Opaliński Castle Museum

The Museum - Opaliński Castle in Sieraków is a county cultural institution located in the reconstructed southern wing of the former castle, whose history dates back to the late 14th century. The building, listed in the register of historical monuments, was constructed on the initiative of the Nałęcz family, and its first wing was likely built by Wichno. The castle had a quadrangular layout with two wings, chambers equipped with stoves, vaulted cellars, and wooden ceilings. In the 15th century, the castle came into the possession of Łukasz Górka, who rebuilt the southern wing. Later, in 1591, Jan z Bnina Opaliński introduced Renaissance modifications by adding two additional stories to the existing walls. In 1763, Baron Neugarten von Gartenberg, also known as Sadogórski, destroyed the northern wing, leading to the castle's further deterioration. In 1829, the remaining ruins were demolished due to the construction of a new road, and the surviving ground floor was converted into an icehouse. In 1991, after the discovery of the Opaliński family sarcophagi, the castle's restoration began under the guidance of scholars from Adam Mickiewicz University. The museum's exhibition presents the history of the Sieraków Land, spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, with the Opaliński sarcophagi found in the church crypt being of particular interest. The museum plays a vital role in reviving the memory of the region's history and its architectural heritage.