Palace and park ensemble of the 16th-19th centuries. in Nesvizh is located in the north-east of the city, surrounded by ponds of the Usha River. The initiative to build a stone castle belongs to the first Nesvizh ordinate Nikolai Christopher Radziwill “The Orphan” (1549-1616)Radziwill Castle in Nesvizh
The Nesvizh palace and park complex with diverse architecture and the largest landscape park is the most beautiful place in Belarus and one of the most popular attractions in the country.
Nesvizh is located in the Minsk region 112 km southwest of Minsk
The first stone of the foundation of Nesvizh Castle was laid in 1583. The castle was rebuilt many times and as a result acquired the appearance of a palace, combining features of many architectural styles:
Renaissance
baroque
rococo
classicism
neo-Gothic
modernism
Radziwill Sirotka traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. Returning in 1581 from Italy, where he was impressed by Italian military architecture, the prince ordered to build a new one - stone and impregnable, worthy of the name and position of the Radziwills - on the site of the former wooden castle burned by the enemy. Construction began in the spring of 1583 under the direction of the Italian architect Giovanni Bernardoni. Seven years later, a powerful fortress arose on the right bank of the Usha River, bordered on all sides by a wide ditch. The road to it led along a long wooden bridge, which, if necessary, was quickly dismantled
For a whole century, Nesvizh Castle was considered the most perfect fortification in Belarus, having withstood many attacks. Only in 1706 did the troops of Charles XII manage to take it by storm. The Swedes blew up the defensive bastions and plundered property.
A decade later, local architects began to restore the Radziwills' family nest. Under the leadership of the architect Zhdanovich, the castle was rebuilt by the middle of the 18th century. Separately located buildings were combined into one with a large courtyard, and a palace chapel was added. After the renovation, it looked like a secular palace; defensive features faded into the background. The formation of the palace and park ensemble was completed by the laying of a landscape park in 1879.
Nesvizh Castle and park with decorative lakes and shady alleys is the most beautiful palace and park ensemble in Belarus, attracting many tourists.
By the way, no one can say for sure how the name of the city came about. There are several hypotheses and legends. One says that previously in the Nesvizh region there was a large hill - Mount Invisible, because of which it was impossible to “see” anything. Then it was washed away into several smaller hills, but out of habit the city was called “Nesvizh”.
The hero of the second legend is one of the Radziwill princes, who hunted in the surrounding forests. There was a lot of loot, so it was not possible to take it away right away. It was necessary to leave in place the carcass of the bear that the prince personally killed, for which the slaves were later to return. Only they were in no hurry to return and the carcass spoiled. Since then these places have been called “stale”.
How to get to Nesvizh Palace and where to stay
Nesvizh Palace and Park Complex The most convenient way to arrive in Nesvizh is by car. The city is connected by roads with Baranovichi, Novogrudok, Stolbtsy and the Minsk-Slutsk highway.
You can come to Nesvizh by bus from Minsk - the trip takes about three hours.
There is a hotel in Nesvizh. You can also stay in Minsk and come to Nesvizh for the day.
Other attractions near Nesvizh Castle
In addition to the Nesvizh Castle in the city, you should visit:
Nesvizh Benedictine Monastery
Nesvizh Jesuit Church (Farny Church) (Baroque 16th century)
Market Square, where the town hall and shopping arcades are located.
Not far from Nesvizh there is Mir Castle.