Pokrzywno Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Pokrzywno, Poland.
Pokrzywno Castle is a medieval fortress ruin situated on a hill between two streams, with preserved sections including the gatehouse of the upper ward and fragments of northern walls. The structure spans multiple levels with different building phases visible across its remains.
The fortress was built around 1250 by the Teutonic Knights and initially served as a commandery until 1416. It then became an administrative center under Polish starosts before declining in importance.
The chapel was dedicated to Saint Lawrence and reflected the religious role of this fortress in the Chelmno region. Such chapels were central to daily life for those stationed here.
The ruins sit on a hilltop and require some care when walking, as surfaces are uneven and parts of the site are loose. There are no visitor facilities on-site, so it helps to arrive prepared with information about the layout.
The gatehouse has a trapezoidal foregate with pointed arcades and contains holes in the walls that once held wooden bars for defensive barriers. These details reveal the practical side of medieval fortification that visitors often miss.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
