Międzyrzecz Castle

The Piast Royal Castle in Międzyrzecz, built around 1350 by Casimir the Great, is a medieval defensive fortress situated on a hill at the confluence of the Obra and Paklica rivers. It stands as a permanent ruin, forming part of the Międzyrzecz Museum Complex. The castle's history dates back to the 9th century, when a wooden stronghold existed on this site. In the 13th century, the stronghold was transformed into the center of a castellany and for many years served as an important guard post on Poland's western border. The castle witnessed numerous wars, including conflicts with the Germans and Pomeranians, and also protected trade routes. It endured significant destruction, notably during the Swedish Deluge and civil wars. In the 16th century, the castle was modernized and converted into a formidable fortress with artillery bastions. The castle's architecture features an irregular shape, with defensive walls stretching 145 meters, remnants of earlier fortifications. Fragments of towers and the gate, which originally had a drawbridge, have also been preserved. During the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the castle served as a residence for starosts (local administrators), and in the 18th century, the residence of the Międzyrzecz starosts was established. Today, the castle houses the Regional Museum, which collects artifacts related to the history of the region, including coffin portraits, military items, and everyday objects. After World War II, the castle came under museum care, and archaeological excavations from 1954 to 1958 uncovered many valuable artifacts, including military equipment and luxury items, confirming the historical significance of the site. Today, the castle is a tourist attraction, and its surroundings, including the park and the reconstructed gatehouse, draw many visitors. An interesting fact is that Henry III of France stayed at the castle on his way to assume the Polish throne. The Międzyrzecz Castle is an example of the region's rich history and valuable architectural traditions that have survived to this day.