- Type
- Castle
- Built
- c. 1323 · 14th century
- Style
- Romanesque architecture
- Commissioned by
- Gediminas
- Coordinates
- 53.8872°, 25.3024°
History
Lida Castle was built on the orders of Grand Duke Gediminas of Lithuania, probably around 1323, on a rise between the Lidzeya and Kamenka rivers. It was an irregular quadrangle with walls of fieldstone and brick and two corner towers, while the buildings in the courtyard were of timber. In the late 14th century, during the struggle between Jogaila and Vytautas, the Teutonic Knights besieged it several times. In the mid-17th century it was wrecked by Muscovite troops and in the early 18th century by the Swedes during the Great Northern War, after which it fell into ruin. Rebuilding of the walls began in the 1980s, and both corner towers were reconstructed in the 21st century.
What to see
High walls enclose a spacious courtyard that hosts knightly tournaments and medieval festivals in summer. The rebuilt towers house historical exhibitions, and from the wall-walks you look over the pond and the centre of Lida. The castle stands in the heart of town, so a visit combines easily with a stroll through the old streets.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q2634748
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