# Olsztyn Castle

- **Country:** Poland
- **Coordinates:** 50.749700, 19.274100
- **Location Text:** in Olsztyn, Silesian Voivodeship

Olsztyn Castle is a historic Gothic fortress situated in the town of Olsztyn within the Silesian Voivodeship of Poland. Perched atop a hill amidst distinctive limestone rocks in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, the site forms a key part of the famous Trail of the Eagles' Nests. Originally constructed during the 14th century under the orders of King Casimir III the Great, the castle served as a vital component of a defensive system designed to protect the western borders of Lesser Poland from Czech incursions, particularly when Silesia was under Czech control. Its strategic location made it an essential military asset for the Kingdom of Poland during the medieval period.

The castle possesses a turbulent history marked by changes in ownership and conflict. After briefly belonging to Prince Władysław Opolczyk, it was seized in 1396 by King Władysław II Jagiełło and granted to the nobleman Jan Odrowąż of Szczekociny. Throughout the 15th century, the structure endured multiple invasions by Silesian princes before eventually becoming militarily obsolete due to advancements in warfare. The final blow to its integrity occurred in 1655 when Swedish forces captured and devastated the stronghold. By 1722, the site was partially demolished, with bricks salvaged from the ruins to construct a local parish church, leaving the structure in a state of decay.

Today, Olsztyn Castle exists as atmospheric ruins and remains one of the most significant tourist attractions in the region. While only fragments of the original defensive walls survive, the most impressive remaining feature is a massive 35-meter round tower dating back to the 13th century, which historically functioned as a prison. The site offers visitors a glimpse into Poland's medieval military architecture and the dramatic historical events that shaped the borderlands between Poland and Silesia.

![Photo of Olsztyn Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Castle%20in%20Olsztyn.JPG)

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