Castles of Belarus: a brief description, photo, location and current state. All castles in Belarus. Travel idea

Geographical coordinates : 52.860822, 24.895757 (Brest region, Pruzhany district, town of Ruzhany)

Description: Erected at the beginning of the 17th century, palace complex Ruzhany is often called the Belarusian Versailles. Initially in Ruzhany in 1617 was built impregnable fortress, however, during Northern war The castle was almost completely destroyed. The second birth of the castle is considered to be 1784-1788, when impregnable castle turned into a sophisticated palace with parks, gardens and greenhouses.

Status today: January 25, 2011 on the territory of the palace and park complex, the museum "Ruzhansky Palace Complex of Sapieha" was opened, consisting of four exhibition halls and one exhibition hall. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9.00 to 18.00.

Lida Castle

Geographical coordinates: 53.887175, 25.302782 (Grodno region, Lida district, Lida)

Description: Built in 1323 - 1325 and having seen many battles and sieges, one of the few remaining castles on the territory of Belarus is Gediminas' Castle.

Status today: The castle is open for tourists all year round, and since 2005, visitors to the castle can also visit International Festival medieval culture "Castle of Gediminas".

Golshany Castle

Geographical coordinates: 54.251389, 26.020279 (Grodno region, Oshmyany district, village Golshany)

Description: In 1610, by order of Pavel Stefan Sapieha, a castle was erected in Golshany. Unfortunately, the destruction that the castle underwent during its existence did not allow us to convey to our time all the grandeur and beauty of this castle. However, the castle in Golshany still attracts all lovers of secrets and mysticism.

Status today: It is regrettable to realize this, but today only ruins remain from the former greatness of the Golshansky castle, which are a kind of open-air museum.

Lubcha Castle

Geographical coordinates: 53.752008, 26.068939 (Grodno region, Novogrudok district, settlement Lyubcha)

Description: In the 16th century, the influential magnate and grandee of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Jan Kiszka, erected a castle in Lubcha. Later, in the 17th century, the castle was significantly rebuilt by Radziwill. In 1655, the troops of Hetman Zolotarenko burned down the castle, destroying two towers, after which the castle forever lost its significance as a military fortification.

Status today: Since 2003, at the expense of the charitable foundation created by volunteers, "Lubcha Castle" has been undergoing restoration work.

Castle in Krevo

Geographical coordinates: 54.30923, 26.28244 (Grodno region, Smorgon district, a.g. Krevo)

Description: Built in 1338, the Kreva Castle has repeatedly found itself in the center of events that determine the course of history: it was here that the murder of Keistut by Jogail took place, Vitovt was in captivity here, and it was here, in 1385, that the Union of Krevo was signed. During the history of its existence, the castle was repeatedly attacked, but managed to remain in good condition until the 18th century. However locals and the destruction of the First World War left only ruins of the castle.

Status today: To date, the castle, where fateful decisions were made for the entire medieval European civilization, is in a deplorable state and is nothing more than ruins.

Geographical coordinates: 53.518096, 30.259606 (Mogilev region, Bykhov district, Bykhov)

Description: Built in 1619 by the hetman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania Ya.K. Khodkevich, the castle was rebuilt by L. Sapega. During its existence, the castle building housed a barracks, a prison, and a woodworking shop, and after a fire that happened in 2004, the castle remains abandoned to this day.

Status today: The ruined building of the Sapieha Palace and the remains of bastions and ditches - all that remains of one of the best fortifications of the Commonwealth.

Castle "White Kovel" in Smolyany

Geographical coordinates: 54.60135, 30.05444 (Vitebsk region, Orsha district, Smolyany village)

Description: Built at the beginning of the 17th century by the princes of Sangushko, the castle in Smolyany is one of the few castles in Belarus that had its own name - "White Kovel".

Status today: Only the central five-tiered tower survived from the impressive and huge castle.

Geographical coordinates: 52.047811, 29.269196 (Gomel region, Mozyr district, Mozyr)

Description: The first mention of Mozyr Castle dates back to 1519. During its history, the castle was repeatedly destroyed, but it was reborn again and again. But after January 1649, when the castle was completely burned down by order of Janusz Radziwill, it lost its defensive significance and was no longer restored.

