Velizh

 Velizh was first mentioned in the chronicles under 1392 as a city of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It became part of Russia after the Second Border War of 1500-1503. The castle on Zamkovaya Hill began to be built by order of Moscow (on behalf of the young Ivan IV) in 1536. During the war for Livonia, Velizh was attacked by the troops of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (the most significant in 1562, the city was burned). It was taken by the troops of Stephen Batory in 1580.

Tags: castles and fortresses, 15 century, 16 century, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Routes of the Livonian War