Kiszewski Castle – history, architecture and contemporary attempt at reconstruction
- Damian Brzeski
- Jun 13
- 17 min read
Can the future be built on the ruins of the past? Kiszewski Castle is not just a quiet stronghold on the Wierzyca River – it is a story about the strategic power of the Teutonic Knights, the turbulent history of Pomerania and the passion that breathed new life into the walls after centuries. Discover the history of a place that, despite destruction, still inspires and delights – not only with its architecture, but also with legends…
Discover the secrets of Kiszewo Castle – Location and historical significance!
The beginnings and construction of the castle by the Teutonic Order
The turbulent history of the owners of Kiszewo Castle – From Mikołaj Jankowic to Piotr Tudaj
Nearby tourist attractions: discover the area around Kiszewo Castle!
Discover the secrets of Kiszewo Castle – Location and historical significance!
Imagine a picturesque peninsula surrounded by the lazily flowing Wierzyca. It is there, in the charming town of Zamek Kiszewski , in the Kashubian Lake District , that a mighty brick castle has made its home!
It is no coincidence that it was here, on naturally flooded lands, that the Pomeranian dukes built their wooden stronghold. The builders knew what they were doing, using the natural bends of the river and the terrain to create a true stronghold.
And then? Then the Teutonic Knights came and further enhanced these advantages, making this place a fortress that blended perfectly into the landscape while dominating it.
This ability to transform nature into a defensive element is a true gem of medieval military engineering. Interestingly, this Gothic castle is one of the few preserved medium-sized Teutonic castles in this area!
Thanks to this, Kiszewski Castle today has exceptional historical and architectural value for the entire region.
The ruins of the Teutonic castle in the town of Zamek Kiszewski – Guardian of the borders and witness to the turbulent history
Did you know that Kiszewo Castle existed mainly to protect central Pomerania from Poland? Yes, it was a real border castle , a key element of the Teutonic Order's defense.
Its role was not limited to deterrence. It really took an active part in many conflicts! In 1454, the Gdańsk army captured the castle , and during the Swedish Deluge it suffered further, serious destruction.
This shows how strategic its location was and how often it became a target of wars. Moreover, its management was supposedly in the hands of a prosecutor, subordinate to the Tczew mayor.
This proves its importance not only military, but also administrative in the structures of the Teutonic Order .
After the Peace of Toruń in 1466 , the castle passed into Polish hands and became a starosty. This is a clear signal of how the political map of the region was changing and how its military function gave way to an administrative one.
Sometimes, as in the case of Kiszewski Castle , you can feel like history was being written before your eyes!
Kiszewski Castle today – Stara Kiszewa Commune and Pomeranian Voivodeship
Today, when you visit this historic site, you will find it in the Stara Kiszewa commune, Kościerzyna County, in the Pomeranian Voivodeship .
And speaking of Stara Kiszewo, you should know that the history of this town dates back to the 13th century, when it was the seat of the Pomeranian dukes!
The first mention of "Kissow" dates back to 1269.
Imagine that in 1281, Duke Mściwoj II gave Stara Kiszewa to the Poznań judge Mikołaj Jankowic. What's more, in 1342 Stara Kiszewa received city rights!
Unfortunately, in the second half of the 17th century, as a result of the devastating Swedish Deluge, it lost its urban character and once again became a village. This turbulent history is a testimony to the great influence that armed conflicts had on the development and status of settlements in the entire region.
Today, the castle complex and the village are an ideal place for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the old Teutonic times and get to know a piece of the history of the Pomeranian Voivodeship .
The beginnings and construction of the castle by the Teutonic Order
In 1316 something happened that changed the fate of Kiszewa forever. The Teutonic Order took over the village from Jakub von Kalisch, son of Mikołaj Jankowic. Jakub took rent in return, and some sources even mention a life annuity. It may seem like an ordinary transaction, but believe me, it was a typical Teutonic trick!
They mastered the art of expanding their territory not only by sword, but also by clever "legal" arrangements, donations and buyouts. Thanks to this, they avoided open conflicts and slowly but surely incorporated more lands into their state.
Are you wondering what was there before? Well, before the Teutonic Knights, these areas were ruled by the Pomeranian dukes, who had their wooden stronghold here.
The Teutonic Order used this cleverly – after all, the strategic location had already been proven! As is typical of their policy, they built their power on this foundation, strengthening their position in the region.
Kiszewo Castle - From a Wooden Fortress to a Powerful Symbol
Imagine that before the main castle was built of stone, there was a wooden fortified castle here. The first mentions of it date back to 1269! It was probably built in the 11th century, perhaps when the Polans were strengthening their power in these lands.
