Mirsky Castle Complex - World cultural heritage in Belarus

Unesco's Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization has recognized the Belarusian castle of Mirsky as a World Cultural Heritage in 2000.

Mirsky castle complex is located in Mir city of Karelichy in Hrodna province, Belarus, about 30 km from Nesvizh castle .

The population of Mirsky castle was built around the 15th century in Gothic style . At first the castle was only 1 block, not a whole population as it is today. From the first building built with Gothic style, the castle was built to add many parts with different styles such as Renaissance and Baraque style . After being abandoned for a long time of nearly a century, this structure suffered serious damage. It was not until the 19th century that the castle began to be restored. Also during this restoration, some of the surrounding landscape and outside the castle grounds were added. In 2000, the Mirsky castle complex was recognized by Unesco under the criteria (ii), (iv).

Criterion (ii): Mirsky castle complex is a testament to the continuation of culture and design styles from Gothic to Renaissance and Baraque schools. The combination of architectural schools has created an impressive work among the early Europeans.

Criterion (iv): The population of Mirsky Castle is located in an area with a long history of unity between cultures and politics.

The first building of the complex of Mirsky castle was built by Duke Llinich in the late 15th century, consisting of high walls and towers. These architectures were built in a Gothic style. Not long after that, construction was stopped for some reason. By 1568, Mirsky castle was transferred ownership to the Duke of Radvila - the Duke of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The duke was the one who added a few Renaissance-style parts including a three-story mansion built along the east and north walls of the original castle. Large villa with many living rooms, magnificent and magnificent dining rooms. These structures were assigned by the Duke of Radvila to the Italian architect Maria Bernardoni.

From 1655 to 1705, Mirsky castle complex was built, repaired and added a few other small architectural and works. Buildings built during this period have Baraque style. After the golden age, the castle was degraded and abandoned for nearly a century.

In 1813, after the death of Duke Dominik Radvila, the complex of Mirsky castle was given to his daughter Stefania. Stefania married Ludwig zu Sayn - Wittgenstein Berleburg and had a daughter Maria. Maria was married to Prince Chlodwig Hohenloche - Schilingsfurst born son Maurice Hohenloche - Schilingsfurst. In 1895, the son Maurice Hohenloche - Schilingsfurst sold the castle to Nikolaj Sviatopolk Mirsky. Nikolaj's son Michail began rebuilding the castle at the beginning of the 19th century and by 1939 the repair and rebuilding of some new parts was completed. During this repair and rebuild, Michail Sviatopolk Mirsky asked the famous architect of the time, Teodor Bursze. Architect Teodor Bursze has designed a small park and a lake outside the castle, this extra work has really added to the attractiveness and romance of Mirsky Castle.

It can be said, Mirsky castle complex is a beautiful architecture with many different architectural styles combined together to create a harmonious whole. The architectural sections are mostly built of bricks, windows and a sandstone balcony frame. In the compound of the castle of Mirsky, there are also constructions which are architectural marvels such as churches, landscaped gardens, lakes . Especially the church with façade decorated with pictures. The carved image of Kito, in the basement of the church, is the tomb of the Mirsky family.

During World War II, the population of Mirsky castle was occupied by the Nazi army as a place of Jewish imprisonment before killing them. Until 1982, the castle was restored once more, restored to return to its original heyday. During this time, a small memorial was also erected to commemorate the victims of the World War II massacre.