very popular among tourists. It was built by the Radziwill princes in the 16th century and for a long time was both the residence of the Radziwills and their fortress.

The Nesvizh castle complex withstood the siege of Russian troops, but could not resist the onslaught of the Swedes and was captured during the Northern War in the 18th century. The Swedes turned it into their military bastion, but the structure was badly damaged. In 1792, the castle in Nesvizh was captured by a Russian detachment, and in 1860 it was again returned to the Radziwills. In 1993, the Belarusian Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve was created on its territory, and in 2011 its large-scale restoration was completed.

Today the Nesvizh palace and castle complex, surrounded by beautiful gardens - English, Japanese and Castle, is included in the UNESCO List.

Grodno Castle

This ancient Belarusian castle complex was built back in the 11th century as the first defensive structure of Belarus. True, in the Middle Ages it was almost completely destroyed by the crusaders. But in the middle of the 18th century, a new castle building appeared on it, which became the royal barracks in the 19th century. Today, the Old Grodno Castle houses the main exhibition of the local historical and archaeological museum, and the New Castle houses part of the museum’s exhibition and the regional library named after E. Karsky. A major reconstruction of the complex is planned.

Lida Castle

Located in the Grodno region of Belarus, another ancient castle, which became a unique monument of defensive architecture of the 14th century, is Lida. It is located in the city of Lida, which is one hundred kilometers from the regional center.

Its construction was started on a sandy hill, rising between the banks of the Lideya and Kamenka rivers, by the Lithuanian prince Gedemin in 1323.

Over its centuries-old history, it withstood many battles and sieges, but in the 18th century it lost its strategic purpose and began to collapse. Moreover, in 1891, when the central part of the city was badly damaged by fire, the stones of the castle buildings were used to restore the city buildings of Lida. The conservation of the castle complex lasted for more than 60 years, and its restoration took place over the last 20 years. Today it is the venue for theatrical performances, knightly tournaments and festivals. Is under state protection.

Golshansky Castle

Golshansky Castle, which belonged to the princely family of Sapieha, was also erected as a powerful defensive structure in the 17th century. At the same time, it served as the residence of eminent representatives of the family. Unfortunately, it did not stand the test of time, and only a third of the castle buildings have survived to this day. Interestingly, local residents call this place “black” and claim that the ghost of a black monk wanders in the surviving ruins. According to another legend, the ghost of a young beauty, walled up in the castle walls, lives here.

Undoubtedly, this place is the most mysterious castle building in Belarus.

Krevsky Castle

Thanks to many legends, the Krevo Castle in the village of Krevo is also attractive to tourists. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of this oldest Belarusian castle structure, created at the beginning of the 14th century. Although at the time of construction it was the first castle in the country built entirely of stone. The thickness of its powerful walls was 2.5 meters, and the height was from 12 to 13 meters. It had two high watchtowers.

The history of this place is also interesting, because it was here, in 1385, that the famous Union of Krevo was signed here between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Today, only fragments of walls and towers have survived from the former power of the structure, which withstood sieges by Tatar and Moscow troops.

Pishchalovsky Castle

However, Belarusian castle structures often served not only a defensive function. Thus, Pishchalovsky Castle, in the center of the capital of Belarus, is also called the “Belarusian Bastille”, because this ancient building, erected in 1825, was used as a prison throughout its history. And today there is a pre-trial detention center here.

Have you ever spent the night in an ancient castle? Castles Mir and Nesvizh are a tourist brand of Belarus! They are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List; they are very different - but equally interesting; They are finally very photogenic! We invite you to this tour: a rich excursion and entertainment program awaits you - a tour of the ancient quarters and new ensembles of Minsk, a visit to the majestic castle in Mir and palace complex in Nesvizh, participation in a historical quest and walks through the parks of the 19th century...

You don’t have to pay extra for anything - our tour already includes everything: meeting each tourist at the carriage, transfer to the hotel with early check-in, entrance tickets to all museums and excursions to castles, breakfast “ Buffet"in Minsk, lunches in restaurants, a visit to the water park, a concert in an old hall...

You will live in the best three-star hotel in the center of Minsk - the BELARUS 3*** hotel with a water park. And most importantly - a night on the territory of an ancient castle of the 16th century!

