In one of the Polish metropolises, the main commercial and economic center of the southern Baltic, there is the historical seat of the rulers of the former Duchy of Pomerania. In the surroundings of the Oder and a short distance from the Baltic Sea on the Castle Hill in Szczecin, you can admire the Renaissance castle of the Griffin dynasty, which from the 12th to the 17th century lived in the areas of Western Pomerania.

The founder of the Griffin family is Prince Warcisław I, who received West Pomerania as a fiefdom from King Bolesław III Krzywousty. Prince Warcisław founded the Slavic fortress in the area of ​​present Szczecin with a wooden manor house. The history of the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle is closely connected with the year 1346 and Barnim III - the Szczecin prince of the same dynasty, who started the construction of a stone castle and gave it its original shape.

The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle due to the fire taking place in the 16th century, the destruction caused by fights and air raids during World War II was repeatedly extended and renovated. The post-war ruins of the castle were secured and the castle itself was rebuilt.

We restored the old Renaissance look and character to evoke the spirit of old times. Currently, it is the main cultural and entertainment center not only of Szczecin itself, but also of the entire West Pomerania. It is in the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle that numerous vernissages, art exhibitions, concerts and theatrical performances take place. But it is worth visiting also because of its historic character.

The castle was restored to its former glory. In the halls that once were teeming with life, you can see Renaissance paintings on the vaults finished with beautiful ornaments of the Renaissance and antique polychromes, a sundial or plaques commemorating important events in the life of the Griffin dynasty. This is an extraordinary place for every enthusiast and history, art and beginnings of Slavic culture - a must-see for people visiting West Pomerania.

Source: www.zamek.szczecin.pl and www.facebook.com/zamek.szczecin

Photos from the collection of the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin, source: www.zamek.szczecin.pl and www.facebook.com/zamek.szczecin.