Secret tunnels of Nesvizh Castle: myths and real passages

Nesvizh Castle is one of Belarus’s most renowned landmarks. Behind its austere walls lies a tangle of stories, and chief among them are the mysterious underground passages. Some believe they once connected the fortress to another castle, while others are sure the corridors served defensive needs.

Legends about secret tunnels

Many locals are convinced a long subterranean route lies beneath Nesvizh and runs all the way to Mir Castle. In those accounts, the Radziwill princes could even visit one another by carriage, hidden from the world above. It’s easy to see why the legend endures.

Some residents say their ancestors knew about this tunnel and had even seen its entrances. Researchers, however, have found no proof so far. The passage may have collapsed long ago or been sealed with stone.

Real underground passages

The romantic tunnel remains elusive, but genuine underground routes at Nesvizh are real. One connects the gunner’s house with the bastions, letting soldiers move weapons and supplies out of sight. Another handled drainage and helped provision the castle during a siege.

Certain sections are bricked up, and no one can say for sure where they lead. Perhaps, in time, archaeologists will bring more hidden corridors to light.

Why were the tunnels needed?

The primary purpose was defense. The passages allowed fighters to move quickly, appear unexpectedly in different parts of the fortress, or even flee if danger closed in. There are also versions suggesting peacetime use—discreet meetings and negotiations—but no documents confirm that.

What is known today?

Several underground routes are already open to visitors. They are being examined with modern technology, and more may yet surface. Nesvizh Castle keeps its counsel for now; somewhere beneath its foundations could lie discoveries that reveal even more of this remarkable stronghold’s secrets.