Biržai Castle

Biržai, Lithuania, Lithuania

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Biržai Castle is a historic fortress in northern Lithuania that was built between 1586 and 1589 by the influential Radziwiłł (Radvila) family.

Designed as an Italian-style bastion fortress, it was one of the first and most advanced defensive structures of its kind in northeastern Europe and played a key role in protecting Lithuania’s northern borders. The castle was heavily involved in the wars between Lithuania and Sweden during the 17th century. It was besieged, damaged, and rebuilt several times before being destroyed again during the Great Northern War in 1704 and left in ruins for many years.

Today, the castle has been carefully reconstructed and serves as one of Lithuania’s most important heritage sites. It houses the Sėla Regional Museum and is surrounded by fortifications and Lake Širvėna, offering visitors a fascinating look into the region’s history, architecture, and culture.