Palace of Mikołaj “the Red” Radziwiłł

Since 1544, the territory of the lower castle underwent major construction. In this territory, near the castle hill, Mikołaj “the Red” Radziwiłł’s palace was built around 1544. At the same time – a famous underground passage was built, which connected newly built Radziwiłł’s residence with the Palace of Grand Dukes. Probably, this passage had been frequently used by King Sigismund Augustus himself to meet his beloved Barbara Radziwiłł.

At that time, Barbara Radziwiłł resided at her brother’s palace. The close neighborhood has helped their love grow. Barbara and Sigismund Augustus betrothed some time after June 1545, after the death of the king’s first wife, and since then Barbara lived surrounded by royal splendor. She had her own court, best goldsmiths made her jewellery and top tailors sewed her sumptuous dresses that truly were works of art.

Learn more about a famous love story and how King Sigismund Augustus pampered her with love by clicking this link.