Minsk Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Central Minsk, Belarus.
Minsk Castle was a wooden fortification built at the confluence of two rivers to protect the city with high walls and several watchtowers. The entire structure relied on timber construction and played a central role in defending medieval Minsk.
This fortification was founded in the second half of the 11th century as a military bastion of the Principality of Polotsk against invasions from the south. It marked the beginning of Minsk's history as a fortified settlement.
The site housed religious structures that show it served as a spiritual center for the community. Archaeological finds suggest that people gathered here for worship across many generations.
The site lies today beneath March 8 Square in the city center, where protected archaeological layers are visible beneath modern urban development. It is easily accessible and located in the middle of downtown.
Studies of wooden remains show that this fortification is older than Minsk's first written mention in historical chronicles. This makes it key evidence for the city's early history beyond what written texts reveal.
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