Bochotnica Castle, Gothic castle in Bochotnica, Poland.
Bochotnica Castle is a stone fortress with irregular polygon-shaped walls built on elevated ground overlooking the Vistula River. The surviving sections include parts of the southern and northern wings, though overgrown vegetation partly obscures the structure.
Construction began in 1340 by the Firlej family after a Tatar attack destroyed the earlier wooden fortress from the 13th century. The stone structure represented a major advancement in defensive building for the region at that time.
The castle served as the residence and power base of the Firlej family for generations, shaping local history and nobility status. You can see how it reflected their importance through its solid construction and strategic location.
Wear sturdy footwear since the terrain is uneven and can be marshy in places. Expect limited visibility and access due to overgrown vegetation and sections of missing walls when exploring the site.
In the late 15th century, the castle became a hideout for bandits under Katarzyna Zbąska's ownership, shifting from a noble residence to something far darker. This unusual turn reveals how such fortresses could lose their formal purpose and fall under outlaw control.
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