By Dmitry Smirnov: In Grodno, one of the most ambitious projects is under way - the reconstruction of the Old Castle of Stephen Báthory.
Experts estimate this reconstruction as the largest one since the castles in Mir and Nesvizh. And it's not just about the funding - builders here work near archaeologists who opened several excavations and intend to reach the bridge dating back to the times of Prince Vytautas the Great.
Belarusian architects in Krakow specifically studied the works of Santi Gucci, the architect of the Grodno royal palace, to recreate all the details and materials.
The first settlements appeared here in the late 10th century. The fortress wall of the Old Castle, and later the stone towers were built. The palace of Stephen Báthory - the Polish king and the Grand Duke of Lithuania - was in fact the capital residence of the then kingdom. It appeared here in the late 16th century. It was this historic era that was taken as a basis for reconstruction.
Now, only the first stage of reconstruction began. It will not be completed until 2020. During this time, from the side of the Neman River, the entrance and middle towers will be built, the fortress wall will be restored and the towers will be connected by a gallery. Meanwhile, archaeologists will continue their work, too. They are planning to build a comfortable canopy over the excavation itself, as well as to warm up the earth - otherwise, it will be impossible to unearth the secrets of the Old Castle. Scientists are determined to work in winter.