TOUR PROGRAM

ROUTE: Minsk - Nesvizh - World - Minsk

1 day

• Arrival in Minsk, meeting at the station at car No. 5 of your train with a yellow sign “WHITE Rus' tour” (we ask that you MUST provide information upon arrival of tourists), transfer to the hotel, check-in at the hotel (starting from 8.00). Issuing an information package (memo with detailed program, map of Minsk).
• Breakfast buffet.
• 10.00. SIGHTSEEING tour of Minsk(duration 4 hours). During the tour you will learn about the past of the city in a broad historical framework. The Principality of Polotsk, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the Russian Empire, Soviet Belarus and the Republic of Belarus - this is the path traveled by Minsk over the centuries... You will see Peter and Paul Church the beginning of the seventeenth century and "Red" Church beginning of the twentieth century; the oldest street Nemiga, which began from the wood-earth fortress - Minsk Castle, and picturesque Upper Town, with which the life of Minsk has been connected for five centuries. In the Upper Town, architectural monuments of the 17th - early 20th centuries and the former layout of the city have been preserved.
• on his main square – Freedom Square- located Gostiny Dvor, shopping arcades, some monastery complexes(Bernardines, Basilians, Jesuits). Here you will see the most valuable architectural monuments of the city - Cathedral Orthodox And catholic cathedrals XVII century, restored Town Hall;You will learn about the pages of life in pre-revolutionary Minsk, the work of the city magistrate, and the traditions of Magdeburg law. And then a half-hour musical and theatrical performance awaits you. performance « Moniuszko greets guests" V Concert Hall "Upper City"(restored building monastery Bernardines), where you will hear popular compositions of Belarusian and world classics performed by artists (in the period May-October; in the off-season - an excursion to the Town Hall).
• On Freedom Square you can take beautiful photographs against the backdrop of numerous street sculptures - a carriage, city scales, a voyt... Next, you will see majestic ensembles of squares and avenues of Minsk, monumental buildings of the constructivist era, the famous ensemble of the main street of Minsk - a monument of constructivism, modern public and sports facilities - the original National Library and the grandiose Minsk Arena...
• The tragedy of the city residents during the Great Patriotic War; modern, dynamically developing Minsk at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries - all this will also be reflected in the excursion.
• The history of the city, its great people will miraculously come to life in the guide’s story and continue their story during a walking tour through the picturesque TROITSKY SUBMARGE, where the life of the city of the century before last was in full swing and where today museums, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, taverns and much more attract guests. This walk will complete the journey through the Belarusian capital in time and space.
• LUNCH at a restaurant.
• Free time, walks around the city, buying souvenirs - everything is nearby...
• Overnight in Minsk.

Day 2

• Breakfast buffet, check-out from the hotel.
• 8.00. Departure from Minsk to Nesvizh.
• During this excursion you will visit the most valuable monuments of Belarus, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List - palace and park ensemble in Nesvizh And Mir castle complex.
• Arrival at Nesvizh
• For centuries, Nesvizh was the capital of the ordination of the Radziwill princes. on his The market square has preserved the houses of artisans and ancient shopping arcades; the oldest Town Hall in Belarus was built after the city received Magdeburg Law in 1586. Nearby is the Slutsk gate of the 17th century.
• Getting to know FAR CHURCH(1593, architect D. M. Bernardoni) - one of the first Baroque buildings in Europe: magnificent frescoes of the temple located in the dungeon CRYPT(family tomb of the Radziwills) put this shrine among the most valuable in Belarus.
• Then we head to PALACE AND PARK COMPLEX XVI-XVIII centuries, built by Nikolai Radziwill "Orphan" according to the project Italian architect Giovanni Maria Bernardoni. Majestic castle-palace, surrounded by high earthen ramparts and extensive ponds, is a system of buildings connected into a single ensemble, forming an elegant front courtyard.
• DINNER in the castle.
• Accommodation at the hotel "PALATS" 3*** of Nesvizh Castle (check-in at the Nesvizh hotel is possible after the end of the excursion program).
• After - tour of the palace, viewing its impressive exhibitions. State rooms of the palace(Hunting, Ballroom, Portrait, Fireplace, Golden, Hetman, etc.) differ in the style of decoration and contain valuable collections of works of art, weapons, and numismatics. Inspection of the residential premises of the palace, chapel.
• And then - Historical quest “Secrets and mysteries of the Radziwill Palace”– time to go on an adventure through the princely chambers of the palace! Surprises await the participants of the game at every step - in order to reach a new level of the game, you need to meet the owners of the palace, unravel the secrets and riddles of the past, see what is hidden from prying eyes, answer questions and complete tasks. The quest involves the participation of individual teams with a number of players from 1 to 7 people... Let's group up!
• Free time - in the evening you can walk around the castle grounds, dine in the ancient interiors of the Hetman restaurant, walk through the ancient parks - feel the spirit of the era...
• Overnight in the castle in Nesvizh.

