Gediminas’ Tower

According to historians and archeologists, a wooden castle on Castle Hill was built in the 1280s. Two opinions exist regarding the question of when the Upper Castle had been built from bricks. Some experts date the appearance of brick structures to the first half of the 14th century, while others think – that it happened at the end of the 14th century.

The maintenance of the upper castle was taken care of by a special officer – the castle’s supervisor (pol. horodniczy). Till the end of the 15th century, the upper castle served as a ruler’s main residence. In the 16th century, a prison was established in the Upper Castle.

During the Muscovite occupation, the Upper Castle was heavily damaged, and later its condition gradually deteriorated. At the beginning of the 19th century, only the Gediminas tower and residence’s ruins remained, which survived to this day.

Learn more about grand duke Gediminas and his diplomacy skills by clicking this link.