Bykhov is an old Belarusian city located on the banks of the Dnieper, not far from the confluence of the Mokranka River. For the first time, a settlement with the name “Bykhov Yard” is mentioned in historical sources dating from 1393. Despite its ancient history, today it is an ordinary provincial city, which would hardly be popular among tourists if it were not for the main local attraction - Bykhov Castle.
Stone Citadel - to be!
In the middle of the XVI century Bykhov was the center of the elder and was ruled by the great king of Poland and the Lithuanian prince Zhigimont I. At that time, the city already had a wooden fortress, protected by an earthen rampart and defensive towers. After some time, the son of Zhigimont I Augustus granted the city with a wooden castle to the Lithuanian hetman Jan Khodkevich. The new owner was called the “Count on Bykhov” and very soon he was faced with an unforeseen problem. Neighbors increasingly began to attack the city, and once they even managed to capture a wooden fortress. And then it was decided to strengthen the city and build a new stone fortification. Bykhov castle was erected in the XVI century, its internal area was 75 x 70 meters. High fortified walls and a deep moat made the fortress impregnable. In the years 1621-1625 Bykhov passed into the possession of the Sapieha clan. New owners immediately rebuild the castle, increasing its area. Inside there is a real palace, outbuildings, a drawbridge is being built at the entrance gate.
The former greatness of the castle in Bykhov
After the rebuilding of the Sapieha citadel, Bykhov Castle had three defensive towers and one entrance. For a long time, this fortress was considered one of the most impregnable in its region. On the territory of the castle there was always a large number of military personnel, there was no shortage of weapons and military vehicles. However, the owners of the citadel did not forget about comfort. The constructed palace had two floors, on the first office premises were located, and on the second - residential chambers and halls for celebrations. The significant role of the castle in Bykhov and in the war between the Russian state and the Commonwealth (second half of XVII). The fortress changed hands several times, once its defense lasted 18 months. In the years 1830-1831 the castle became the property of the Russian treasury by confiscation from the former owners - the Sapeg family.
Turning a Great Fortress into Ruins
The modern history of the citadel in Bykhov is sad. In the mid-19th century, a castle belonging to the Russian Empire loses its strategic importance. In different years, the fortress was used as a prison and military barracks. At the same time, the fortress walls and internal buildings of the castle were not properly monitored, and this building was not recognized as an architectural monument, as a result of which the once great Bykhov castle was dilapidated and destroyed. Recently, production facilities were located on the territory of the ancient landmark. In 2004 there was a fire, after which the fortress, which was not in the best condition even before the incident, was badly damaged. Today it is orphaned ruins that can collapse at any moment. But in fact, before us is a significant architectural monument of the 16th-17th centuries.
Byhov Castle: a description of the attraction today
Today, many tourists traveling in Belarus come to Bykhov. Many of them want to see with their own eyes the ruins of an ancient fortress. Organized excursions do not lead to the once majestic citadel today. Only a few towers, the walls of the palace and outbuildings have survived to our time. All of the listed objects are in terrible condition, overlapping places and vaulted ceilings have already collapsed, in other places they are about to collapse. But despite all this, if possible, you should definitely see Bykhov Castle with your own eyes. The history of the citadel remembers moments of greatness and prosperity, as well as days of defeat and decline. Perhaps the current state of the castle is just another not the best period, and very soon a magnificent revival awaits the ancient walls?
Are you planning a restoration?
Today the citadel in Bykhov is included in the State list of historical and cultural values of the Republic of Belarus. Regularly various foundations and public organizations raise the issue of the need for urgent restoration of an architectural monument. Today the fortress is in a deplorable state, it seems that very soon the surviving fragments of the walls and watchtowers will collapse. Restoration work does not begin due to lack of material base for their implementation. However, some work on this issue has already begun. Preservation will be carried out very soon - a series of events thanks to which Bykhov Castle (Belarus) can be preserved in its current state. This procedure is required in order to prevent further destruction of the object.