Day 3

• After breakfast - uhtour of the picturesque parks adjacent to the castle, founded in the 19th century. Maria de Castellano Radziwill.
• Moving in to the world.
• Majestic MIR CASTLE, built in the first quarter of the 16th century, the plan is a quadrangle formed by castle walls and powerful towers at the corners. The bright architectural appearance of the castle, powerful walls and towers, paved with stone courtyard leave unforgettable impressions.
• Tour ofMir Castle. Immersion in the atmosphere of life of its owners begins with basements where food supplies were stored and wine cellars were located. Further - tour of the castle's state rooms. Portrait Hall, immersed in Rococo luxury, performed representative functions and testified to the antiquity of the Radziwill family, its knightly and military glory. The main front room of the Renaissance palace is dining room with coffered ceiling, furniture and utensils of the late 16th - mid-17th centuries. The castle presents the material culture of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, hunting collections, knightly armor, and household items. You will also see the living rooms, offices and living quarters of the last titled owners of the castle - the princes Svyatopolk-Mirsky. Near the castle - their church-tomb, executed in Art Nouveau style.
• Historical part Mir village miraculously preserved the flavor of the former cozy town, where for centuries Belarusians, Poles, Jews, Gypsies, Tatars lived together - the whole world... Orthodox Church, Catholic Church, synagogues, yeshiva, houses of artisans and merchants form the ensemble of its Market Square.
• DINNER.
• The excursion tells the story of the Radziwill dynasty - one of the most influential families of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, which left a deep mark on cultural heritage the Belarusian people and the entire European civilization.
• Return to Minsk around 18.00. After leaving your things in the storage room at the station (if your train is late), you can spend your free time in the underground shopping and entertainment center “Stolitsa”, a 5-minute walk from the station... Departure home - have a safe trip!

Tour price includes:

• Meeting: at the station, transfer to the hotel, check-in starting from 8.00;
• Accommodation: double rooms with all amenities, TV, telephone
• - Minsk - in the hotel "Belarus" 3*** with a water park, city center
• - Nesvizh - at the Palace Hotel 3*** in Nesvizh Castle or at the new Nesvizh Hotel 3*** in the center of Nesvizh;
• The period of hotel stay for this tour is 2 days. Duration of the tour is 3 days / 2 nights.
• Meals: 2 buffet breakfasts, 1 continental breakfast + 3 lunches
• Transport: on excursions, a tourist class bus

Excursions with entrance tickets to museums:

• - Sightseeing tour in Minsk, Trinity Suburb
• - Excursion and concert-animation in concert hall"Upper City"
• - Excursion " Architectural monuments Mira and Nesvizh"
• - Excursion to the Nesvizh Castle Museum
• - Historical quest in Nesvizh Castle
• - Excursion to the Mir Castle Museum
• Visit to the water park at the Belarus Hotel 3*** in Minsk - 2 hours
• Information package: memo, map of Minsk indicating the hotel, museums, shops
• Branded souvenirs

Additional charges:

• Children under 6 years old without a place to stay - 7,500 rubles. (excursions, breakfasts, lunches, seat on the bus). NET price.

The tour organizers reserve the right to make some changes to the tour program without reducing the overall volume and quality of services: replacing hotels with equivalent ones, providing lunch in restaurants and cafes along the route depending on their occupancy.

Distances: Minsk - Nesvizh 120 km, Mir - Nesvizh 30 km.

ATTENTION: when booking a tour, it is MANDATORY to indicate the details of your tourists in the application:

• - Full name;
• - Date of Birth;
• - passport ID;

ATTENTION!

Please provide the necessary information upon the arrival of tourists at the starting point of the tour after purchasing tickets:

• Train number, time of arrival at the starting point of the tour, mobile phone number of tourists, registration information).
• Please send information to:

Brief description of hotels on the tour:

Hotel "Belarus" 3*** with a water park (Minsk)

Address: Minsk, st. Storozhevskaya 15.

• 22 floors, 800 seats. The hotel was opened after reconstruction in May 2014. The highlight of the hotel is the panoramic elevator and water park (swimming pool with saunas, jacuzzi, slide and waterfalls). The hotel is located in a convenient and very beautiful place in the center of Minsk, it offers a majestic view of the river embankment and the ancient Trinity Suburb.
• The hotel has convenient transport and pedestrian connections (20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes on foot + 5 minutes by bus) with the main street of the city - Independence Avenue, the largest department stores in the city - GUM and the "Trading House on Nemiga" with sections of famous Belarusian brands .
• All rooms have TVs, refrigerators, telephones, equipped bathrooms with toiletries, air conditioning (DOUBLE rooms do not have air conditioning); hairdryer available free of charge from the maids on the floor. TWIN rooms have 2 beds 90 cm wide. DOUBLE rooms have 1 double bed 140 cm wide. FAMILY rooms have a living room with a sofa and two bedrooms: one with a double bed, the other with 2 beds. LUX rooms have 2 rooms: a bedroom with a double bed and a living room with a sofa bed.
• Breakfast buffet.

