The Castle of the Knights Hospitaller in Słońsk

The Castle of the Knights Hospitaller in Słońsk, located in the Lubusz Voivodeship on the Łęcza River, has a long and fascinating history dating back to the 14th century, when a small knight's manor was built on this site. Between 1426 and 1429, after the estate passed into the hands of the Hospitaller Order, a castle was constructed, which became the seat of the order's commander. Thick walls of the original structure have been preserved, some of which were expanded in the Renaissance style under the direction of Commander Thomas Runge between 1545 and 1564. A significant event in the castle's history was its burning by the Swedes in 1652. In 1662, construction began on a new Baroque residence that incorporated the old walls, overseen by the Order's Master, Prince Johann Moritz von Nassau. Architecturally, it drew inspiration from the Amsterdam Palace in the Netherlands and featured a square layout, a courtyard, and a garden. In the 19th century, the castle became the home of the Hospitaller Order's museum and archives, but after World War II, the building lost its significance and was converted into a cultural center, which was abandoned around 1970. In 1975, the castle was set on fire and has since fallen into ruin. An interesting artifact is the copper engraving by Matthäus Merian, which depicts the castle in its Renaissance form, showing its eastern and northern elevations. Today, the castle, a witness to a rich history and various architectural changes, is a tourist attraction that draws interest due to its possible past appearances and the mysteries it holds.