Stari Zamak

Two castles face each other in the city centre, and although not overly impressive, are still worth a look. The Novi Zamak (New Castle) is to the southeast and the Stari Zamak (Old Castle) to the northwest and each houses a branch of the Historical and Architectural Museum. Between the castles is a wooden carving of Vytautas the Great, the Lithuanian leader responsible for Stari Zamak, which was built in the 14th century on a site the Kyivan Rus settlers had established a few centuries earlier.

The only original remains are the sections of wall to the left as you enter, from which there are nice views across the river. The rest was cheaply refurnished in a pseudomodern style (including linoleum floors). The extensive exhibits in the museum focus on the wars that ravaged Hrodna.