Nesvizh Castle
   Photo: Nesvizh Castle

Nesvizh Castle - the residence of princes Radziwill from the XVI century. The stone castle was built for Nicholas Radziwill the Black Dutch architect instead of standing here earlier wooden castle, owned by a wealthy magnate Peter intestine.

In the XVI century, the son of Nikolai Radziwill the Black - Christopher Radziwill Orphan returning from the Mediterranean countries, was up in the hometown of great change. It weakens the feudal tribute to the city and invites merchants and craftsmen from around the world. The city is growing rapidly, it develops science, education, crafts, infant industry.

The castle became an impregnable fortress. It is surrounded by ramparts, dig a wide and deep ditches. The only wooden bridge is designed so that it can be quickly disassembled in the event of an approaching enemy. By the beginning of the Russian-Polish war of 1654-67, the castle was 28 cannons. Guns cast in the Nesvizh castle or brought from other countries. During the war, the castle has weathered the two sieges.

During the Northern War with Sweden in 1706, the castle was badly damaged. Embankments were destroyed, blown up the ramparts and cannons and handguns drowned in the ditches surrounding the castle. After the war, the reconstruction of the castle began only in 1720. In 1792, during the war with the Polish Confederates, Russian troops seized the castle.

In 1812, during the war against Napoleon's troops, the owner of the castle Dominic Jerome Radziwill was on the side of France. After the war in his native castle, he never returned. In the 1860s the castle was once again returned to the princes Radziwill. By this time, unfortunately, has lost all of its treasures, however, the new rightful owners did not stop. It was started a large garden and park construction. Parks took more than 90 hectares. Among them were: Castle Park, Old Park, Japanese garden, new park, English park.

After the start of World War II, the castle became the refuge of the aristocracy family Radziwill family, but soon the castle was taken by the Red Army Radziwill arrested and taken to Moscow. In 1940, thanks to the intervention of the Italian aristocracy, the Radziwills were released and allowed to leave the country. During the Nazi occupation the castle almost hurt. After the war there was a KGB sanatorium.

Now the castle is open to the public after extensive restoration. All visitors can enjoy beautiful parks, impregnable walls and chic rests of aristocrats. Here organize balls, reconstruction of historical battles and jousting tournaments.

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