Kwidzyn Castle

The Gothic castle of the Pomesanian chapter, built in the 14th century and linked to the cathedral by a cloister walk, is crowned by the city's symbol — the largest gdanisko (latrine tower) in Europe. Since 2018 the castle-and-cathedral complex has been a Historic Monument, and the museum now operates within its walls.

Stronghold of the Pomesanian chapter

Construction began in the first half of the 14th century; on 28 October 1334 the castle was first recorded as castrum Merginwerder. Most of the work was finished by around 1345. Four wings with corner towers enclosed a courtyard lined with two-storey cloisters, and the tallest, south-eastern tower (59 m) became the belfry. In the 1380s the gdanisko was completed — a latrine tower projecting beyond the walls, joined to the cathedral by a long gallery.

From tsars to prison

In 1478, during the War of the Priests, Polish troops captured the castle. In 1798 the Prussian authorities tore down the eastern wing and the grand southern wing, using the brick to build the District Court. Ever since, the castle has kept its open, irregular shape. It housed a court and prison until 1935, then a Hitler Youth school from 1936 to 1945. The building survived the war and passed to the Ministry of Culture in December 1949.

What you can see today

The Museum in Kwidzyn presents regional exhibitions, and the cloisters lead to the cathedral. Climb the viewing tower and walk the gallery to the gdanisko, best seen from the Liwa river valley.

Practical tips

Allow 1–1.5 hours for the museum, plus time for the cathedral and the tower. A curious footnote: in 1709 Tsar Peter I of Russia stayed here on his way to meet King Frederick I of Prussia.