Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecinek

The Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecinek is a medieval seat of the ducal governors (starosts) on Lake Trzesiecko. The south wing dates from the first half of the 14th century and stands on the site of an earlier Slavic stronghold. Later alterations in the 16th, 19th and 20th centuries mean that the castle has not kept its original character.

History of the castle

Construction of the castle began in 1310 on the orders of Duke Warcisław IV. In 1356-1364 the existing buildings were pulled down and a brick south wing, later called the knights' house, was built on the lake side. In 1459-1474, under Duke Eric II, the north wing, called the gate wing, was added on the town side.

In 1409 and 1423 meetings attended by the grand masters of the Teutonic Order and the West Pomeranian dukes were held here. In 1606 the castle became the dower of the wives of the West Pomeranian dukes, and in 1606-1616 Duchess Anne, widow of Bogislaw XIII, lived here. In 1612, during the surveys for the Great Map of the Duchy of Pomerania, Eilhardus Lubinus stayed at the castle.

A castle by the lake

The castle originally stood on an island in Lake Trzesiecko. After the water level was lowered twice, in 1780-1784 and 1866-1868, it ended up on a peninsula. At its foot lies the historic Town Park, laid out in 1875-1903 (Town Park in Szczecinek). Five cycling routes run through the park, including the blue one around Lake Trzesiecko and the yellow "Enchanted Landscapes".

Uses in the 19th and 20th centuries, and today

At the end of the 18th century the buildings housed an abdominal belt manufactory, and from the beginning of the 19th century a hospital and almshouse. After the war the castle was occupied by the army, and later it was a tourist hostel. It was sold in April 1996, and in 2011 restoration of the south wing began; it was opened on 14 September 2013.

The castle, converted into an office building, is now the seat of the ZAMEK Conference Centre, and according to the Wikipedia entry, entry to the courtyard is practically impossible for outsiders. For this reason the castle is viewed mainly from the outside, from the park and from the lake side. In the area there is also the Church of the Holy Spirit, about 700 m from the castle.

Practical information

• Address: Adama Mickiewicza 2a, Szczecinek.
• The interiors and courtyard are not generally accessible. Check the rules of entry, including for events at the conference centre, with the site's manager.
• The park by the castle is a public area, with cycling routes.