One of the most important historical monuments of Hrodna is the Old Castle located on Zamkavaja Vulica in a picturesque place on the bank of the Nioman.

The first mention of the Old Castle dates back to the 11th century, when a protective wooden structure was built. After the fire of 1398, the Grand Duke Vitaŭt ordered to construct a Gothic five-tower castle on its site. In 1579, the castle was rebuilt into a Renaissance palace by order of the King and Grand Duke Stefan Batoryj and became a royal residence. In the middle of the 17th century, the castle was badly damaged by Russian troops during the war of 1654–1667. However, thanks to the efforts of the Hrodna head Kryštap Žyhimont Pac, it was rebuilt.

In 1708, during the Great Northern War, the castle was burnt down by the Swedes, and in 1729 another reconstruction was carried out in the Old Castle.

After the annexation of Belarus to the Russian Empire in the 19th century, the Old Castle was transformed into the royal barracks. There was also a hotel, an officer's casino and a military library here. In 1924 the building of the Old Castle was transferred to the museum. Today there are also many exhibits of the historical and archaeological museum.

The works that provided the reconstruction of the building began in 2015. According to the plan, the castle should be restored to its historical appearance, which was characteristic of the building during the reign of Stefan Batoryj.

Publication date: 20.08.2020.

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