Drahim Castle in Stare Drawsko

Drahim Castle, located in Stare Drawsko, is the remains of a fortified monastic structure built by the Order of St. John between 1360 and 1366 on the site of a destroyed Slavic stronghold. The fortress was part of a powerful tribal center of the Drawians tribe and, after its conquest by Bolesław Krzywousty, passed into the hands of the Knights Templar and later the Order of St. John. Built in the Gothic style, the castle took the form of a quadrilateral measuring 41 by 46.5 meters, featuring a two- or three-story wing and defensive walls reaching up to 12.8 meters in height. The complex was surrounded by a moat, with the waters of Drawsko and Żerdno lakes providing additional protection from the east and west. Over time, the castle underwent various renovations and was also used as the seat of a Prussian tax office. Its decline began after a fire in 1758, with further destruction resulting from dismantling in the 18th century. In the 20th century, conservation and archaeological work was carried out, and the ruins were entered into the register of historical monuments in 1959. Drahim Castle is a significant example of the Order of St. John's architecture in Pomerania and holds cultural and research value, attracting tourists interested in medieval history. It is currently managed by a private museum, which plans its reconstruction. An added value lies in the remains of material culture, which testify to the unique building characteristics of the late Middle Ages, preserving original architectural concepts.