The hotel infrastructure is very developed:

• water park (swimming pool with saunas, jacuzzi, slide and waterfalls)
• saunas
• restaurant "Panorama" (22nd floor)
• restaurant "Belarusian cuisine" (1st floor)
• restaurant "Paparats-kvetka" (1st floor)
• Lobby bar
• beauty salon Visavis
• panoramic elevator
• billiards
• Gym
• gift shop
• currency exchange office 24 hours a day
• room service (laundry, dry cleaning, tea, coffee delivery)
• conference rooms for 16, 50 and 230 seats (amphitheater)
• business center
• parking
• car rental service

Hotel "Palace" 3***, Nesvizh, Castle complex.

The two-story hotel is located in one of the buildings of the Radziwill Castle complex of the 16th century. The majestic castle-palace, surrounded by high earthen ramparts and vast ponds, is a system of buildings connected into a single ensemble, forming an elegant front courtyard. Staying at this hotel, you can stroll through the castle’s front square in the evening, dine in the ancient interiors of the Hetman restaurant, walk through the ancient parks - feel the spirit of the era... The hotel rooms are 1-2-3-4-bed; rooms on the 2nd floor are attic. Each of the 22 hotel rooms is equipped with everything necessary for a good rest - refrigerator, equipped bathroom, LCD TV, telephone, WiFi. The castle also has luxury VIP apartments. These rooms have: climate control, refrigerator, bathrobes and slippers in the bathroom; The windows offer magnificent views of the castle complex, ponds and ramparts. Continental breakfasts in the cafe "Strana" on the territory of the castle.

Hotel "Nesvizh" 3*** (Nesvizh)

Address: Nesvizh, st. Belorusskaya 7.

This new elegant hotel opened in October 2017 and provides a European culture of service. The hotel has 5 floors, equipped with an elevator; located in the central square of the city. From the hotel windows there is a beautiful view of historical Center cities - central square, Town Hall, shopping arcades. The hotel is located 3 minutes from the Farny Church and 10 minutes. from Nesvizh Castle. Nearby are shops, cafes; there is a place to take a walk in the evening, drink coffee and buy something as a souvenir. Next to the hotel is the company store of the Snov agricultural complex with the best meat products in Belarus. Spacious and bright TWIN and DOUBLE rooms have an area of ​​32 m2. Each of the hotel rooms has everything you need for a good rest - toilet-bathroom with cosmetic products, LCD TV, refrigerator, blackout curtains, hairdryer, telephone, Wi-Fi. An additional bed in all TWIN and DOUBLE rooms is a sofa 80*200 cm. LUX rooms include a cozy bedroom, a spacious living room with a work area and a relaxation area, an entrance hall and a bathroom. Up to 4 people can stay in the room at the same time. Room area 60-65 sq. m. Bed size -180*200 cm (King size). Extra bed - sofa (bed width 150*200 cm) Buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

The hotel infrastructure is developed:

• restaurant, banquet hall
• express bar
• Lobby bar
• business center
• conference hall
• parking

• To feel comfortable on our tour and not miss anything, we recommend:
• to purchase Belarusian rubles - you can purchase them at any exchange office in our country, but remember that Mir is a small village, and Nesvizh is a small town, unlike the capital metropolis, things with exchange offices here are much more complicated;
• Don’t forget your camera - the Radziwill residence in Nesvizh is shrouded in secrets and riddles. There are many legends about the ghosts of the castle, which are most often captured in photographs of visitors...
• wear comfortable shoes without heels - the courtyard of both Mir and Nesvizh castles is paved with paving stones;
• “set up” a good mood, because Horace also said: “Control your mood, for if it does not obey, it commands”...

The castles of Belarus reflect the country's turbulent history and keep many secrets and mysteries. They were built in the XIII-XVII centuries. They were built in the traditional form - on a rectangular plan, with towers, surrounded by a moat with water. They were often built on high ground or on the banks of rivers. Almost always these were defensive structures to protect against the onslaught of external enemies. Since the end of the 16th century, castle-type palaces have been built.

In 2011, the state program “Castles of Belarus” was approved, within the framework of which it is planned to restore 38 historical monuments. Currently, some of the castles have been restored and are open to the public as museums. Some castle complexes host stylized knightly battles, festivals and exhibitions. Those castles that are still ruins are waiting for their second revival.

