Łagów Castle

Łagów Castle, officially known as the Castle of the Order of St. John, is a historic fortress situated in the village of Łagów within the Lubusz Voivodeship of western Poland. Located approximately 56 kilometers south of Gorzów Wielkopolski, the structure occupies a scenic peninsula nestled between Łagowski Lake and Ciesz Lake. Originally constructed during the second half of the fourteenth century by the Knights of St. John, the building first appeared in historical records in 1299 under the name castro Lagowe. The initial design featured a distinctive trapezium-like fortification layout, reflecting the strategic military needs of the era while taking advantage of its unique lakeside geography.

Over the centuries, the castle has undergone significant architectural evolution, blending Gothic origins with later Renaissance and Baroque modifications. A major reconstruction occurred in the eighteenth century when the residence was updated to reflect the prevailing Baroque style. Following the secularization of the Order of St. John in 1812, the property transitioned from religious ownership into private hands, marking a new chapter in its long history. Today, the castle has been adaptively reused as a hotel, allowing visitors to experience its historic ambiance firsthand. This continued operation ensures the preservation of the site, which stands as a prominent example of mixed architectural styles and a testament to the region's medieval heritage under the stewardship of a major military order.