Szymbark Castle, Gothic castle ruins in Szymbark, Poland.
Szymbark Castle is a castle ruin situated on the northern shore of Lake Szymbarskie in the Warmian-Masurian region. The remaining stone walls rise from the surrounding forest landscape and reveal the basic layout of the original fortification.
The castle was founded in 1301 by the Teutonic Order and later served as a summer residence for bishops of Pomesania. It maintained this role until 1945, when its period as a noble seat came to an end.
The ruins display Gothic defensive architecture with thick walls and fortified design elements that remain visible today. This style of building was typical for rulers of that era and continues to shape how the place looks.
The site is accessible to visitors and surrounded by forest with paths for exploration. The nearby town of Iława provides access, and different areas along the lake shore can be visited from the grounds.
A Latin inscription from 1386 can be found above the main gate, naming Brother Henry of Skarlin as the builder. This carving is a rare record of the medieval craftsmen who worked on such fortifications.
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