Nesvizh castle description and photos - Belarus: Nesvizh (Topic)

Nesvizh castle description and photos - Belarus: Nesvizh. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photos and a map showing the nearest significant objects.

Photo and description

Nesvizh Castle has been the residence of the Radziwill princes since the 16th century. The stone castle was built for Nikolai Radziwill the Black by Dutch architects instead of the previously standing wooden castle that belonged to the richest tycoon Petr Kishka.

In the 16th century, the son of Nikolai Radziwill the Black - Christopher Radziwill Orphan, returning from the Mediterranean countries, starts in his native a big change in the city. 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, industry is emerging.

The 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 so that it can be quickly disassembled in case 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 were brought from other countries. During the war, the castle successfully withstood two sieges.

During the Great 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. By this time, unfortunately, he had lost all his treasures, but this did not stop the rightful owners. A large landscape gardening construction began here. The parks cover 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. All comers can admire the magnificent parks, impregnable walls and chic chambers of the aristocrats. Balls, reenactments of historical battles and knightly tournaments are held here.

Note

• Location: Palace ensemble, Nesvizh.
• Official website: niasvizh.by
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 to 18.00.
• Tickets: Cost for adults - 100,000 Belarusian rubles. rubles, for pupils and students - 50,000 Belarusian rubles. rubles.

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Topic: Nesvizh castle description and photos - Belarus: Nesvizh.