Nesvizh Castle (Belarus) can be called the most visited and interesting palace and park complex, located on the territory of this country. It is about him that we will talk today. First, let's talk about where Nesvizh Castle is located in Belarus. It is located in the Minsk region, in the city of Nesvizh (about 120 km from Minsk).
Wooden and stone castle
Even in chronicles dating back to the 13th century, Nesvizh Castle is mentioned. Its owner at that time was Yuri Nesvizhsky, and then Prince Kishka. Nesvizh Castle (Belarus) in those days was wooden. Soon this building was destroyed. To the Radziwills, the richest family of the Principality of Lithuania, his possessions passed.
Nikolai Radziwill, also known as the Orphan, laid the foundation of a stone castle in 1583. This man traveled a lot in Italy. He really liked the architecture of this country. To build his castle, he decided to invite Giovanni Bernardoni, an Italian architect. On the river bank Ears after 7 years a fortress was erected.
The castle was made in the form of a rectangle. He was surrounded (as today) by a moat with water. This moat was fortified with stones, and bastions with weapons were located around the perimeter. The only wooden bridge led to the castle. At any moment it could be raised.
12 apostles
In addition to valuable collections of books, paintings, weapons and diamonds, there was an invaluable collection made of pure silver and gold, decorated with precious stones of the 12 apostles. They were cast, according to one version, Radziwill Michael Casimir. In the early 16th century, he found Tatar gold. Thanks to this find, as they say, the castle was restored after the devastating Northern War, which lasted from 1700 to 1725.
The robbers made several attempts to steal the golden apostles. Because of this, real statues were safely hidden, and skillful copies made of wax and strewn with fake stones were placed in the Blue Hall. Over time, wax figures were also placed next to the apostles who tried to steal the robbers. So there was a collection of wax figures, the first in the world.
The ruin and rebuilding of the castle
Nesvizh Castle in Belarus, whose history knew many attempts to capture it, remained impregnable for a long time. However, in 1706, when the Northern War broke out, it was conquered by the Swedish troops and ravaged. The castle was rebuilt again in 1726 and appeared to the world in all its glory. Now it was, rather, not even a castle, but a palace. 12 luxurious rooms were housed inside, as well as a collection of jewelry and weapons and a rich library.
Nesvizh Castle in 1768 again suffered from an attack, now by Russian troops. Niasvizh in 1792 was included in the Russian Empire. He lost his defensive functions, but remained the residence of the Radziwill family.
Radziwills leave the castle
In 1812, World War II began. Dominic Radziwill, who at that time owned the castle, went over to the side of Napoleon. After some time, he had to leave his house. Dominic fled to France. The valuables and possessions stored in the castle were confiscated by Russian troops.
New owners
Nesvizh Castle only in 1860 returned to the Radziwills. Its new owners rebuilt the palace. Beautiful parks were laid out next to it: Japanese Garden, Castle Park, English Park, New Park, Old Park. Almost 90 ha amounted to their total area.
Castle during the Second World War and in the years after it
Until 1939, the Radziwills inhabited this castle. Its building during the Second World War practically did not suffer. The headquarters of the German army was located at that time in it. After the war, the Nesvizh sanatorium operated in the Nesvizh castle.
Restoration in the 2000s
However, in peacetime, destruction did not pass by Nesvizh Castle (Belarus). In 2002, on the night of December 24 to 25, the central building of the palace was engulfed in flames. The castle began to be restored in 2004. Four years later, the reconstructed part was opened for visitors. In 2011, work was completed.
Castle today
Today, about 30 exposition halls operate in Nesvizh Castle. This architectural monument does not cease to amaze visitors with its internal contents and chic design. From literary sources we learn that each of its halls had its own unique appearance and its own name. There were stoves made of earthenware and tile decorated with stucco, as well as fireplaces with heraldic images made of metal. On the walls of the castle were carved oak panels and gilded stucco. Everything about the Radziwills reflected here: plafonds with stucco moldings and murals, chic furniture, parquet on the floor, luxurious mirrors and chandeliers that match the style of the era. Unfortunately, over time, many items that were stored in the castle were taken out by the invaders or destroyed. Today its history has to be collected bit by bit from foreign countries and cities of Belarus. Since 2006, Nesvizh Castle (Belarus) has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Castle legend
This castle, like everyone, has its own legend - about the spirit of Barbara Radziwill (Black Panny). According to legend, Barbara Radziwill and Sigismund, the Polish king, fell in love. They decided to secretly get married. However, kings, as you know, cannot marry for love. In the wife of Sigismund, another woman was cooked. The Queen Mother did not want to accept Barbara and make her Queen. She decided to turn to her pharmacist for a potion. He helped poison an unwanted relative.
King Sigismund really missed her. He went to Nesvizh and aroused the spirit of his beloved in a seance. He was given the condition by no means to touch the spirit of Barbara. However, when he saw her, he could not restrain himself. Sigismund touched his lover. There was an explosion. After this event, the disturbed soul of her beloved Sigismund did not manage to find a way back. Her ghost has since settled in Nesvizh Castle. He always appears before the onset of trouble. Rumor has it that the ghost of Barbara was seen before the fire that occurred in 2002. As a result, Nesvizh Castle was damaged.
What can I see
Since the castle was rebuilt several times, today it combines several styles in its architecture: Renaissance, Classicism, Baroque, Modernism. The palace itself, the eastern and southern galleries, the arsenal are currently open for guests - you can see all this by going to Nesvizh Castle (Belarus). The cost of visiting for adults is about $ 7, for children and students - about 3.5. An audio guide will cost you $ 2, and a 45-minute tour will cost you $ 7.
Nesvizh castle today is visited by tourists from many countries. It is always quite crowded here on weekends, so we advise you to inspect it whenever possible on a weekday. They say that the palace does not cope with a large flow of tourists. Because of this, reduced tours. And during the World Hockey Championship in Minsk, he worked several hours longer.
Special attention should be paid to the landscape parks located near the castle. The beauty of the local nature can be enjoyed for a long time. Many tourists are advised to allocate an entire day for the inspection of the palace and park complex. It is especially nice to stroll in the spring when the trees bloom. It is interesting to see the city of Nesvizh itself.
