Castle Żarnowcu, Medieval castle ruins in Żarnowiec, Poland
Castle Żarnowcu is a medieval fortress ruin in Żarnowiec that originally formed a rectangular structure measuring 105 by 125 meters (344 by 410 feet) with corner towers and a residential wing. The complex was constructed from limestone and brick and surrounded by a moat filled with water drawn from the nearby Pilica River.
King Casimir the Great built this fortress during the first half of the 14th century using limestone and brick as construction materials. The site later became historically significant when it hosted royal residents during important periods of the medieval kingdom.
The castle held royal residents and served as a place of political significance when Queen Adelaide of Hesse stayed there during her separation from the king. It reflected the power structures and family dynamics of the medieval royal court.
The site sits on marshy meadows near the Pilica River, making it challenging to access during wet conditions. Wear sturdy footwear and prepare for muddy terrain, particularly after rainfall.
Archaeological excavations in 1994 uncovered foundation remains and a corner tower revealing the original construction techniques from the 14th century. These discoveries provided direct evidence of how medieval builders assembled and reinforced the fortress.
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