Oświęcim Castle, Gothic castle in Oświęcim, Poland.
Oświęcim Castle is a medieval fortress situated on a hilltop next to the Soła River, built with a four-sided defensive tower and residential structures arranged around an internal courtyard. The layout reflects the typical design of a medieval stronghold meant for both defense and living quarters.
The fortress was built between 1177 and 1179 and served as a strategic stronghold under various commanders and officials for centuries. It underwent numerous changes and occupations throughout Poland's complicated past.
The museum inside displays collections of documents, stamps, coins, maps, books, and photographs that tell the story of the town. These objects give you a sense of how people lived and worked in this region across different time periods.
Visiting requires checking opening times in advance, as hours vary throughout the week and can be limited on weekends. Planning ahead ensures you don't arrive to find the site closed.
Beneath the castle lie two tunnel systems: one from before 1914 and another dug by German forces between 1940 and 1944 for military purposes. These hidden passages tell stories of different chapters of the past buried underground.
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