The Three Castles of Trakai
Gediminas, Kestutis, and Vytautus Made Trakai Lithuania Important
While most people know about the Trakai Island Castle on Lake Galve in Lithuania - it is now a popular museum - lesser known are the two castles nearby.
Trakai Island Castle (most commonly known as “Trakai Castle"), built on Lake Galve, has long been the most important castle in Lithuania. Now a museum, this 14th century defensive caslte was reconstructed during the last century. However, there are two other castles at Trakai – Senieji (or “Old) Trakai Castle and Trakai Peninsula Castle.
Old Trakai Castle or Senieji Trakai Castle
Legend has it that Grand Duke Gediminas chose the spot for the Senieji Trakai Castle while out hunting in hilly, forested terrain. Once source specifies that “Trakai” is taken from the Lithuanian word which means “to clear a forest” – it follows that Gediminas would have had trees removed in large numbers to make room for his castle. Built in the early 14th century, Senieji Trakai Castle marked Gediminas’ choice to move the Lithuanian capital city from Kernave to Trakai. This castle, destroyed by Teutonic knights, was not rebuilt by the ruling family. Instead, a monastery was constructed on the site, using what remained of the Old Trakai Castle.
Trakai Peninsula Castle and Kestutis
Kestutis, one of Gediminas’ sons, built a castle on the shore of Lake Galve, which is now known as Trakai Peninsula Castle to differentiate it from the Island Castle. After the construction of the Peninsula Castle, Kestutis chose the largest of three islands on Lake Galve on which to build the current, most famous, Trakai Castle. Construction began on the Island Castle sometime during the latter half of the 14th century.
The End of Kestutis’ Reign and the Completion of the Castle
Kestutis ruled jointly with his brother Algirdas, who held the title of Grand Duke of Lithuania. When Algirdas died, the title was passed to Algirdas’ son, Jogaila. A struggle for power between Kestutis and Jogaila ensued – Kestutis eventually died or was murdered while imprisoned by Jogaila. Kestutis’ son, Vytautas, was left to take up his father’s cause. Vytautas became the Grand Duke of Lithuania, and under his reign the construction of Trakai Island Castle was continued and completed. Walls were thickened, towers were built, and wings were added.
The brick and stone castle, complete with its Gothic and Romanesque design elements, lost its strategic advantage and defense purposes after the Teutonic knights were defeated during the Battle of Grunwald. Vytautis turned the castle into his personal residence. He died in Trakai Island Castle in the year 1430.
During the centuries that followed, Trakai Island Castle fell into disrepair. The castle was reconstructed after WWII and now holds a museum and some of Lithuania’s most treasured historical artifacts.
