Molodechno. The ancient settlement.
Monument of archeology
Belarus, Minsk region, Molodechno district, Molodechno
Description
In the northern part of Molodechno, not far from the highway leading to Vileika, there is a settlement covering an area of 120 by 80 meters. This archaeological site could more accurately be called a castle, since in the 14th century a powerful wooden fortress with high walls and defensive towers was built here. Later, representatives of various noble families became owners of the castle.
The castle in Molodechno, included in the list of historical and cultural values of Belarus, is the most important archaeological monument of the city. It is from this place, where the castle once stood on the right bank of the Berezina River, that the history of Molodechno begins.
Categories
Historical
Comments
Reviews to the Place
1Ольга Ерёменко
02.06.2025
The castle in Molodechno.
The castle in Molodechno, included in the list of historical and cultural values of Belarus, is the most important archaeological monument of the city. It is from this place, where the castle once stood on the right bank of the Berezina River, that the history of Molodechno begins. Initially, the castle served as a powerful defensive structure.
Built in the 16th century, Molodechno Castle was an impressive wooden fortress with high walls and towers. In 1519, it became the scene of a fierce battle between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Muscovite state. During its history, the castle has changed many famous owners. Since 1617, it belonged to Hetman Lev Sapieha, then passed to Mikhail Kotl, who inherited it from Rosalia Oginskaya. In 1736, Rosalia bequeathed the castle to Tadeusz Oginsky, and since then, for more than a hundred years, this land belonged to the Oginsky family. Under the Oginskys, the wooden fortress was transformed into an elegant palace with a glass greenhouse and a picturesque park.
The war of 1812 with Napoleon caused serious damage to the castle, but it was not rebuilt. During the war of 1812, Napoleon stayed at Molodechno Castle.
Less than a hundred years after that, the castle was abandoned and gradually finally demolished in 1880.
Nowadays, only earthen ramparts and fragments of foundations have been preserved on the site of the castle.
The remains of the Castle are located on a rectangular area measuring 120 by 80 meters.