Location on map: Novogrudok City Tour
Novogrudok is a city in the Grodno region, the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Historians call at once three dates of its foundation: 1044, 1116 and 1252 years. In addition, two possible founders: Prince Yaroslav the Wise and the first ruler of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Mindovg.
Until the end of the 18th century, it was an imperial city where princes and kings were crowned. Today, its population is about 30,000 people.
Already in the 12th century, Novogrudok was a very rich city. Its inhabitants had houses painted with frescoes. Moreover, most importantly, glazed windows! Despite the fact that even after 500 years in the palace of Peter the Great, the windows were made of mica. There is nothing strange about it. After all, in the 12-14 centuries the city was the capital of the principality. Then – the second most important locality. The Supreme Tribunal of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was held here. Here was the center of the Lithuanian-Novograd Orthodox Metropolitanate and the residence of the Uniate metropolitans.
At the beginning of the 16th century, the city received Magdeburg law, and with it the emblem. On a red background, the Archangel Michael in a black shell and with white wings on his back. He has a sword in his right hand and a scale in his left. Because of the color this black angel is unique. Since in medieval Europe, it was customary to depict divine creatures exclusively in white tones. The uniqueness of Novogrudok is also in the fact that in winter the temperature here is always several degrees lower than in nearby towns and villages.
Perfectly preserved two-story houses. Therefore, the main square, the former Market Square – today Lenin Square, looks the same as in small cities in Poland and the Baltic States.
In the center you can see the St. Nicholas Cathedral. 200 years ago it was the Church of St. Anthony, built by the Franciscans. After that, it was given to the Orthodox, who built the Church of St. Nicholas there. They have preserved the original Baroque appearance of the building.
A little further away is another church – St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Novogrudok. The Dominicans also built the church in the Baroque style. The poet Adam Mickiewicz studied at the school attached to the monastery that co-existed here in the 19th century.
Nevertheless, of particular interest is the stone castle in Novogrudok, its ruins. A unique building of defense architecture. It includes citadel – Castle Hill – with the remains of a stone building and the roundabout town – Small Castle. It is established that from the beginning of the 11th century to the middle of the 13th century, they were restored at least five times. From the Castle Hill, you can see all the surrounding areas in the palm of your hand. This is one of the highest points in the country. On the territory of Novogrudok Castle, knight festivals and tournaments are held annually. Majestic ruins are not only the main attraction of Novogrudok, but also one of the main historical monuments of Belarus.