Status today: Mozyr Castle, which is open to the public today, is a restored reduced copy of the original. Visitors can visit the castle towers, observation decks, as well as look into the pavilion-chapel.

Kossovo castle

Geographical coordinates: 52.76561, 25.12146 (Brest region, Ivatsevichi district, Kossovo)

Description: Built in 1838 in the Neo-Gothic style, the Palace of the Counts of Puslovsky or Kossovsky Castle was often called the "knight's dream".

Completely plundered during the First World War, the castle fell into disrepair, and in 1944 it was completely set on fire by partisans.

Status today: Since 2008 in the palace reconstruction in progress to be completed by 2018.

Geographical coordinates: 53.6772, 23.823084 (Grodno region, Grodno region, Grodno)

Description: The old castle in Grodno was built in the 11th century on the banks of the Neman and was a whole complex of temples, defensive structures and secular buildings. Since the XII century, the castle was a princely residence, but as a result of the attacks of the crusaders, it was partially destroyed, but was restored. In 1580, the princely palace was rebuilt for the King of the Republic of Poland, Stefan Batory.

Status today: The Lower and Upper Churches, fragments of defensive fortifications and the palace, in the building of which the Grodno Historical and Archaeological Museum is located, have survived to this day.

On the territory of modern Belarus there are castles built from the 13th to the 17th century. They represent fortifications- a closed complex of residential, utility and defensive buildings. Fortresses were enclosed by a high wall, towers usually stood in the corners. Castles were built on strategically important places. Today, no more than ten buildings have been preserved in good condition: Nesvizh, Mir, Lida, Grodno castles. In place of others, only ruins remained: Novogrudok, Golshansky, Smolyansky castle.

Nesvizh Castle

The palace and castle complex is located in the Minsk region, the city of Nesvizh. It was founded in 1583. The author of the project is the architect Giovanni Bernardoni. The complex includes a castle, fortifications and landscape landscape park. The palace was rebuilt several times. Today it romantic castle, decorated with rich stucco, with towers and turrets of various sizes. The entrance to the palace is made in the form of a tower with a front gate. The complex is considered one of the best in Eastern Europe. Included in the heritage of UNESCO.

Mir Castle

The defensive fortress is located in the village of Mir, Brest region. The first mention dates back to 1395. The castle, which has survived to our time, was built in 1520 of brick. The fortress is included in the UNESCO heritage list. The structure looks like a square, the length of the side is about 75 meters. At each corner there are five-story towers (25 meters high), they go beyond the boundaries of the walls. The castle was built in the Belarusian Gothic style. This is one of the few surviving buildings erected in a distinctive style.

Old castle in Grodno

The old castle served as a defensive fortress against the Crusaders. The building, which has survived to this day, was built in 1398 by the Lithuanian prince Vitovt. The first mention of a wooden castle dates back to the 11th century. The fortress was rebuilt in the 16th century, in the style of the Italian Renaissance. After the construction of the New Castle, the old building lost its significance. Today it is undergoing restoration work. The fortress houses an exposition of the historical and archaeological museum.

New castle in Grodno

The new palace in the city of Grodno was built opposite the old castle in 1734-1751. He served summer residence Polish and Lithuanian princes. It was originally built in the Rococo style. Until 1793, the Seimas of the Commonwealth were held in the castle. During the Second World War, in 1944, the castle completely burned down, but was restored in 1952 in the style of Soviet neoclassicism. It housed the regional committee of the party. Today the castle houses the Historical and Archaeological Museum.

Lida Castle

The castle is located in the city of Lida, Grodno region. It was built in 1323 at the direction of Prince Gediminas. Designed to protect against the Crusaders. The castle was built of rubble bricks and stone, on an artificial hill. Was surrounded by a moat. It has the shape of an irregular quadrangle. The most long wall- 93.5 meters, short - 80 meters. Surrounded by two corner towers (one is dilapidated). Restoration work has been going on in the castle for the last 20 years.

Palace of the Puslovskys in Kossovo

Known as the Kosovo Castle. It was built in 1838 according to the project of the architect Yaschold. The castle was built in neo-gothic style. It is located in the city of Kossovo, Brest region. The palace belonged to the Puslovsky family. During WWII, it burned down completely. Then it was restored, consists of the main building in two floors. Wings are attached to it. The castle has 12 crenellated towers. They symbolize each month of the year.

