# Kętrzyn Castle

- **Country:** Poland
- **Coordinates:** 54.074172, 21.376839
- **Location Text:** in Kętrzyn – Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship

Kętrzyn Castle, historically known as Rastenburg Castle, is a prominent Brick Gothic structure located in the town of Kętrzyn within Poland's Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. Originally established by the Teutonic Order in the historic Baltic Prussian land of the Bartians, the castle was constructed between 1357 and 1374, replacing an earlier wooden watchtower that had been repeatedly destroyed by Lithuanian raids. The site served as a crucial defensive stronghold and a strategic planning base for Teutonic expeditions against the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. During its medieval peak, the fortress housed approximately forty monks, including two who would later ascend to become Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order, highlighting its significant role within the organization's hierarchy.

The castle has endured a turbulent history marked by destruction and reconstruction. Following the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the fortification was surrendered to Polish forces but eventually returned to the Order. Over the centuries, it suffered major damage, leading to partial demolition in 1797 and severe destruction during the conflicts of 1945. However, the structure was faithfully rebuilt between 1962 and 1967, restoring its former Gothic glory. Today, the renovated complex serves as a vibrant cultural hub, housing the Wojciech Kętrzyński Museum, the Konik Mazurski Gallery, and the Municipal Public Library. Visitors can explore permanent exhibitions featuring artifacts ranging from the 15th to the 19th centuries, preserving the rich legacy of this historic site for future generations.

![Photo of Kętrzyn Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Ketrzyn%20zamek%203.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kętrzyn_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)