Birzai Castle, Biržai, Lithuania

Biržai Castle is an earth bastion-type castle. The construction started in 1586 by the order of Krzysztof Mikołaj Radziwiłł. In 1575, preparing for this construction, a dam was built on the Agluona and Apaščia rivers at their confluence, and the artificial Lake Širvėna, covering about 40 km², was created. Major castle building works were finished in 1589.

Since the second half of the 17th century, the castle has been the main seat of the Biržai-Dubingiai Radziwiłł family line, which was transferred here from the Dubingiai Castle. Biržai Castle served as a major defensive structure during the wars with Sweden.

The castle was reconstructed from ruins in the 1980s, in the Renaissance-Baroque style. The residential manor of the castle houses a library and a regional history museum 'Sėla' (literally Selonia), founded in 1928.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Lithuania

Address

Rotušės gatvė 2A, Biržai, Lithuania

See all sites in Biržai

Details

Founded: 1586-1589
Category: Castles and fortifications in Lithuania

More Information

www.birzumuziejus.lt
en.wikipedia.org
www.7seasons.eu
www.way2lithuania.com

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Panevezys Cathedral (59 km)
Skaistkalne Church (20,7 km)
Aizkraukle Castle Ruins (51,7 km)

User Reviews

Edith Talmon (8 months ago)
Awesome place, you can stil sense old history bits in the air... I visited library in the castle as well, really peaceful place.. Love it.

RK Geetha (12 months ago)
Did not visit the castle from inside but from out it looks splendid with a pleasant green garden and walkway. Have an ice-cream at the cart just outside. The ginger flavoured one is hot and nice. The black Berry one has lots of fruit in it. Loved it. The castle premises is surrounded by water bodies-lakes I think, again with lovely paths to walk on. Bucolic. A perfect picnic spot.

Marius Matonis (13 months ago)
Very nice place. You could walk around the castle and get amazing view over Birzai. The entrance still has old entrance and looking good. There was some construction work around area. We were in the evening, so the castle was closed but we will definitely go inside next time.

Simona Jareckaite (13 months ago)
Very pretty and loads of amazing views. A must if you visit the town. Being born in the town, I've always visited the Birzai castle for some walks and relaxation. Museum is amazing and they host a number of events. The beer tasting sessions are a must if you've never been before!

Justinas Lelys (14 months ago)
Very nice and calm place in a small town located in the north of Lithuania. Here you can take some authentic Lithuanian entertainment and taste home brewed beer. Its worth to mention that I had my wedding ceremony here in the balcony of the second floor.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright eiljot

Historic Site of the week

Sirmione Castle

Sirmione castle was built near the end of the 12th century as part of a defensive network surrounding Verona. The castle was maintained and extended first as part of the Veronese protection against their rivals in Milan and later under the control of the Venetian inland empire. The massive fortress is totally surrounded by water and has an inner porch which houses a Roman and Medieval lapidary. From the drawbridge, a staircase leads to the walkways above the walls, providing a marvellous view of the harbour that once sheltered the Scaliger fleet. The doors were fitted with a variety of locking systems, including a drawbridge for horses, carriages and pedestrians, a metal grate and, more recently, double hinged doors. Venice conquered Sirmione in 1405, immediately adopting provisions to render the fortress even more secure, fortifying its outer walls and widening the harbour.

Thanks to its strategical geographical location as a border outpost, Sirmione became a crucial defence and control garrison for the ruling nobles, retaining this function until the 16th century, when its role was taken up by Peschiera del Garda.

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Birzai Castle