The best castles in Belarus

The most interesting and beautiful medieval fortresses. List, photos with names and descriptions!

Mirsky

Built in the 16th century, located in the Grodno region, in the city of Mir. The history of the castle comes from the Ilinich family. During the Russian-Polish and Russian-French wars it was destroyed and restored each time. This is a square red brick building with towers around the perimeter, a chapel, underground passages and a lake. Completely restored. Knight festivals and exhibitions are held here.

Nesvizh

Located in the Minsk region. The masterpiece is a palace complex built of stone at the end of the 16th century by the Radziwill family; several generations lived there. It was rebuilt many times, so there is a mixture of styles: Gothic, Baroque, Classicism. The castle with a courtyard is surrounded by a moat with water. In 2012, reconstruction was completed and the rich interiors were restored. Now there is a museum there.

Lida

Located in the Grodno region. Erected in 1323 by order of Prince Gediminas. Throughout its history, it has saved city residents many times. The castle is rectangular in shape with two corner towers and walls up to 2 m thick. Protected by a moat and an artificial lake. Since 1953 under state protection. Since 2005, it has been the venue for the Gediminas Castle festival, a vibrant celebration of medieval culture.

Brest Fortress

The original watchtower for defense was created back in the 13th century. The capital defensive fortress was erected in the 19th century. Since 1842, under the name "Brest-Litovsk", the fortress defended the borders of the Russian Empire. The great page of the feat of the defenders of the Brest Fortress - June 22, 1941. The fortress took the first and unexpected blow of Nazi troops. The heroism of the fighters destroyed all plans for a lightning-fast capture.

Novogrudok

It is located behind Castle Hill in the city of Novogrudok - which was the center of the Principality of Lithuania. At first it served as protection against the Tatars. Over the centuries, 7 towers were built behind a high wall surrounded by a moat. The powerful structure staunchly protected against numerous enemies. It was not completely destroyed during the Russian-Polish War, but turned into ruins during the Northern War. Nowadays knight tournaments are held there.

Kamenskaya Tower

It is 31 m high and the thickness of the strong walls is more than 2.5 m. It was erected at the end of the 13th century, in the Romanesque style. Served for defensive purposes. On the ground floor there was a food supply and a well. There were such towers in every city, but only this one remained in the entire territory of Belarus. Now there is a historical museum with interesting exhibitions and an observation deck at the top of the tower.

Lyubtchansky

Erected on the banks of the Neman. Throughout history, the owners of the castle were: Jan Kiszka, Kszysztof Radziwilow and his descendants, several European families. The latter, nobles from the Falz-Fein family, radically transformed the castle at the end of the 19th century and turned it into a country residence. In 1945, the residence was destroyed and a school was erected on the foundation. The appearance of the castle is currently being restored.

Old Castle (Grodno)

One of the oldest, built in 1398 by order of Prince Vytautas. The stone castle with five towers was a defensive fortification on the banks of the Neman. For a long time it was the residence of Polish and Lithuanian kings; receptions and magnificent balls were held here. Rebuilt many times. In the 19th century it was transferred to the Russian Empire and was used as military base. Now there is a museum and a regional library.

Golshansky

Erected in the 17th century, it was the palace residence of the nobleman Pavel Stefan Sapieha, nicknamed Bluebeard. Changed owners, several tragic legends are associated with it: the story of the White Lady, the ghost of the Black Monk. It used to be a magnificent building with lush decoration, now in its place there are ruins that will be restored under the “Culture of Belarus” program.

Krevsky

Located in the Grodno region, built in the 14th century by the Lithuanian prince Gediminas. The first castle built entirely of stone, the thickness of the walls was 2.5 m and the height was 12-13 m. It was part of the “Stone Belt”, consisting of castles for protection against the Teutonic knights. It was a defensive fortification and withstood the siege of the Tatar and Moscow troops. Destroyed in the First world war. Now there are ruins there.

Smolyansky (Bely Kovel)

Located in the Vitebsk region, built in the 17th century by order of Prince Semyon Sangushko-Kovelsky. A rectangular structure with four towers along its perimeter, a five-tiered tower at the gate. The three-story premises were used for living. According to legend, underground passages connected the castle with the monastery in Orsha and the Church of the Transfiguration. Destroyed, the high tower and part of the wall remain.

Bykhovsky

Located in the Mogilev region, it dates back to the 17th century. It was built by Jan Karol Chodkiewicz. It was the center of the city's fortification system, which withstood a long siege by enemies. It is located on the high bank of the Dnieper, surrounded on three sides by a moat with water. The fortress fell under the pressure of the troops of Peter I. The Russian garrison was located there for 7 years. Destroyed, now it is a historical ruin.

