Castles

Giżycko Castle

On the Łuczański Canal, which links the Masurian lakes Niegocin and Kisajno, stands a former Teutonic stronghold from the second half of the 14th century. Giżycko Castle was built on the so-called Giżycko Island as the seat of a Teutonic procurator; after a thorough renovation it now houses the St. Bruno hotel. A historic swing bridge, still operated by hand, leads here from the town centre.

The stronghold of the Teutonic procurators

A wooden fortress stood here earlier — a record from 1340 mentions a procurator residing in Giżycko, performing judicial, command and administrative functions. The masonry castle was probably erected in 1377–1380: it consisted of a residential house and a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a wall, with a moat beyond it. In 1361 the stronghold was captured and burned by the Lithuanians under Kęstutis, but the Teutonic Knights rebuilt it. After the Order’s secularisation it housed a ducal starost, and in the mid-16th century the castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style.

From demolition to hotel

In the 19th century the castle was partly demolished and remained a ruin for decades. Only modern restoration restored its former appearance — today it is one of the most recognisable buildings of Giżycko, the Polish capital of sailing, situated between two great lakes. The building is open to visitors all year round, and a visit is best combined with a walk along the canal and a ride across the historic bridge.