Interestingly, around 1090 the stronghold was destroyed – it is said to have been the work of Władysław Herman himself!
However, the Teutonic Knights did not waste time or a good location.
On the foundations of this former wooden stronghold, in the 14th century, the castle was built as a powerful defensive brick castle . This is evidence of their desire to create something durable and resistant to attacks.
This continuity in the choice of site, where a new, stronger structure replaces an older, weaker one, underlines how well the Teutonic Knights recognised the strategic value of this location – whether for its natural defences or its control of important routes.
It was also a symbolic takeover of territory – replacing the symbols of the previous rulers with their own, strengthening their dominance.
Kiszewski Castle in the Fire of War and the Administrative Machine
Kiszewski Castle was like a bastion, crucial for securing Gdańsk Pomerania against Poland. As a border castle , it played the role of the first line of defense and a staging point in the extensive defense system of the Teutonic Order .
You're probably wondering who was in charge of it? Probably a prosecutor, subordinate to the Tczew mayor's office.
This dual role – military and administrative – was a characteristic feature of many Teutonic strongholds. The fact that Stara Kiszewa received city rights in 1342, and then Chełmno law in 1347, shows how important an administrative and economic centre the castle itself was for the surrounding lands.
The military control provided by the main castle allowed for the creation of a stable administrative framework, which in turn encouraged development and settlement.
Unfortunately, the castle was captured and was actively involved in many armed conflicts. It was destroyed in the Polish-Teutonic wars. For example, in 1454, during the Thirteen Years' War, Gdańsk troops captured the center of Kiszewska Castle , burned and partially demolished the buildings.
Interestingly, the Teutonic Knights retook it on August 3, 1459 and held it until the Peace of Toruń in 1466! It was this peace that directly led to the transfer of the castle to Polish control.
This sequence of events perfectly illustrates how important geopolitical conflicts decided the fate of such strategic objects. After the war, as a Polish starosty, the castle symbolized the re-establishment of Polish power and the incorporation of the former Teutonic territories into the structures of the Polish Crown.
The architecture and spatial layout of the castle complex
The castle complex in Kiszewo is a real labyrinth, but in a good way! It is a complicated and impressive puzzle consisting of the main castle and the outer bailey. Originally, this Gothic castle was built from bricks that came to Kiszewa straight from Tczew – now that was a journey!
At the beginning of the 17th century, the castle underwent a considerable metamorphosis, gaining a Renaissance style.
The entire complex was an irregular quadrangle, stretching 79 meters long and from 43 to 63 meters wide. I wonder what you would think if you walked through these old courtyards?
The main lock and its forgotten functions
The heart of the entire complex, the main castle , beat on the southeastern side. It was a rectangular building with two towers, which immediately indicates a classic, solid defensive layout typical of Teutonic strongholds.
Unfortunately, after the destruction in the mid-17th century, when the region was hit by the Swedish Deluge, the main castle was so badly damaged that it never returned to its original glory. Sometimes it happens that history writes irreversible chapters.
The Castle Grounds – A Witness to History with the Secrets of the Corner Tower
Something that is really worth seeing is the Outer Castle ! It has partially survived to this day and tells the story of the defensive capabilities of this place. Just think: it consisted of three Gothic corner towers (north, west and east) and three lines of defensive walls that connected them.
Something fantastic, isn't it? And the best thing is that the castle's defensive walls with towers in the corners have survived to this day!
In the 19th century, when these areas fell into Prussian hands, the Forecastle was transformed into a charming, picturesque courtyard. Imagine ponds, cobbled paths... The area where the main castle stood was planted with trees and shrubs, creating beautiful garden alleys. Gazebos decorated with roses and charming bridges gave this place a unique charm. A real gem, right?
The Gate Tower with a Star Vault – Entrance to History
The best preserved part of this castle complex is undoubtedly the Gate Tower . It is a three-story beauty with vaulted rooms downstairs and in the middle.
The gate tower with the entrance gate is one of the most characteristic elements of Kiszewo Castle ! Its highest floor, called the chamber, is connected to a spacious room, which was built at the beginning of the 17th century, just above the Gothic entrance gate.
What's more, this Renaissance entrance gate is in great condition and you can see the original star vault there! It's really something.
The initially Gothic gate of the fortress was expanded in the early 17th century and decorated in the spirit of the Renaissance. There is also a fourth gate, the southern one, reconstructed in the 19th century based on the original foundations. How much it has seen!
Gothic cellar and those mysterious cellars
If you look at the north-western part of the castle, under the utility building, you will find a Gothic cellar with a barrel vault. It is one of the few preserved elements of Teutonic cellars. Do you wonder what these dark, Gothic depths could have hidden?
