Next stop after Nesvizh Castle was Mir about 20 kms away. The word means peace and was a gathering place of all cultures (similar to the Mir Space Station today). 

This was built before Nesvizh and only lasted for 70 years as all the sons died of various causes. The family from Nesvizh took over as their summer and hunting residence. 

 


The small town of Mir was a multi ethnic community. They had a Synagogue and Rabbi training school. Gypsies would also steal animals and resell them at the cattle market. There was also a Mosque, Catholic, and Orthodox Church. During Soviet times this was all brought to an end. 

 

 
Entrance to the castle was 12 BR ($9). It was similar in design to Turku Castle in Finland. There is also a hotel with an elevator which almost didnt allow it to receive Unesco designation. 

There were tapestries, armour, state rooms, cellars, and kitchen.  

 


You could also climb up the steep turrets. With my lack of sleep I'd been dozing off in the car and this was a workout I wasnt prepared for climbing up and down on all fours.

Outside in the grounds was a church which had the crypt of seven family members. We were back in town by 4pm as I dozed in the car again. 

 
 
 






























 
I found a souvenir shop next to the GUM dept store, a bit cheaper. I got a fabric cloth for 5 BR ($4.25). For lunch I went to TGIF one of the most expensive restaurants and got a cajan chicken salad with cheese mash potato side for 10 RB ($7.50).  

This was a really good day trip to both castles highly recommended. You soon forget about the expensive cost of hiring a private guide to get here. With the growth of more tourism hopefully they will organize cheaper bus tours. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 


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