Maladziečna Маладзечна (Belarusian) Молодечно (Russian) |
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Coordinates: 54°19′15″N 26°51′26″E / 54.32083°N 26.85722°E | |||
Country | Belarus | ||
Voblast | Minsk Voblast | ||
Raion | Maladzyechna Raion | ||
First mentioned | 16 December 1388 | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 30 km2 (10 sq mi) | ||
Population (2009) | |||
• Total | 94,282 | ||
• Density | 3,100/km2 (8,100/sq mi) | ||
Time zone | EET (UTC+2) | ||
• Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) | ||
Area code(s) | +375 176 | ||
License plate | 5 | ||
Website | Official site |
Maladzyechna (Belarusian: Маладзе́чна/Maladziečna, pronounced [maɫaˈdzʲetʂna]; Russian: Молоде́чно, Polish: Mołodeczno; Lithuanian: Molodečnas) is a city in the Minsk Voblast of Belarus, an administrative centre of the Maladzyechna district (and formerly of the Maladzyechna Voblast). It has 98,514 inhabitants (2006 estimate) and is located 72 km northwest of Minsk. Located on the Usha River, it has been a settlement since 1388 when it was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It was also home to the Cold War facility Maladzyechna air base.
The fortification on the right bank of the Usha was first mentioned in 1388, although it is probable it was erected even before that date. Rectangular earthworks with stone walls 3,5 metres high and 11 metres wide formed the basis of the future castles and military camps formed on that location. The town itself was first mentioned the following year in a document issued by Kaributas, Prince of Severian Novgorod, who on December 16 assured his tributary fidelity to his cousin, King Jogaila and Jadwiga of Poland.
In 1501 the place was donated by King Sigismund I the Old to certain Michael of Mstislav, on the condition that the latter provided a safe river passage for the nobles and hunters dwelling in the area. The privilege was further confirmed on July 12, 1511