Pishchalovsky Castle

The castle was founded in 1851 in Minsk. Today it is pre-trial detention center No. 1, in the city it is called Volodarka. One of the few historical buildings preserved in the capital of Belarus. Erected in the neoclassical style by the architect Kazimir Khrschanovich, the contractor was Pishchalov. The castle is named after him. Volodarka has always been used for its intended purpose, political criminals were imprisoned here. This is the only institution in modern Europe where the death penalty is still carried out.

Mozyr castle

The fortress was re-erected for the 850th anniversary of the city of Mozyr on its own historical place. Today is interesting tourist facility, where the reconstruction of medieval battles, festivals and fairs take place. For the first time a stone castle was built in the 15th century on the site of a wooden palace. The fortress had a palace, outbuildings, a well, a church of the Holy Savior. The castle withstood three major sieges, but was eventually destroyed.

Lubcha Castle

The castle was founded in 1581 in the city of Lyubcha, Grodno region. Jan Kiska, a nobleman of the Principality of Lithuania, is considered to be the founder. The castle was built of stone and brick, reinforced with boulders on the banks of the Neman. Surrounded by four towers at the corners. The palace was located inside the defensive walls. In 1655, the castle was partially burned down and dilapidated. After that, he constantly changed owners and rebuilt. Today the fortress is partially preserved.

Golshany Castle

Today they are the ruins of the former residence of the Sapieha family. Fragments are located in the Grodno region. The castle was founded in the 17th century by order of Paul Stefan Sapieha. Outwardly, the fortress was a regular quadrangle, with hexagonal towers at the corners. Best preserved north tower which is planned to be restored. Every year the festival "Golshansky Castle" is held here.

Novogrudok castle

The fortress was founded in the 13th century in the city of Novogrudok, Grodno region. The first mention dates back to the 11th century. Lock - unique monument defensive architecture of the Middle Ages. It existed from the 11th to the 17th century. It was destroyed during the capture of Grodno by Moscow troops and during the Swedish war. Today, the ruins of the castle have survived: the foundation, the remains of the walls, the ruins of Shchitovka and the Kostelnaya tower.

Castle in Ruzhany

The ruins of the castle are recognized as an architectural monument of the 17th century. They are located in the village of Ruzhany, Brest region. The castle was built by order of the Lithuanian Chancellor Lev Sapieha. For a long time it belonged to a famous family. In 1831, the fortress was seized by the state and given over to a weaving factory. During the First World War, the building was on fire, and after the Second World War, the fortress turned into ruins. Only the remains of the palace remain today.

Smolyan Castle

Known under the name "White Kovel". It was built in the twenties of the 17th century, in the Renaissance style. Today, only the ruins of the castle have been preserved; they are located on the banks of the Dernovka River, in Vitebsk region. The fortress was erected by order of Semyon Sangushko-Kovelsky, the commander of the Commonwealth. It was partially blown up by the troops of Per the First, after which it lost its purpose. Today, the main five-story tower, part of the defensive walls and the foundation along the perimeter of the fortress have been preserved.

Krevo Castle

Fragments of the castle are located in the agricultural town of Krevo, Grodno region. The fortress was the first defensive fortification of the Principality of Lithuania, built entirely of stone. The castle was founded in the 14th century by order of Grand Duke Gediminas. Recognized as a monument of architecture and history. The fortress was finally destroyed during the First World War. Today, only part of the walls, fragments of towers and foundations have been preserved.

Kamenets castle

Only one tower has been preserved on the site of the castle, but it is in good condition. Located in Kamenets, Brest region. Construction dates back to 1271-1282. The unpreserved castle and tower were built by order of the Volyn prince Vladimir Vasilkovich. The height of the building is 31 meters. The tower was built in the Romanesque style gothic architecture. Since 1960, it has housed a branch of the Brest Museum.

Bykhov Castle

The palace and castle ensemble was built from 1610 to 1619 in the city of Bykhov, Mogilev region. It was used as a country residence of the commander of the Principality of Lithuania, Jan Chodkiewicz. Subsequently, the castle passed to the Sapieha clan. Withstood many months of siege of the Moscow army, but was partially destroyed during the Swedish war. After a fire in 2004, the castle fell into disrepair. But today, restoration work is underway.

