Szczecin Castle, Szczecin, Poland

The Ducal Castle in Szczecin was the seat of the dukes of Pomerania-Stettin of the House of Pomerania (Griffins), who ruled the Duchy of Pomerania from 1121 to 1637. Barnim the Great of Pomerania-Stettin erected the castle within Szczecin's walls against the will of the burghers in 1346. An older Pomeranian burgh had been leveled in 1249. In 1490 the castle was partially reconstructed for Boguslaw X's wedding with Anna Jagiellonka (daughter of king Casimir IV Jagiellon).

Between 1573−1582 the castle was rebuilt again, this time in the mannerist style for duke John Frederick by Italian stonemasons according to design by Wilhelm Zachariasz Italus. Two new wings were added to close the courtyard before the medieval southern and eastern wings. The main gate was adorned with ducal crest, the eastern wing was enhanced and the northern wing was intended for chapel.

In 1648, due to the tenets of the Peace of Westphalia, the castle become a seat of Swedish governor. Before 1705 another reconstruction occurred to prepare the castle for Queen of Poland - Catherine Opalinska, who lived here with her daughters Anna and Marie Leszczynska (future Queen of France) and a small court between 1705-1711. In 1711 king Stanislaw Leszczynski, who sought refuge before chasing him Saxon and Russianforces, joined his wife and daughters at the castle.

After the Great Northern War, in 1720, the city of Szczecin become a Prussian property and the castle was allocated to the garrison commander Christian August, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, whose daughter was Sophie Friederike Auguste (future Catherine II of Russia). Under Prussian rule in the 19th century many renaissanse elements in the castle were devastated (arcades, attics, vaulting). Eventually about 60% of the castle was destroyed during World War II (August 1944). Shortly after the war between 1958–1980, it was rebuilt with some modifications. The castle was restored to its original 16th century appearance according to 1653 engraving by Matthäus Merian (among others).

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in Poland

Dana Hotel is a really good place and I often stop there. At the same time, you can order the the restaurant fine goose. Furthermore definitely exploring the city can be a great idea to spend a nice weekend.

Each one can spend there a great time, visiting places as Waly Chrobrego Promenade. We can also have a great rest in good hotels like the Dana Hotel, the building of the 100-year history, in which are often organized all kinds of conferences and the restuarant located there serves delicious dishes.

User Reviews

Elif Sena Çakır (13 months ago)
Free entrance but needs a ticket if you want to visit inside. It's nice to walk around. One of the main attractions in Szczecin.

Mario Nolasco (16 months ago)
Historical landmark of Poland near Philharmonia and Plac. Solidarności. They have many cultural activities and the architecture is fascinating

mysoulinflames (16 months ago)
Not ancient castle, look nice. Free entrance in courtyard, but if you wanna visit museum , you need buy a ticket

BJ Bernier (17 months ago)
Very pretty medieval palace to visit with lots of events. The tower gives a wonderful view of the city, but it is definitely a workout for the legs (and lungs!). The items on exhibit comprise only two rooms, which was a bit disappointing if you're looking to roam the entire palace. The courtyard was very pretty, and the entire structure lies in the heart of the old city with plenty to see, do, eat, and drink nearby. It's definitely worth a visit (at 15 zloty - roughly €3 - it's very affordable), although it's not really a great stop for kids or people with mobility issues, in my opinion.

Sumanta Chakraborty (2 years ago)
Nice architecture with a high tower and a clock. Touch of medieval Europe. There are concerts as well as various other activities going on. Worth a visit.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright stahli36

Historic Site of the week

Celje Castle

Celje Castle was once the largest fortification on Slovenian territory. The first fortified building on the site (a Romanesque palace) was built in the first half of the 13th century by the Counts of Heunburg from Carinthia on the stony outcrop on the western side of the ridge where the castle stands. It had five sides, or four plus the southern side, which was a natural defence. The first written records of the castle date back to between 1125 and 1137; it was probably built by Count Gunter. In the western section of the castle, there was a building with several floors. Remains of the walls of this palatium have survived. In the eastern section, there was an enclosed courtyard with large water reservoirs. The eastern wall, which protects the castle from its most exposed side, was around three metres thicker than the rest of the curtain wall. The wall was topped with a parapet and protected walkway.

Szczecin Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Celje Castle