Mir Castle

Castle history

The castle, which has a rich five-hundred-year history, is located in the township of Mir in the Grodno region. It was founded at the end of the 15th century and served for many years as a fortress and residence for the local nobility. The magnate Y. Ilyinich initiated the construction. The frequent raids by the Tatars, as well as tense relations between feudal groups within the country, led to the building of the fortification. Under Ilyinich, five towers were erected, connected by thick walls, but the construction of the citadel was not completed.

In the second half of the 16th century, Mir passed into the possession of the famous magnate Radziwill family. By order of Nikolai Christopher Radziwill, known by the nickname "The Orphan", three-story residential buildings were erected at the castle walls, several towers were re-planned, fortifications were piled up and a moat was dug. Later, the owner of Mir moved to Nesvizh, making Mir Castle his country residence.

For centuries, the defensive fortification was subjected to enemy attacks, destroyed, and then rebuilt again by the efforts of the Radziwill family.

At the end of the 19th century, the castle first passed to prince Lev Wittgenstein, then was sold to the cossack ataman Nikolai Svyatopolk-Mirsky. By order of the new owner, a two-story palace, a spirit production factory, and a picturesque pond, which would later become part of an English landscape park, were built next to the citadel.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Nikolai Svyatopolk-Mirsky's son Mikhail began restoration work on the building's territory that lasted for 16 years. However, in 1939 the Red Army entered the village of Mir and a production cooperative was stationed in the castle territory.

During the Great Patriotic War, Mir was under German occupation. After the war ended, local residents who had lost their homes due to the military actions lived in the citadel.

The year 1983 marked the beginning of long-term restoration work on the building. The restoration actions included the reconstruction of destroyed architectural elements, interiors, and lost decorative details. The task facing the specialists was to recreate the unique architectural features of the building, which included elements of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles. Thanks to the work of historians and restorers, Mir Castle regained its former beauty and majesty. Nine years later, a museum exposition first opened in one of the towers, and in 2010, the castle complex ceremoniously opened its doors to the first visitors.

In 2000, the castle was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, underlining its uniqueness and importance to the world's architectural heritage. Since its opening, Mir Castle has been in the top places recommended for visitors to Belarus.

What awaits tourists at Mir Castle?

Visitors to the castle complex will never find themselves bored. They are offered:

1. To take thematic or theatrical tours. Guides will share the history and architecture of the castle, along with fascinating legends associated with this place. As part of the tour, guests can visit:

• The museum;
• Exhibitions in the central and southwest towers;
• The prison basement;
• The park complex;
• The inner courtyard;
• The chapel with the burials of the Princes Svyatopolk-Mirsky.

2. To participate in quests based on local legends, solve historical puzzles and mystical secrets of the castle.

3. To rent bicycles, ride around the picturesque surroundings, admire the natural beauty of Mir.

4. To have lunch at the restaurant located in the basement of Mir Castle, where food is prepared according to ancient recipes. Visitors can taste dishes that were served to princes and noble families during their time.

5. To purchase memorable souvenirs and Belarusian handicrafts in the souvenir shop.

Besides traditional tours, the castle hosts:

• Concert events: "Musical Evenings at Mir Castle", "Musical World", "Songs About the Main", ballet evenings and other musical programs;
• Historical costume shows that recreate the medieval atmosphere;
• Theatrical performances;
• Craft fairs;
• Knight festivals and historical reconstructions;
• Exhibitions and expositions dedicated to Belarusian art.

New Year's balls, charity events, scientific conferences, museum forums, concerts dedicated to national holidays are organized within the walls of the castle.

The popularity of this place is evidenced by the fact that in August 2022, the Mir castle complex welcomed its 3-millionth visitor. If you have not yet been among the guests of Mir, explore the website of the castle complex, choose an event that suits your interest, and plan your visit. 

How to get to Mir Castle from Minsk:

• By minibus or bus from the central bus station;
• By car on the M1 Moscow-Brest highway with a subsequent turn to Mir;
• By transport as part of an excursion program from a travel company.

You can come to Mir for several days at once - a cozy hotel operates within the castle walls, the rooms of which combine modern comfort and the historical atmosphere of the Middle Ages.