Log In
The red-bricked Mir Castle is an early 16th century Belarusian Gothic castle that is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Belarus. The building was finished in the late 16th century in the Renaissance style and later restored in the Baroque style, so it combines elements of all three. Despite being severely damaged on several occasions (including Napoleon’s 1812 assault on Russia), it has remained intact and is currently being restored again.
The castle includes five towers (one at each corner and a fifth central one with a drawbridge) and a three-story palace. The towers were built to accommodate cannons firing from their heights, and the central one reaches 25 meters high. The impressive castle walls reach 13 meters high and are up to 3 metres thick. There used to be a moat and an artificial lake, but only the lake remains. A small museum containing historical castle items is located in one of the towers, accessible via a steep spiral staircase.
Only the museum tower and museum are accessible currently as the rest is being restored. You can otherwise view the castle from outside or from the courtyard.Admission fees and hours refer to the museum.