Borisovsky

Located in the Minsk region, between the Berezina River and the Prilya tributary. It was a defensive structure, built of wood, erected from the 12th to the 14th centuries. The area is 2 hectares, surrounded by a deep moat with water. Oval in shape with five bastions. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times. In the 19th century, a two-story stone house was built there; it was called a prison castle. Included in the “Castles of Belarus” program.

Vysokovsky

Located in the city of Vysokoye, Brest region, it was founded in the 17th century under governor Pavel Sapega. The earthen ramparts and dilapidated gates have been preserved. These were earthen fortifications with bastions on the banks of the Pulva. The castle was surrounded by water, in front of the gate was a pond with a drawbridge, a two-story brick tower built into the thickness of the earthen rampart, and in the central part there was a wooden palace and outbuildings.

Mozyrsky

Located in the Gomel region. The castle-fortification was built in the 15th century on the banks of the Pripyat River, surrounded by a high rampart and a moat. It consisted of a palace, three defensive towers, a church, residential and outbuildings. For a long time it protected residents from the onslaught of enemies. In 1649 it was burned by order of the governor Janusz Radziwill. In 2008, reconstruction was carried out and the original appearance of the ancient settlement was recreated.

Zaslavsky

Located in the Minsk region. Built in the 16th century by the Polish-Lithuanian Glebovichs, this is one of the earliest bastion castles. Located on a hill, surrounded by deep ditches with water. The powerful ramparts are lined with red brick, the entrance to the gate is over a bridge over a moat, underground passage and a well in case of siege. Only defensive earthen ramparts, a tower and dilapidated walls have survived.

Gaityuniš Castle House

In the Gothic and Renaissance style, located in the Grodno region on the banks of the Zhizhma. Built in 1611-1612 as the country residence of Peter Nonhart. A rectangular two-story building, with towers around the perimeter and a high tower in the center, thick walls, narrow loophole windows in the towers, facades without decoration. The interior has painting and stucco. Since 1956 there has been a psychiatric hospital here.

Kossovo Castle

Construction of the luxurious palace began in 1830 by Kazimir Puslovsky. The castle has a difficult fate. The owners changed many times, among them Princess Anna Trubetskaya, Prince of Oldenburg. Looted and destroyed during the First World War. During World War II, the building became a ghetto. In 1944, almost all buildings and structures burned down. Restoration has been underway since 2008.

Kozell-Poklevsky estate (Krasny Bereg)

Included in " Golden ring Gomel region". The estate consists of a residence, buildings and a park. Erected in 1890-1893 by order of M. S. Gatovsky. The style is neo-Moorish, uncharacteristic for the territory, with elements of Gothic, Empire, Art Nouveau and Renaissance. It has been well preserved throughout its history. Restoration was carried out, all the elegant interior details of 36 rooms were restored.

Ruzhany Palace

Located in the Brest region. In 1598, a ceremonial palace with defensive towers was built. Royalty was received in the building and balls were held. During the civil strife, the estate was destroyed. The second life began in 1786, a palace and park ensemble was built in the style of Versailles. The First and Second World Wars led to the following destruction. In 2008, restoration began again.

Material on this topic was once included in the magazine, but that was a long time ago and the idea of ​​“import substitution” was not so relevant then. But today, when long-distance travel abroad has become unaffordable for many, we again began to think about a trip to neighboring Belarus. “Do you remember, you once wrote...” - friends and acquaintances ask me when they are planning a family vacation for the holidays. May holidays. I remember and repeat!



The path from Moscow to Minsk is not far. The border is “transparent”; with a Russian passport and Russian license plates, you don’t even need to stop there. Roads for Russians are also free for now. But the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble against the Russian ruble has increased slightly. But, all the same, in Belarus everything costs several times cheaper than in Western Europe.

The idea of ​​the trip is this: to go around all the most famous medieval castles, preserved on the territory of Balarus. I counted seven of them. They are very logically “strung” onto a circular route with the start and finish in Minsk. Its total length is about 500 km. In principle, you can do it in a day. But I advise you to take your time and split the trip into two days. In my opinion, it is more logical to go counterclockwise. Then first you will see the ruins, and then the completely restored castles.
So, let's go!

The first on our route will be Krevsky Castle (1338). Enter the village of Krevo, Smorgon district, into your navigator and you will be happy. The village is small and you won’t be able to pass by the castle. The landmark is a pond with a poisonous lilac bridge thrown across it. I will deliberately not describe in detail by whom, when and for what purpose this castle was built - I don’t want to turn the travel report into a tedious historical treatise. Look for yourself on the Internet!

