Niasvizh

The architectural monuments in Niasvizh

The Palace and Castle Ensemble

The Palace and Castle Ensemble is an outstanding architectural monument. The Castle was founded by M. Radzivil-Sirotka in 1583. The first construction was designed by Jan Maria Bernardoni, an Italian architect. In different historical epochs the castle and masonry buildings were subject to destruction and reconstruction. Rebuilt and unified by architectural details of different styles the buildings encircled a main courtyard. The tower with an entrance arch is designed as the main gateway characteristic of Belarusian architecture. The ensemble as a unit is perceived as a complex structure placed onto a high ground amidst park's water and verdure. The monument's harmony and perfect shapes are amazing and staggering.

The Farny Roman-Catholic Church

The Farny (Jesuitical) Roman-Catholic Church was built between 1584 and 1593 by J.M.Bernardoni in the early Baroque style following the pattern of the Roman temple of El-Jesu. It is the first Jesuitical church of its kind on the territory of the former Rzecz Pospolita. It is a three-nave vaulted basilica with an extended apse. Distinct vertical and horizontal articulations and curved shapers of the upper tier can be traced in the composition of the main facade. The interior of the temple is amazingly solemn and splendid. Prevailing in its decoration are painting and fretwork. The sub-dome space painting restored by the artist I.Hesky in 1752-1754 is especially impressive. The church is a patrimonial burialvault for Radzivil Princes.

The Slucak Gate

This picture was drawn by U.Basalyga
The Slucak Gate (Slutskaja Brama) is an original architectural monument erected at the end of the 16th century. It was a gate through which the town could be entered from the side of the Slucak (Slutsk) high road (see also Slucak) and was incorporated in the fortification system. Its composition was of a fortress nature. In 1760 the gate was rebuilt and acquired typical Baroque features. Now it is compactly situated with a passage arch in the centre and has strong brick walls. The gate facade with its curved pediments and Radzivilles' monogram is extraordinarily plastic and expressive.

The Town Hall

The Town Hall is the most ancient town hall preserved on the territory of Belarus. It was built in the late 16th - early 17th century. From the 17th century onwards the Town Hall was rebuilt and changed significantly by the end of the 19th century. The exterior of the tower has also undergone changes. Once the Town Hall was surrounded by rows of stalls on three sides, whereas now it bears more resemblance to a fortification structure. Its architecture clearly shows traces of the transition period from Renaissance to Baroque.

The Castle Gate Tower

This picture was drawn by U.Basalyga
The Castle Gate Tower was built in the late 16 th century and has preserved its original pre-Baroque architecture. Before the 18 th century the Castle Gate, a kind of a gate linking the town and the palace and castle complex, was added the tower. Red bricks in the walls and a tiled roof in combination with the contrastingly white cornices and embrasure framing make the tower picturesque.

The House in the Market

This picture was drawn by U.Basalyga
The House in the Market is the only surviving town dwelling of the first half of the 18 th century. Once this dwelling-house was owned by a merchant or artisan. The building was radically altered and its original layout cannot be restored. The main facade is in the Baroque style and is fully made of brick. The house is monumental in appearance.

For the preparation of this Page I have used "The City Guide of Niasviz" issued by the Committee of Geodesy of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus.

Maintaining this page is Aliaksiej Sierka

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