Where have the chapel and refectory gone?
In medieval strongholds, such as this Gothic Teutonic castle , a castle chapel and refectory were standard. They served as places of prayer and communal meals for the monks and the entire crew.
Unfortunately, although these were key elements of castle life, the available research materials lack detailed information on the existence, location or state of preservation of the castle chapel and refectory in the castle complex in Kiszewo.
It's a bit of a mystery, isn't it? Sometimes history leaves us with more questions than answers.
Destruction and changes in the history of the castle
The history of Kiszewski Castle is a real rollercoaster, and one of the most dramatic turns was the Swedish Deluge in the mid-17th century. It was then that the castle and the entire farm were literally wiped off the face of the earth!
The inspection from 1664, i.e. after the war, stated directly that the castle was "completely ruined, only the walls were standing".
It hurts, doesn't it? The scale of destruction was so huge that even the settlement of Stara Kiszewa lost its urban character and city rights, becoming an ordinary village.
What's more, it was so ruined that in 1664 there was not a single boor in it, only five cotters. This shows how terrible those times were and how deeply the war affected people's everyday lives.
New life of Kiszewo castle : From fortress to starosty
Fortunately, after the storm the sun always comes out, and for Kiszewski Castle a ray of hope was the Treaty of Toruń in 1466, which ended the Thirteen Years' War.
It was then that the Poles took over Kiszewo Castle ! The building quickly became the seat of the non-city starosty, Kiszewo. Despite this massive destruction, the castle was partially rebuilt and began to serve completely new economic purposes. A farm, distillery, sawmill and even a mill were built here!
This change of function, from military to typically economic, perfectly reflected how the politics and economy of the region changed after the end of these great Teutonic conflicts. History has shown that even from ruins something new and functional can be built!
The turbulent history of the owners of Kiszewo Castle – From Mikołaj Jankowic to Piotr Tudaj
The history of the ownership of Kiszewo Castle is as complicated as its architecture. Remember that in 1281, Prince Mściwoj II gave Stara Kiszewa to the Poznań judge Mikołaj Jankowic ? Then, in 1316, the village fell into the hands of the Teutonic Knights.
After the Peace of Toruń and its takeover by the Poles, the castle became the seat of the starosty, and over the centuries many owners of Kiszewo Castle passed through its doors!
There was a knight there, Piotr Szorc from Obrąb, whose family held the starosty until 1607. Then the Konarskis, Jan Bąkowski, and even the famous Działyńskis, such as Michał and Stanisław, ruled here.
After them came further changes: Barbara Działyńska née Heidenstein, her second husband Jakub Wolski, Gotfried Ernest Klejna, Franciszek Czapski, and after him his widow Katarzyna, who married Stanisław Skórzewski.
The last of this line was Michał Skórzewski, who ruled until 1772.
And then? In 1772, after the first partition of Poland, the village came under Prussian rule. In the mid-19th century, the lands passed into the hands of the Prussian authorities, and one of the administrators, Joachim Engler, bought the estate.
After World War II, in 1945, the castle became the property of the state treasury. The commune divided the land, which unfortunately led to the gradual destruction of the historical buildings.
Sad, isn't it? In 1990, the castle was sold into private hands as compensation, but the new owners did not attempt to save it. Fortunately, in 1997 there was a breakthrough! The estate was bought by Piotr Tudaj, who undertook a thorough reconstruction.
This is a true story that shows that there is always hope for rescue!
Joachim Engler's manor house and the castle-farm complex
In the mid-19th century. The grounds of Kiszewo Castle fall into the hands of the Prussian authorities. Then Joachim Engler appears - the manager of the estate, who decides to take a bold step: he buys this place! And so, in 1856, on the medieval foundations, where in the times of the Teutonic Knights there probably stood a house for servants, Engler builds an impressive manor house in the classicist style.
Interesting fact: some sources suggest that it is the work of J. Hos, whose initials were supposedly carved on the granite foundation!
This manor was a real gem! The entrance was decorated with a wooden porch, and the entire building was richly decorated architecturally.
To the south was a veranda, ideal for afternoon tea overlooking the garden, reached by concrete steps to the west.
A terrace with a wrought-iron balustrade dominated the veranda. The second entrance was from the north, directly from the courtyard. You can imagine how much history these walls have seen!
Farm, Park and Trees: The Legacy of Joachim Engler
After Joachim Engler built the manor, the entire farmstead around the castle flourished! The former Outer Bailey was transformed into a charming courtyard, surrounded by ponds and cobbled paths.
