Złotoria Castle

Złotoria Castle is a Gothic castle ruin in Złotoria, in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship of Poland. The remains stand on an elevated position near the confluence of the Vistula and Drwęca rivers, with thick walls and defensive structures that reveal the original design.

Construction was ordered in 1343 by King Casimir III the Great to protect the border against potential Teutonic Knights attacks. The fortress played an important role in the regional defense strategy of that era.

The architecture reflects medieval Polish military engineering, with its quadrilateral layout and brick walls laid in traditional Flemish bond patterns. This building style was typical for fortifications of the region and shows how defensive structures were designed during that era.

The ruins are accessible via marked trails from the village of Złotoria, which is located southeast of the city of Toruń. The best time to visit is during the drier months, when the walking paths are in good condition.

The castle's original mortar proved so durable that demolition attempts in the 19th century were abandoned. This extraordinary hardness remains one of the defining features of what survives today.