Gniew, Medieval castle town in Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Gniew is a town dominated by a Gothic castle built from red brick, which stands prominently on the left bank of the Vistula River. The fortress features defensive towers at its corners, and the old town spreads below it along the river's edge, creating a layered settlement pattern.
The fortress was constructed in the late 13th century by the Teutonic Knights as their initial stronghold on this side of the Vistula. Over subsequent centuries, control and purpose changed hands, but the structure remained a defining landmark of the region.
The settlement's name originates from a local legend about a knight, a story that remains woven into how locals understand their town's identity. Residents keep this medieval heritage visible through regular events and demonstrations that show how people once lived and worked in this place.
The town is accessible by bus from nearby cities and lies a short distance from a railway station. Arriving early in the day allows you to explore the castle and the old town without crowds, and gives you time to walk along the riverbank.
A Baroque palace was built beside the castle for the wife of a royal official, an unexpected architectural pairing that still stands today. This rare combination of medieval fortress and later ornamental palace right next to each other reflects how the place transformed through different historical periods.
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