Świdwin Castle

Świdwin Castle is a medieval knightly stronghold on the left bank of the Rega River, north-west of the chartered town. Originally Gothic, in the 18th century it was rebuilt in a classicising Baroque style, keeping architectural elements from the 14th century. Today it is used by a cultural centre.

From an Ascanian stronghold to a Hospitaller commandery

The first castle was built at the end of the 13th century, founded by the Margraves of Brandenburg of the Ascanian dynasty. The brick defensive complex had a fortified perimeter in the form of an irregular trapezium and a long residential house along the north curtain wall. The castrum proper was begun in the early 14th century by the Wedel family, who in 1384 sold the castle to the Teutonic Order as the seat of a bailiwick.

The Teutonic Knights extended the castle: they pulled down the old residential house and built the east wing, a large building for the bailiff, a new gate and a gatehouse tower. In 1445 the castle was bought by Frederick II, Elector of Brandenburg. The heritage register dates the structure to 1382-1455.

The Hospitallers and the 18th century

From 1540 the castle was used by the Knights Hospitaller. In the 18th century, on their initiative, the castle was given a Baroque makeover, two new wings were built and the courtyard was finally closed. Above the entrance gate, in the frieze, are three coats of arms of the commanders of the Świdwin commandery, dating from the time of the greatest expansion. The commandery was dissolved in 1808, and the castle was taken over by the Prussian government and turned into offices.

After 1945

After 1945 the castle was devastated and then burnt down. It was rebuilt in 1962-1968. It now houses a cultural centre, and the Jan Śpiewak poetry competition is held here every year. The castle is entered in the heritage register.

Nearby stands the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and about 700 m away is the Church of St Michael the Archangel.

Practical information

• Address: Niedziałkowskiego 17, Świdwin.
• The extent of interior visits and the opening hours depend on the cultural centre. Check them before visiting, because the sources do not specify them.
• The castle can be viewed from the outside, from the Rega side.