A bit of history of Szczecin - Pomeranian Dukes' Castle The monument boasts a rich history and numerous curiosities that have been served among visitors for a long time. Before 1124, there was a wooden stronghold with the court of Duke Warcisław I. In 1235, the Pomeranian Duke Barnim I moved the capital of the Duchy of Pomerania to Szczecin. This is the time when the lands of the southern Baltic Sea were ruled by the Gryfici for over half a thousand years. The beginnings of the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle date back to 1346, when Duke Barnim III started the construction of the so-called stone house. