KREVO. RUINS OF KREVSKY CASTLE.

Krevsky Castle came into possession from the Lithuanian prince Gedemin to his son Olgerd.

The fortress walls of the castle, made of red brick and stone, had the shape of an irregular quadrangle. The height of the walls reached 12 meters, and the thickness reached 3 meters. The foundation of the structure itself goes 4 meters deep. The large four-tiered tower served for defense purposes and was at the same time the prince’s residence. It is known that in the dungeon of the tower there was a prison, and the castle was surrounded by a moat with water.

Krevsky Castle was an eyewitness to many historical events.

In 1382, in the castle, on the orders of Prince Jagiello, his uncle, Prince Keistut, was killed, since he was his contender for the grand-ducal throne.

In 1385, a significant event took place here - the Union of Krevo was signed between Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which became evidence of the unification of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania under the leadership of Prince Jagiello.

In the 16th century, the castle repelled attacks by Tatar and Moscow troops several times.

The best period for Krevo is considered to be the second half of the 17th-18th centuries - this is the time when the town was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Subsequently, the castle was the scene of many military operations; it was repeatedly damaged and restored again, and changed owners many times.

By the beginning of the 19th century, Krevsky Castle lost its strategic importance, was abandoned and began to collapse, and the First and Second World Wars led to the final destruction of the castle structure, as it was actively used in battles.

In 1929, conservation of the remains of the walls was carried out.

Since 2005, a charitable foundation has been operating in Krevo, which was created with the aim of preserving the ruins of the Krevo Castle as an architectural and historical monument.

In the village of Krevo you can look at the ruins of a synagogue from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as visit such local attractions as the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky, built in 1854, and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord, built in 1995. Those who are interested in the history of the agricultural town itself, the history of the Krevsky Castle from the moment of its construction to the present day, should visit the Krevsky Museum of History and Local Lore.

Every summer, a festival-fair is organized near the walls of the Krevsky Castle, where a special atmosphere reigns: theatrical performances about the legends of the Krevsky Castle, historical exhibitions and reconstructions that recreate the events of ancient times, as well as crafts fairs with master classes by artisans.