Engler's work truly breathed new life into the ruined facility, transforming it into a thriving farm. Unfortunately, after World War II, the buildings became the property of the state treasury and, as is often the case, slowly fell into disrepair.
But that's not all! Behind the manor stretched the former manor park from the 19th century, with trees that were up to a hundred years old.
Although today the 4-hectare park is somewhat devastated, it still delights! There is a company of over a hundred years old growing here: beeches, spruces, oaks, limes and larches.
Among them, the real stars: an over 200-year-old English oak, two 160-year-old pyramidal oaks and an equally old Japanese ginkgo. Be sure to pay attention to the two old small-leaved lime trees that grow in the corners of the manor – a true testament to the times!
In addition to them, you will find common ashes, maples, white horse chestnuts, maple planes, and black locusts in the park. There used to be an orchard with six apple trees and a granary on the estate (which is no longer there).
However, under the farm building, in the north-western part of the castle, there is still a Gothic cellar with a barrel vault – a real treat!
New life for Kiszewo Castle: The story of a reconstruction
The turning point for Kiszewski Castle came in 1997, when the property fell into private hands. The new owner of Kiszewski Castle was Piotr Tudaj!
The Tudaj family, true art lovers, had been searching for a long time in Poland for an object of historical value before Stara Kiszewa stole their hearts.
And so, since 1998, despite the tragic condition of the palace and the entire area, Piotr Tudaj, under the watchful eye of the Provincial Conservator of Monuments, has been slowly but steadily raising the building from ruin.
The manor house has undergone a thorough renovation, bringing it to a habitable state – now you can really live there! Work inside the manor house is still ongoing, as are repairs to the walls and towers.
The Tudaj family has ambitious plans: they want to build an additional outbuilding in the style of a castle, which will house rooms, a garage and public toilets, and in the future it will be connected to the Corner Tower and a pier. Sounds like a real vision!
The renovated moat and the status of NID Monuments: The future of the castle in Kiszewo
As part of these impressive reconstruction efforts, the original appearance of the moat surrounding the building was restored. Today, you can once again see its outlines! These works are aimed not only at securing the ruins, but also at restoring the historical spatial layout.
The whole thing is currently in the hands of private enthusiasts who, out of love for art and history, are trying to reconstruct the castle within their modest financial capabilities. This is proof that even with passion and determination, miracles can be achieved.
It is worth emphasizing that the Kiszewski Castle , as a valuable monument, was entered into the NID register of monuments under registration numbers: 278 of 25/07/1969 and A-1072 of 14/11/1989.
Additionally, the manor house itself in the castle complex in the town of Zamek Kiszewski has the register of monuments number A-492 with the date of entry of April 11, 2020.
This legal status is a guarantee of its cultural and historical value, providing protection and support for all ongoing conservation works.
Culture and legends related to the castle
Have you ever heard the story of Januta? She is a beautiful miller's daughter whose life is intertwined with Kiszewski Castle into a dramatic legend.
Januta loved Wawrzych, a simple boy who helped her father in the mill. Their love was quiet but sincere. Unfortunately, the lord of the castle in Kiszewo , a man with a heart as hard as a rock, heard about Januta's beauty and decided to marry her.
When Januta firmly refused, the offended lord imprisoned Wawrzych in the dungeons of the stronghold, wanting to force the girl into submission. Januta's despair reached its zenith, especially when her father ordered her to prepare for the wedding.
Seeing no other way out, the girl fled. In an act of despair and pure anger, she uttered a powerful curse: "I wish I could turn into stone – and not become the wife of the lord of Kiszewski!"
And so, in an instant, her body began to stiffen and she turned into a stone by the road.
Legend has it that every year on Midsummer's Eve, the stone takes on a human shape, and the shadow of her beloved Wawrzych appears in the ruins of Kiszewo Castle .
This story of love, despair and a bit of magic still lurks along the roads and in the ruins of the castle in Kiszewo , waiting to be discovered.
Kiszewski Castle : Guardian of memory and cultural encounters
Despite its undeniable Teutonic origins, Kiszewski Castle is incredibly deeply rooted in the local cultural identity.
It is, after all, one of the few preserved medium-sized Teutonic castles in the Kashubian Lake District, built on the site of former princely castles, with which many legends are associated, such as the one about Januta!
Although these areas are part of Kociewie, you may notice that Kashubian culture is having an increasing influence here. And you know what? That's not a bad thing at all! After all, the interpenetration of cultures in this area has been going on for centuries, creating a unique mosaic.
The castle , as a testament to the military might of the Teutonic Order and a living record of the region's history, plays a key role in preserving this valuable cultural heritage.
