Gorzkowice Castle

Gorzkowice Castle is a modern-era palazzo in fortezza type structure, located in the village of Gorzkowice in the Łódź Voivodeship. It features an earth embankment measuring 95 by 125 meters, with an upper plateau of 65 by 75 meters, elevated 4.5 meters above the moat. As the remains of an unfinished four-bastion complex surrounded by a moat, the site exhibits characteristics of an early modern fortification. In central Poland, it represents a unique example of such structures. The castle, entered into the register of historical monuments in 1967, was never completed—construction was halted in the mid-17th century, likely due to the Swedish Deluge. As archaeological research progressed, it was determined that only fragments of the structure have survived. In the northern part of the complex, a stone building with a rectangular layout (12.5 by 27 meters) was erected, which served as a gatehouse. Furthermore, the castle was historically associated with the Koniecpolski family and was also owned by various other families, including the Kurozwęcki and Walewski clans. An interesting local legend tells of a widow from the Sadowski family who, while defending the castle against invaders, was forced to blow it up. In recent years, reconstruction work has been carried out, leading to the opening of the "Kopiec" recreational complex in 2011. The land development project received awards in urban planning competitions, highlighting its cultural and social value.