Matei Radziwill: Belarus was centre of Grand Duchy of Lithuania

Prince Matei Radziwill has shared his first impressions of contemporary Minsk, explained the purpose of his visit to Belarus and confessed which country’s citizens the descendants of the famous family considered themselves to be. (PHOTO)
Mr. Matei, what was your first impression of the Belarusian capital?

Matei Radziwill: I visited Minsk for the first time 20 years ago. I think the city has changed a lot. There are many new shops, hotels and restaurants. I remember the Trinity Suburb in ruins when there was nothing there. I do like the fact that historical buildings have been repaired and are so beautiful now. We went to Catholic churches and it pleased me to see a lot of people there. It means that people are interested in religion and traditions. It is very important for me because we, the Radziwills, used to be citizens of the Great Grand Duchy of Lithuania. I have always said that we are citizens of that state.

You have just said that the Radziwills are citizens of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Does it mean that you are both Poles and Belarusians?

Matei Radziwill: It does. I remember my first visit to Lithuania when a Lithuanian asked me whether I was a Lithuanian. I said I was a citizen of the Duchy. Like everyone does, I said it and then started thinking. The thing is the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a very appealing state attracting people from different countries. Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Jews and Catholics lived together. The state could not be an example for other countries today. However, it was an example for everyone 300 or 500 years ago: it was very tolerant. And there were not many taxes. Our family lived in Lithuania, Ukraine, Belarus and the part of Poland that was in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. I know that many people are arguing about the fact whether Lithuania was the centre of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. However, now it seems to me that the center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was Belarus. The discussion makes no sense as the heart of the Duchy is here, in every person dreaming about migrating to that legendary country.

How do you think, are today’s Belarus and Minsk part of the European community? Is Minsk a European city?

Matei Radziwill: It is a European city, that’s for sure. Of course, it differs from Warsaw, Paris or London. However, there is no doubt that we are in Europe, in its heart.

Can you explain the aim of your visit in brief?

Matei Radziwill: We have arrived here with our aunt Alzbeta Radziwill. She used to live in Nyasvizh castle before the war. She is the daughter of Albrecht Radziwill. Maybe it is the last chance to come here with her to see Nyasvizh Castle, the Catholic church and our crypt. She is the last person to remember Nyasvizh Castle before the war.