Some sources say that the castle was finally destroyed during the Second World War, others that during the First. But historians claim that it finally fell into decay and desolation at the beginning of the 19th century. Today there are only ruins here, which, however, are protected by the state. If you look closely at the remains of the masonry, you can see that medieval masons actively used “recycled” material borrowed from earlier buildings. Only God knows in which walls these stones originally lay!

Golshansky Castle (first half of the 17th century). It is also in a deplorable state, although it is much more picturesque than Krevsky. Address: Golshany village, Oshmyany district, Grodno region.

A talkative local man told me that during the war the castle was practically not damaged, although it was already practically abandoned. The greatest damage was caused to it during the Soviet years. It got to the point that schoolchildren were brought to him on clean-up days so that they could dismantle it into bricks! At that time it was not yet protected by the state and for some reason was not considered a historical heritage.

The castle was saved by the fact that during one of these cleanup days, some falling masonry killed a schoolgirl. After this, the dismantling work was stopped and the ruins remained in the form in which we see them today. It looks like no one even preserved them. However, in Lately The castle was surrounded by a fence. But only from both sides, if you go around it from behind, you can get inside without any problems.

Golshansky amok is considered the most mysterious in Belarus. And even enjoys a bad reputation. This is where ghosts and other evil spirits are most often seen. Most often this is a monk in a black robe, but on moonlit nights someone has also seen a woman in white. I didn’t see it myself, although I was there late one evening. I must say that at dusk the castle is impressive even without ghosts!

Let's move on. Belarusian roads are deserted, there are not many police on them, and driving is a pleasure. But I don’t recommend exceeding it too much. If you do get caught by local traffic cops, it will not be easy to come to an agreement with them. There are very principled ones. I know...

Not far from Golshany you will pass the village of Boruny. Here it is interesting monument. It was erected in honor of the Russian bomber Ilya Muromets that crashed here. And this was (attention!) September 12, 1916!

City of Lida. Lida beer is made here and here, right in the city center, is Lida Castle, the construction of which began in 1323! The castle is ancient, but it’s worth visiting just for show. All the charm of this place has been completely destroyed by the rude and unprofessional “restoration”. Want to look at crooked modern brickwork and mortar leaks? Then, you are welcome!

Lyubcha Castle. Relatively not ancient. Its construction dates back to 1581. Now its restoration is underway with the help of volunteers. By and large, there is nothing to see there. Hello already in order two corner towers and a piece of wall. And the area is still a garbage dump. There are the remains of a rebuilt “palace” in which for many years there was a local history museum and an outbuilding in which someone still lives.

Further our path lies in old City Novogrudok. The castle ruins are located in the city center. Finding it is not difficult - look for the most high point and you can't go wrong! This castle was built in the middle of the 13th century.

Today, all that remains of it are two dilapidated towers, which rise on the hill like two rotten teeth. Their restoration, so to speak, is in full swing. One of them has already been partially covered with modern bricks, the second is in turn.

An interesting detail: on the territory there are dungeons half-covered with earth. The entrance to them is closed. It would be interesting to get inside!

So, Peace! We are for world peace, but now we are only talking about the village of Mir, Grodno region. This sign is new every year (I've been here several times!), I think it is regularly stolen as a souvenir.

Mir Castle. One of the most famous and best equipped in Belarus. Tourist site. The guides say that the first mention of this castle dates back to 1522. Why is it “worldly” you will read on the Internet!

The most advantageous view of the castle is from the side of the pond. When you enter from this side, be sure to look for the head of a ram, which, according to ancient legend, has been protecting the castle from destruction for many years. I’ll tell you - you need to look up!

Let's move on. You won’t be able to drive past Nesvizh Castle even on purpose! All road signs and directions lead here. This is one of the most popular tourist sites in these places. There are so many tourists that you will have to look for a parking space any day of the week. And from the parking lot to the castle itself you will have to walk about ten minutes.

There is a museum inside the castle. There is a restaurant, cafe, hotel and even a business center with a conference room. Admission fee - 80,000 Belarusian rubles. 10,000 more expensive than in Mirskoye!

Inside there is a beautiful courtyard with a well in the middle. Everything has been cleaned, licked and restored. From a distance it looks very neat and beautiful!

It's worse inside. Fresh whitewash, modern tiles, Turkish sockets and switches, Chinese radiators and local drywall. This is how they understand restoration... Nevertheless, the crowds of tourists do not dry out. Go too. I've been twice.

