Rabsztyn Castle Ruins, Rabsztyn, Poland

Originally built by King Kazimierz to protect the money-making mining centre of nearby Olkusz, Rabsztyn actually consists of two separate castles – the original 14th century upper castle and the much-larger lower castle added at its foot in the 17th century in the Renaissance style. The Swedes saw to it that neither was inhabitable shortly thereafter during their 17th century invasion.

Today there is almost nothing to see of the upper castle, in fact most won’t even be able to discern the remnants of its walls from the rock surrounding it. The upper castle’s main feature was a cylindrical tower which irreverent fortuneseekers dynamited in the late 1800s. The walls of the lower castle still stand giving some indication of the size of this former strong-(but not strong enough)-hold, and recently the castle gate, several bridges and one of the towers was restored. Today it houses a small historical museum. All told, Rabsztyn's ruined splendour is pretty as a picture so don’t forget your clicker.

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User Reviews

anna afek (3 years ago)
Beautiful area, however, the castle is closed for renovations until the end of 2019 Update: still closed in 2020, under renovation Update: 2021, fully renovated and reopened

Paulina Stanczak (3 years ago)
Beautiful castle ruins tucked away amongst the emerald forests and rolling meadows of the Jura landscape park. If you're in the area, I highly suggest you stop and visit. There's a great restaurant located at the foot of the castle too!

David van Oostende (3 years ago)
Another beautiful ruin, only the place was closed on Monday. Still it's a very interesting place!

Valerii Vasylchuk (3 years ago)
Very nice castle. Even though the walls are already destroyed a bit but reconstructed so the views are amazing.

Dmitryj Orlowski (4 years ago)
Very interesting place to see

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Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

Rabsztyn Castle Ruins

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