Navahrudak Castle is a poorly preserved medieval citadel located near Navahrudak, Grodno Region in Belarus. It dates back to the 14th century.
Location: Navahrudak, Grodno Region Map
Constructed: 14th century
Navahrudak Castle was constructed by Grand Duchy of Lithuania as a
defense of the Eastern borders against intrusion of armies of
Russian duchies. First military fortifications stood here in the
14th century. Originally it consisted of a stone keep and few wooden
curtain walls. The central tower was known as a Schitovka or a
Shield tower implying its strategic role in defending the whole
fortress. in 1274 Navahrudak Castle was besieged by Russian and
Tatar forces who failed to take the fortress.
In 1314
Navahrudak Castle was attacked by knights of the Teutonic Order
under leadership of Heinrich von Plotzke. Attack was defeated, but
the central keep was badly damaged. It was rebuilt and reached a
total height of 25 meters. Wall thickness reached a total thickness
of 3 meters. Draw bridge could be raised locking defenders of the
tower from attacking forces. It was the last resort for the
defenders of Navahrudak Castle. South part of Shitovka had a stone
staircase. Much of the space was taken for housing of troops.
According to some historic sources it was a location of coronation
of king of Lithuania Mindaugas. Some historians even suggested that
he might also be buried here. The search for his grave still
continues despite failure to find any significant evidence.
During the reign of Vytautas the Great four more towers were added
to safeguard the fortress. However changing military tactics
couldn't save Navahrudak Castle as a military stronghold. It fell in
disrepair and was largely used as a military barrack rather than a
military fortification. Navahrudak Castle was further damaged by
invading Russian troops during Russo- Polish War of 1654- 1667.
Navahrudak Castle finally lost any strategic importance in a war
between Swedes and Russians in a Great Northern War. No one
attempted to reconstruct fallen walls of Navahrudak Castle.
Remaining ruins were used by the local peasants as a stone quarry
for the their local needs. Today Navahrudak Castle is a site for
jousting and medieval re-enactment.