And outside, I repeat, everything is very cool! This is what the moat surrounding the castle looks like today.

And finally, some advice: at the beginning I said that it is quite possible to cover this route in a day. Yes it is. But for this you need to drive quickly, not be distracted by third-party objects and be a very organized person. And then, in this case, you will return to Minsk late at night. Therefore, I recommend that you refrain from extreme sports and divide the route into two parts. It will be easier. Especially if you are with children!

I do not provide links to Internet resources. It’s not difficult to find them on your own: just type the name of the castle into the search engine. And if you have questions, ask. I always answer readers!

For a long time, the Belarusian palace and castle complexes were in decline, and only recently local authorities are trying to restore them to their former greatness, but they are being restored by volunteers, without government assistance.

Below you can see a short overview of the most beautiful castles and palaces in Belarus.

The most beautiful castles of Belarus in a 2-minute video

Nesvizh Castle

Nesvizh Castle. Photo from Fotobel.by

The Nesvizh palace and castle complex, built back in the 16th century by the Radziwills, has a long history of wars and destruction. It burned and was restored several times, and recently appeared before tourists finally restored in all its glory.

The castle is UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also worth a visit because it is only two hours away from.

Various music evenings are actively held on the territory of the Radziwill Castle at different times of the year. You can have a picnic in nature, swim, ride a bicycle or ride a carriage through its parks: Japanese, English, Mary's and others.

You can stroll through its gardens in winter, or sit on a bench on sultry summer evenings, admire the picturesque views of the river and pond with swans, and swim on a real boat.

Mir Castle

In the town of Mir, Grodno region, there is a castle of the same name. It can be seen from a distance by turning and driving a few kilometers from the M1 Moscow-Brest highway.

But even if you come for a short time, a few hours is enough to stroll through the ancient park and take a boat to the island in the middle of a picturesque pond.

Official website of Mir Castle: mirzamak.by

Book a tour of the castles of Belarus:

Krevsky Castle

The history of Krevsky Castle is no less rich. This is where it was signed the legendary Union of Krevo, which united the Grand Duchy of Lithuania with Poland. There are many legends around this castle, which tell about a beautiful girl imprisoned within the walls of the castle, and about a secret tunnel leading to the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius.

Also, various events are constantly held on its territory, mainly on folklore themes. The Krevsky Castle itself was built by Prince Gediminas from red brick and stone. Unfortunately, to this day, only a few sections of the walls and part of the Prince’s Tower have survived from the former palace. But you can come here in the summer with a tent and have a wonderful rest, enjoying the beauty of this place.

Official website of the Krevo Castle and the city of Krevo: krevo.by

Palace in Ruzhany

Another intriguing corner of Belarus is the palace complex in the town of Ruzhany (Belarusians often call it their Versailles), which once belonged to the Sapieha dynasty.

To this day, the main and eastern buildings, as well as the gates and side wings, have been preserved. The annual festival “Ruzhanskaya Brama” takes place on the territory of the palace complex, attracting thousands of guests not only from Belarus, but also from all over Europe.

Official website of the palace in Ruzhany: ruzhany.museum.by

Lyubcha Castle

In the outback of Belarus, on the banks of the Neman, 150 km from Minsk is located. This place is worth visiting for an inquisitive tourist who is interested in the history of Belarus and loves picturesque landscapes: near the village of Lyubcha they are really worthwhile. Here you can fish and swim, enjoy sunsets on the banks of the Neman.

The castle itself was built in the second half of the 16th century, but was repeatedly destroyed and changed its owners. In 1964, a local history museum was organized at the school that occupied the palace building. At the moment, only two towers of the Lyubcha Castle have been preserved; they are being reconstructed by volunteers.

Official website of Lubcha Castle: lubcza.by

Lida Castle

Very interesting in architectural terms is (aka Kossovo Castle), which was built at his own expense in 1838 by voivode Kazimir Puslovsky, but later his grandson lost the palace at cards.

Initially the palace had 132 rooms: Every year for two and a half days the sun illuminates one room completely. And each of the 12 towers of the castle symbolizes a month of the year.

There are many legends associated with Kossovo Castle. The most common is the presence of an underground wide tunnel between the palace and the Sapieha residence in Ruzhany.

From 2008 to 2017, restoration of the castle was carried out. All rooms and gardens nearby have been restored. Note to tourists: next to the Kossovo Castle, on the shore of a picturesque lake, you can visit the house-museum of Tadeusz Kościuszko, a famous figure of his time.

Other castles in Belarus

There are many other castles in the country. The Old and New Castles in the city deserve special mention.