It will not take lots of time to find the main attraction in the biggest industrial city of Belarus, Lida: it is seen from any place, it literally rises above the city. The monument of the 14th-15th century defensive art, the Castle of Lida, was built at the very beginning of the foundation of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and became the first stone fortress in the state.

The construction of the medieval castle, located on a hill and surrounded by swampy land, began in 1323 on the orders of Grand Duke Gediminas (who gave it another name – the Castle of Gediminas). It was meant to be a barrier for the Crusader Knights on their way to the Grand Duchy. The construction lasted several years and ended in 1330. The stone castle of the square form had two corner observation towers. Massive defensive walls, which are 2 meters thick, had loopholes for bows and crossbows shooting. Beyond the fortress, there were a deep moat and an artificial lake. This was the most impregnable and majestic fortress at that time. Later its territory was built up with residential buildings, utility rooms, and a small Orthodox church.

After the death of Gediminas, Lida became the capital of the lands of Gediminas' son, Duke Algirdas. The next one was his grandson – Polish King Jogaila. During the 14th-18th centuries, the castle protected the local population and fought off enemy attacks. However, its history was full of times of siege, capture, and devastation. The saddest events happened in 1891 when a severe fire destroyed almost the entire city. Later, the city was rebuilt with fortress stones. At that time, the west-south tower and a part of the defensive wall were disassembled. The conservation of the castle began in the 1920s – it is still going on.

Today, the territory of the castle is open for visitors. In summer, there are jousting tournaments and theatrical performances. And in winter – a skating rink in its courtyard.