Niasviž was first documented in 1223. In the 15th century, while still a minor town, it passed to the great Radziwiłł princely family. Since then and until 1939, the foremost branch of that illustrious family developed Niasviž as its family nest. In 1562, shortly before Grand Duchy of Lithuania became the part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the first book in Belarusian language was printed there.

The Corpus Christi Church (1587-93) was one of the earliest (if not the earliest) Jesuit church in the world. Its Italianate design exerted immense influence on architecture of Belarus, Poland and Lithuania.