Sapieha Castle in Vysoky

Known as Vysokovsky Castle. It existed from the 17th to the 18th century, in the city of Vysokoe, Brest region. Most likely, it was built by order of the commander Pavel Sapieha. The castle was badly damaged during the Northern and Swedish wars. Later it was restored, but then again fell into disrepair. Only ruins have survived to this day: the earthen ramparts of the fortress, the remains of the gate.

Popular castles in Belarus: modern, medieval and ancient castles. Photos of castles in Belarus.

Any unesco

Movies and historical books have taught us that castles can only be found in Western Europe. This is where on every corner there are gloomy towers with pointed spiers-needles. It is there that the echo from the rattling of military armor is heard at night - these are the souls of the knights who cannot find peace.

Today, the restored castles amaze with their grandeur, originality and, of course, the grandeur of the work done.

The most important castles

In fact, in order to plunge into the romance of castles, you do not need to go to England or Germany. Take a ticket to Belarus: today on the territory of this country there are several dozen castles that were created to defend cities. Few have survived over the long centuries, but those that have survived open little-known pages of the history of this state to us. Listed in 2005 world heritage UNESCO Nesvizh Castle survived several wars and assaults, was destroyed, burned and restored more than once. Today, Nesvizh Castle continues to be actively restored and even becomes a venue for knightly festivals.

I have seen a lot in my lifetime and Krevo Castle. Within its walls, the Grand Duke Keistut died, the Union of Kreva was signed on the union of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Poland, and in the 16th century it was repeatedly attacked by the Tatar and Moscow troops. Over the long years of its existence, Krevo Castle, as it should be for a self-respecting medieval fortress, overgrown with romantic legends. One legend says that a girl of dazzling beauty was immured alive in the walls of the castle, according to another, a underground tunnel, which leads to Vilna. In memory of the glorious times, solemn events are held annually at the Kreva Castle with the participation of folklore ensembles from Belarus and Lithuania.

History of Belarusian castles

The castles of Belarus - the successors of the settlements - were usually erected on the site of important trade routes. Their construction began in the 13th century with the construction of stone fortifications, several centuries later castle building on the territory of the Grand Duchy became ubiquitous. Castles were then considered all types of fortifications, palace ensembles, settlements of feudal lords.

The art of building Belarusian castles can be conditionally divided into wood and stone according to the type of materials used. Unfortunately, wooden castles have not survived to this day. Until the 15th century, in order to ensure maximum protection and impregnability, the construction of fortresses was carried out on hills, and from the 16th century, castles began to be built in the lowlands and acquired powerful fortress walls and towers. The oldest Belarusian castles made of stone have been preserved in Lida, Krevo, Novogrudok and Grodno. Castles in Lida and Krevo are examples of simple buildings dating back to the 14th century and built on an artificial hill; they are distinguished by massive walls and low towers. Novogrudok and Grodno castles were built in the 12th-13th centuries, and several centuries later they were rebuilt. These castles were erected on large hills and have strong and high towers.

Most of the Belarusian castles are concentrated in the north-west of the country, where for many centuries wars took place over the borders of the possessions of states and principalities.

In addition to protection state borders, Belarusian fortresses they also became defenders from the participants in the Western Crusades.

For a long time, the castles of Belarus were in a deplorable state, no one tried to restore the collapsed walls and destroyed towers, and those that survived were used for domestic or household needs.

Restoration of Belarusian castles began not so long ago. This may be due to the fact that, in contrast to Western Europe, local castles were not considered luxurious and prestigious buildings, but were erected only for defensive purposes, performing utilitarian functions. Today, the restored castles amaze with their grandeur, originality and, of course, the grandeur of the work done.

Everything is soaked in the castles of Belarus medieval atmosphere, the breath of antiquity is especially acutely felt. Walking through the spacious old rooms filled with centuries of history, tourists, a word on a time machine, fall into the distant past, where everyone can imagine himself as anyone he wants: a wise monk, a formidable prince, a charming court lady or a servant tired of worries.

The Bokhvits manor in the village of Podorosk is a monument of manor and park art. It is also known as the Chechotov estate in the village of Podorosk. The fact is that it was the Chechots who originally owned the farm in Podorosk. However, in 1854 the estate passed to Roman Bokhvits (son of famous writer, philosopher and lawyer Florian Bochwitz), who in 1854-1856 greatly rebuilt manor house and the surrounding area. Main façade with...

