Biržai and the Radziwiłł

This permanent collection showcases the turbulent history of Biržai, its manors and the fortress. During this long period, Biržai was ruled by the Radziwiłł family. These aristocrats have left their mark on the history of not only Biržai, but also Lithuania and Poland. 

Surviving renaissance cross vault, masonry and plaster fragments, which are kept at the museum, reveal some of the former splendor and wealth of the Radziwiłł family. The most important object held here is a supporting wall blasted in 1704 explosion during Swedish attack on the castle. Collection also includes dolomite, stucco and tiles from second half of the 16th and early 17th century. The exhibition hall houses a large model of Biržai bastion fortress and castle engraving by Thomas Makowski, Polish cartographer. Other documents include Magdeburg privileges from 1589 and 1642, town seals from 17th and 18th century and map from 1645 by Józef Naronowicz-Naroński, Polish cartographer.