Description of the attraction
Nesvizh Castle has been the residence of the Radziwill princes since the 16th century. The stone castle was built for Nikolay Radziwill Cherny by Dutch architects instead of the previously standing wooden castle that belonged to the richest tycoon Piotr Kiszka.
In the 16th century, the son of Nikolai Radziwill the Black - Christopher Radziwill the Orphan, having returned from the Mediterranean countries, started big changes in his hometown. He weakens feudal taxes and invites merchants and artisans from all over the world to the city. The city is growing rapidly, science, education, crafts are developing in it, and industry is emerging.
Fortress of the Radziwill family
The castle becomes an impregnable fortress. It is surrounded by earthen ramparts, wide and deep ditches are dug. The only wooden bridge is designed in such a way that it can be quickly disassembled in the event of an enemy approach. By the beginning of the Russian-Polish war of 1654-67, there were 28 cannons in the castle. The cannons were cast in the Nesvizh castle or brought from other countries. During the war, the castle successfully withstood two sieges.
During the Northern War with the Swedes in 1706, the castle was badly damaged. Earthen ramparts were destroyed, bastions were blown up, and cannons and handguns were drowned in the moats that surrounded the castle. After the war, the reconstruction of the castle began only in 1720. In 1792, during the war with the Polish confederates, the castle was captured by Russian troops.
In 1812, during the war with Napoleonic troops, the owner of the castle, Dominik Jerome Radziwill, sided with France. After the end of the war, he did not return to his native castle. In the 1860s, the castle was returned to the Radziwill princes again. By this time, unfortunately, he had lost all his treasures, but this did not stop the rightful owners. A large landscape gardening construction was started here. The parks have occupied over 90 hectares. Among them were: Castle Park, Old Park, Japanese Garden, New Park, English Park.
Twentieth century and today
After the outbreak of the Second World War, the castle became a haven for all the aristocrats of the Radziwill family, but soon the castle was taken by the troops of the Red Army, the Radziwills were arrested and taken to Moscow. In 1940, thanks to the intervention of Italian aristocrats, the Radziwills were released and allowed to leave the country. During the Nazi occupation, the castle was practically not damaged. After the war, the KGB sanatorium was located here.
Now the castle is open to visitors after a large-scale restoration. Everyone can admire the magnificent parks, impregnable walls and the luxurious chambers of the aristocrats. Balls, reenactments of historical battles and knightly tournaments are held here.
On a note
- Location: Palace ensemble, Nesvizh.
- Official website: niasvizh.by
- Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 18.00.
- Tickets: The cost for adults is 100,000 Belarusian rubles. rubles, for schoolchildren and students - 50,000 Belarusian rubles. rubles.
