Gołańcz Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Gołańcz, Poland.
Gołańcz Castle is a fortress ruin standing on a peninsula in Lake Smolary, comprised of a five-story residential tower, defensive walls, and a cylindrical corner tower made of stone. The complex displays the typical layout of a noble fortification with several defensive elements.
Construction of the stone residential tower began in the second half of the 14th century under Bishop Maciej of Włocławek for the Pałuka family. In 1656, the fortress suffered a severe attack during the Swedish Wars, leading to its decline.
The fortress displays how Church authority and noble power found expression through medieval architecture. The structure unites religious leadership with aristocratic control in its stone form.
The site is best accessed from the mainland side, where a parking area sits near the historical structure. A paved path runs along the southern walls and offers a good vantage point to view the ruins.
Archaeological digs uncovered a mass grave from 1656 holding the remains of the castle garrison following a Swedish raid. This finding reveals the harsh consequences of the military conflicts of that era at the site itself.
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