Its historical and archaeological value, combined with all these local stories, attracts tourists like a magnet! It also helps to maintain historical and cultural awareness among the locals.
A good example of taking care of this heritage is the Municipal Programme for the Protection of Monuments of the Municipality of Stara Kiszewa for the years 2020-2023, which actively supports activities aimed at preserving this wealth. Kiszewski Castle is not just stones, it is a living story!
Nearby tourist attractions: discover the area around Kiszewo Castle !
The area around Kiszewo Castle is a real treasure trove of attractions! In addition to the historic stronghold, there are plenty of opportunities to combine sightseeing with active recreation.
Canoe trips on the Wierzyca River
If you like water adventures, the Wierzyca River is a great choice! It is a popular kayaking route, and starting from the castle in Kiszewo is a great idea.
The route to Pogódki is 13 km, about 4-5 hours of paddling, of medium difficulty. You launch your kayaks at the marina, just behind the power plant – and you can already admire the ruins of the Teutonic castle from a different perspective!
The Wierzyca Trail offers various sections, from the easier to the more demanding, where you may encounter fallen trees or rocks in the current - now that's a challenge! Along the river you will find numerous kayaking ports and camping sites, for example in Górne Maliki or Pogódki.
Right next to the castle, on the Wierzyca River, there is a small hydroelectric power plant, and in its vicinity you will find the aforementioned kayak portage – an important point for every kayaker.
Odry Stone Circles Nature Reserve
This place is a real gem! The " Kręgi Kamienne " reserve in Odry (Czersk commune) is the largest and oldest cemetery of this type in Europe, right after the English Stonehenge.
It is probably a Goth burial ground from the 1st and 2nd century AD – it gives you goosebumps! In the reserve you will see 10 stone circles (with diameters from 15 to 33 meters!), with stones sticking out of the ground by 20-70 cm, as well as 29 barrows.
Over 600 graves have been discovered here! It is not only a cemetery, but also a place of tribal gatherings. Research shows that the location of the stones is not accidental, and original rock lichens live on them, some of them even a thousand years old! There are legends, including about a church that sank into the ground.
The reserve has been protected since 1958. During the season, it is open from Monday to Friday (10:00-17:00), and on weekends and public holidays (11:00-19:00). The entrance ticket is only 4 PLN (discounts for pupils, students, retirees and pensioners).
Ostrich Farm Garczyn
In Garczyn, a stone's throw from the castle in Kiszewo , there is the oldest African Ostrich Farm in Poland, established in 1993!
Today, there are about 300 ostriches of different ages living here. You can tour the farm with a guide who will tell you about ostrich customs (it's really fascinating!), organize a bonfire and buy original souvenirs made of claws, feathers and eggshells.
For the brave – ostrich dishes! The farm is open from Monday to Friday (9:00-18:00), and on Saturdays and Sundays (10:00-18:00). Out of season (October-March) it is better to call in advance to make sure about opening hours.
Old Bukowiec - Mill
This is another charming place on the Wierzyca kayak trail. There is a portage at the old, inactive water mill, and the place itself is a popular end point for kayaking trips.
Today, although neglected, the mill buildings are an interesting element of the landscape. A wild, forest section awaits you there – a real treat for nature lovers!
Accommodation options in the area
The area around the castle in Kiszewo is a paradise for those looking for a place to stay! In Stara Kiszewo and neighboring towns you will find everything: from recreation centers (e.g. Ośrodek Stawiska) to charming agritourism farms (such as Kaszubskie Chrósty or Agroturystyka Skowerówka nad Wierzycą, Koziołkowo).
There are also apartments available (e.g. Gołuńska Zatoka, Gościniec Kaszubski Las) as well as summer and year-round cottages (e.g. Bory Tucholskie Summer House, Pan Tadeusz Wooden Całoroczny Cottage).
Most facilities offer comfortable rooms, access to a kitchen, fireplaces, playgrounds and often the possibility of active recreation – bicycles or board games.
If you prefer a classic hotel, you can choose from Karczma Viking, Hotel Wrota Kaszub or Bazuny Hotel & SPA in Kościerzyna.
6. Visiting the ruins and manor-park complex of the castle in Kiszewo
Do you want to visit the castle ? You can do so after prior arrangement with the owners by phone at: +48 58 687 68 87. The entrance is at the observation tower in the center of the village.
The owners, true art and history enthusiasts, are happy to guide you around the historic grounds, showing you the most valuable parts of the castle , such as the star vault in the gate tower . Remember that the estate can be visited for a limited time, so be sure to contact them in advance!
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