The manor house in baroque forms was built, tentatively, in the 1870s-1880s, and at the beginning of the 19th century. was rebuilt in the style of classicism - porticos were attached to the wide facades. After the fire of 1943 and the subsequent destruction of the building, even the stone plinth was not preserved. The bases of the columns remained. Also preserved are the ruins of the distillery, which were built at the beginning of the 20th century and now arrive in an abandoned state. Nearby are the surviving church ...

The estate complex was created under the leadership of Xavier Voynilovich in the first quarter of the 19th century. The complex included: main house, a landscape park with a pond, a dairy plant (in the title photo), a large greenhouse, a church, a chapel. The main house has not survived to this day. But the ruins of a dairy factory, the church of St. George and the tombs of the Voynilovichi have been preserved. Built in the 18th century, the church is rectangular and absolutely symmetrical in...

The estate of the Mokritskys (Makshytskys) in the Orsha region of Belarus. Built in neoclassical style at the beginning of the 20th century. In this estate in 1928 the first congress of the Communist Party of Western Belarus was held. For 2016, it is a sad sight: inside, all the ceilings have collapsed, leaving only the outer walls and the roof. But a balcony with a cast-iron grate on the second floor has been preserved. There is no security.

The estate was founded in the second half of the 19th century. It is located on the northern outskirts of the city on the picturesque bank of the Pripyat. The house is two-story, has a large basement. On the territory there are still the remains of a fountain and the ruins of houses. A once beautiful manor house in the style of classicism with a landscape park is currently being turned into a pile of stones. Not guarded.

The small manor Linovo was founded at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries by Vincent Trembitsky. The center of the estate was a large two-story house, expanded at the beginning of the 20th century. After the restructuring, arranged by Vladislav Trembitsky under the guidance of the architect Oak, the total length of the house with side wings was 110 m. The park facade has a flat risalit. The main façade is decorated with a five-arched arcade, on which rests a terrace with a balustrade and a four-column...

The village of Demyanki has been mentioned in written sources since the 16th century. According to the inventories of the property of magnate possessions, it was quite large and prosperous. locality. A distillery, a grain store, mills and an inn operated here. With the advent of Soviet power, a collective farm was organized in the village, a brick factory, a post office, a school, a medical assistant's station, a cultural center, a library and several shops were built. Life is here...

The complex of outbuildings of the Khreptovichy estate in Shchorsy in the second half of the 19th century, designed in castle style. As of 2014, the courtyard is surrounded by mighty red brick walls with corner round towers. The heavy concrete pillars at the base of the fence, which once encircled the entire estate, have also been preserved. Only dilapidated cellars remind of the count's house itself. Mighty lindens rustle their crowns in an ancient park that...

Belarus is very immense and beautiful country, which combines interesting story, cultural heritage people, magnificent gifts of nature and much more. Guests are attracted by a variety of scenic spots where you can just relax, improve your health or spend a weekend. Every tourist will find something interesting here, because the charm of Belarusian culture cannot leave anyone indifferent.

You can go to Belarus in romantic trip together - it will be a unique time spent in beautiful green parks, near blue lakes or in ancient castles. It is the castles in Belarus that will leave a wonderful impression of the journey, as they contain some kind of mystery and mystery of the people of Belarus.

There are TOP 3 most beautiful and visited castles in this country, each of them is worth dwelling on in detail.

Nesvizh Castle - a rich and romantic atmosphere

Nesvizh Castle is a palace and park complex, which is known all over the world. It is located in the city of Nesvizh, which is located 120 kilometers from the capital. History tells us that back in the 13th century, the Nesvizh castle belonged to the richest family of the Radziwills, who owned wooden houses and castles. The ancient Nesvizh castle at that time was also made of wood, and only in the 16th century, at the behest of the same Radziwills, it was made of stone. The laying of the castle took place for two years and its construction was carried out for five years. According to history, the Nesvizh castle was built by the Italian architect Giovanni Bernardoni, according to whose sketches many architectural buildings in Italy.

