Spring in Nesvizh Palace and Park Ensemble

Nesvizh is one of Belarus’ oldest and most famous towns with a long-standing and eventful history. The town was first mentioned in chronicles in 1446. The history of the town goes hand in hand with the history of one of Europe’s once richest dynasties - the Radziwills who acquired the place in the first half of the 16th century.

The construction of the castle in Nesvizh was completed by 1600, but later it was rebuilt more than once. The princely residence was not just a powerful fortress, but also an architectural masterpiece that combined many architectural styles. The fortification complex had a quadrangular shape with bastions at the corners and a moat surrounding it. A wooden bridge linked the fortress with the town. It could be easily dismantled in the event of an attack. The palace consisted of several buildings that enclosed a square in the middle. The buildings included barracks, warehouses with provisions, a bakery, a foundry, and also a prison.

Today, Nesvizh Castle is a keeper of cultural and spiritual values, photographs and books donated by the descendants of the ancient family and private collectors. Most of the princely chambers have been restored and are open to the public. These are the ballroom, the women's boudoir, the armory, the hunting hall and the chapel.

The town is home to the National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Nesvizh with the famous Nesvizh Castle included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Jesuit Catholic Church (Farny), the 16th century Town Hall and a number of other architectural monuments.