Mozyr Castle

For a long time, Mozyr remained an important trade and economic center of the Kyiv and later the Turov principality. In the Middle Ages, the heart of the town was the Castle Hill, on which a fortified wooden enclosure was located. In the 15th century, a wooden castle was built on its site. It is first mentioned in the chronicles at the beginning of the 16th century. Originally, the castle had three watchtowers, and inside there was a prince's palace, utility buildings, a church, and a deep well. The log walls of the structure were four layers thick and reached a width of over a meter. The Mozyr castle was surrounded on three sides by the Pripyat River, and trees and bushes in the area were carefully cut down so that enemies couldn't approach unnoticed.

The high defensive capabilities did not always save the castle from enemy raids. As a result of military actions, rebellions, and Tatar invasions, the Mozyr Castle was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. In the 16th century, the castle's territory expanded, and two more towers were added to it. From this time, the castle area began to be conventionally divided into the "New" and "Old" castle, although the defensive structures were combined into a single whole.

In the middle of the 17th century, Mozyr was captured by Prince Janusz Radziwill, who ordered the castle to be burned to the ground. Thus, the prince decided to take revenge on the locals for supporting the uprising under the leadership of B. Khmelnitsky. Since then, the defensive structure was no longer restored.

The New Mozyr Castle

In 2005, in honor of the city's 850th anniversary, a decorative replica of the Mozyr Castle was recreated in the historical center of Mozyr. The wooden structure stands on the banks of the Pripyat River, on Castle Hill, which is now called the Hill of the Communards. The modern castle looks different from its ancient predecessor since no documents have been preserved about the appearance of the ancient building.

The castle in Mozyr is not just a reconstructed architectural object but a historical and tourist complex. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by wooden gates adorned with the city's coat of arms and a commemorative boulder. The castle comprises three towers, each housing various exhibits:

• Administrative Tower.
• Armory Tower – here, you can find photos of old Mozyr, mock-ups of ancient weapons, portraits of historical figures like Janusz Radziwill, B. Khmelnytsky, and Prince Sigismund. At the top of the tower is a bell. It's said that if you ring it and make a wish, it will come true.
• Hunting Tower – visitors can see a simulation of an animal pen, a medieval dining table with prop dishes made from straw. The walls inside the tower are adorned with animal hides and stuffed animals, and the arrow slits offer a view of the surrounding area.

A part of the entertainment and historical complex is the Mozyr Local History Museum. It houses:

• An exhibit dedicated to the internationalist soldiers who fought in Afghanistan.
• A nature hall, informing visitors about the inhabitants of the Belarusian Polesie.
• An archaeological exhibit where you can see mammoth teeth, women's jewelry, coins, fragments of glass and ceramic items, fishing gear, and other artifacts found during excavations in the Mozyr region.

Within the Mozyr Castle grounds, you can find:

• The Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, built on the site of a temple destroyed in the 18th century.
• Viewing and observation platforms, offering a city panorama and a splendid view of the Pripyat River.
• Cozy pavilions and benches.
• A table with large chess pieces for those wanting to play a game or two.
• A well filled with stones.
• Photo zones.
• Souvenir shops.

Inside the castle walls, wooden warriors are securely guarding.

City holidays, concerts, fairs, festivals of folk and medieval music are held on the territory of the castle complex, historical reconstructions are carried out. It is a favorite resting spot for both residents and visitors. There is an admission fee to enter the castle, and museum entry is included in the ticket price. The Mozyr Castle is open daily except Mondays. You can get to Mozyr from Minsk by bus, minibus, or car.