Like all ancient architectural monuments of any country have their own legends, so Belarus Nesvizh is no exception. As mentioned above, the Nesvizh castle was the possession of the Radziwills, and in this family there was a girl Barbara, who fell in love with the king. They had mutual love, and the young married in secret from their relatives. The queen mother did not want to crown her son's newly-made wife and poisoned her. The prince could not come to terms with the death of his beloved and summoned her spirit at a seance. He could not touch the spirit, but he could not stand it and there was an explosion. The disturbed soul of Barbara, who was from the Radziwill family, could not find her way back. Now Nesvizh Castle, as the story says, is her home and she appears in it before some kind of trouble. For example, her spirit was seen in 2002 when a fire broke out.

Currently Nesvizh Castle is popular place which tourists from all over the world like to visit. Nesvizh Castle is open every day, seven days a week, from 9 am to 6 pm. There are always a lot of people here on Saturday and Sunday, so it is better to come on an excursion on a working day. So many people come here every day that Nesvizh Castle cannot cope with the flow of tourists and excursions are reduced by a few minutes. The cost of visiting is 70 thousand Belarusian rubles, and child ticket costs 35 thousand bel. rubles.

It is very easy to get to Nesvizh Castle from Russia. First you need to come to Belarus. From almost every city in our country there are trains to Minsk and planes fly. From Minsk you need to get to Nesvizh - this can be done on regular bus(1.5 - 2 hours on the way) or by car, which can be rented. Many people come to Nesvizh castle by train, which leaves from Minsk to Gorodeya station. From this station to Nesvizh a few minutes on the road by car and here it is a beautiful and unique Nesvizh castle.

Mir Castle is a historical museum that everyone should visit!

Mir Castle, as well as Nesvizh Castle, is a popular place for tourists from different countries peace. The story tells that the legendary treasure of the Radziwills was hidden here. However, it is still unknown in which tunnel the treasures are located and treasure hunters are doing a great job, since the length of the underground passages is very large. This treasure haunts not only ordinary people, but also to the state, since almost all the surroundings of the castle have been dug up, and no one has found treasures. Therefore, while traveling, you should not devote time to searching for treasure, it is better to enjoy the unique view that the Mir Castle has. This, of course, is a joke, but seriously speaking, it is unlikely that anyone will be able to find the treasure if many generations of archaeologists have already failed to do so.

Mir Castle and history are closely connected, because it was built in the 16th century, when the Tatars attacked the Lithuanian principality. The owner of the local lands, Yuri Ilyinich, was also a native of the Radziwills. He was afraid of war and therefore decided to build the Mir Castle. In addition, Yuri sought the high title of count, and each count must have possessions.

Mir Castle is as beautiful as Nesvizh Castle, and for a couple in love it is perfect place for an excursion, as the local atmosphere is filled with romance, royal luxury and unforgettable beauty. The history of Belarus is famous for the fact that there is the Mir Castle and the Nesvizh Castle of the Radziwills, which are now the most beautiful architectural monuments in the world. Perhaps, these castles would not exist in Belarus, if not for the Radziwill family, as the story tells. They were rich and built many properties for their family.

You can get to the Mir Castle of the Radziwills from Minsk by car. You will have to drive about a hundred kilometers. You need to move towards Brest to the village of Mir. It should be borne in mind that the castle-museum is open from 10-00 to 18-00, so it is better to leave Minsk in the morning, then there will be enough time to visit such a sight of Belarus as the Mir Castle.

Kossovo Castle - a palace in the Gothic style

Kossovo castle in Belarus is located in the very small town Kossovo. It is no less beautiful than Nesvizh Castle or Mir Castle. Kosovo Castle is an interesting story that is very rich and begins in the 19th century. The Italian artist came up with the interior of this palace, and the construction was carried out by the son of the then famous architect Kazimir Puslovsky, Vandalin Puslovsky. As the story tells, the Kossovo castle, like the Mir castle and Nesvizh, has its own legend, according to which in spring all the rooms of the palace are decorated with fresh flowers.

You can come to Kossovo Castle from Minsk by car, the landmark is the city of Kossovo. The opening hours of this attraction called Kossovo Castle are from 10 am to 6 pm. Kossovo castle is inexpensive to visit, you need to pay only 7500 bel. rubles is about 1 dollar. The castles of Belarus are very beautiful and their doors are always open for tourists.