Castles

Golub-Dobrzyń Castle

High above the town of Golub-Dobrzyń rises a four-winged conventual castle built by the Teutonic Knights at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. It is one of the few Order residences of this kind to survive as a coherent whole, and its present look blends Gothic with Renaissance. The castle still lives its history every day — a hotel and restaurant operate inside, knightly tournaments are held here in summer, and a night in a chamber overlooking the Drwęca valley remains one of the more tempting propositions along the Teutonic trail.

Anna Vasa and the Renaissance makeover

The castle owes its Renaissance character to a remodelling from the days when Anna Vasa, sister of King Sigismund III, resided here. Thanks to her, the austere stronghold gained lavish elements of Italian architecture that still set Golub apart from typical Teutonic castles. By 1664 it was already recorded as the seat of the Golub starostwo, evidence of a long administrative career after the Order's era.

Summer knightly tournaments

The summer tournaments are the biggest event in the castle's calendar and the best reason to match your visit date to them. The rhythm of fights, shows and workshops draws families with children as well as photographers. Outside the event season the castle is calmer and easier to explore without crowds.

Planning your visit

The castle towers over the town and the approach runs up steep streets — park at the castle, not below it. Allow about an hour for the building and courtyard, longer if you stay for a meal at the castle restaurant. Golub-Dobrzyń lies not far from Toruń, so it fits naturally into a route through the lands of the former Teutonic Prussia.