Bobrowniki Castle Ruins

Bobrowniki, Poland

Bobrowniki Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights. Following the Peace of Thorn (1411), it was taken over by the Polish, later to become a residence of the local mayor. Since the 18th century the castle has been laid in ruins.

Bobrowniki castle was erected at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, after the purchase of Bobrowniki village by the Teutonic Knights in 1392, possibly as an extension of an earlier fortress. It was located on the site of an old stronghold, founded by the Duke of Dobrzyn, Ladislaus the Hump-backed. Due to the close proximity of the country border, the elders of Dobrzyń nad Wisłą constantly improved the fortifications around the castle, which became the seat of the local government.

In 1405 Wladyslaw Jagiello purchased Dobrzyn and Bobrowniki, but four years later the Teutonic Knights attacked the castle. With the help of the treason of the defending commander Bobrowniki castle went back into Teutonic hands only to be returned to the Polish in 1411. Its border location had once again become the cause of many investments in the modernization of the facility. However, it no longer played any military role in wars to come. During the Thirteen Years' War (1454–66) the castle served as a prison for captured Knights of the Teutonic Order. Changes of the national border ultimately deprived the building of any strategic role.

In the seventeenth century it was already devastated to the point of being abandoned by the local government. During the war with Sweden, in the second half of the 18th century, the structure was almost completely destroyed. In the nineteenth century it was formally decided to demolish the castle. The ruins do not have an owner to this day.

Little is known about the appearance of the fortress at the time of the Teutonic Knights or later. The object was probably two-winged (other sources say that it was a square), surrounded by walls and a moat, with one gate and a cylindrical tower. The only remains of the past splendor of the castle are elements of fortified walls and a sentry tower.

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Founded: 14th century
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Poland

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User Reviews

waldi0055 (4 months ago)
Picturesquely situated castle ruins. Despite the passage of time since its heyday, it is still impressive. The entire Vistula riverside meadows surrounding it are well developed, but the castle itself looks abandoned.
Andrzej X (6 months ago)
Today, all that remains of the castle are ruins. Interestingly, the castle lay on an island in the Vistula River for many years. It was only in the 1980s that the branch of the Vistula was filled in and the castle stands on its bank again.
Piotr Ceranowski (Pioter Ceran) (7 months ago)
The ruins of the castle are a bit neglected. No entry signs everywhere. However, there is no fence and you can walk peacefully. Seeing so many bottles and garbage, it must be a meeting place. From the Ruins there is a nice view of the Vistula River.
Tomasz Cymerman (2 years ago)
A beautiful "monument" to history located directly on the banks of the Vistula River. Unfortunately, left unattended, which means that soon nothing will be left of it except a pile of rubble. Easy access, even by car, is an advantage of this place. I recommend the dirt road along the Vistula for lovers of two-wheelers. In addition, unfortunately a lot of rubbish in the very center of the ruins.
krzysztof janowski (2 years ago)
The castle was erected by the Piasts, from the 17th century in ruin. Currently, very nice ruins on the Vistula River, nice views. Free entrance. Parking nearby.
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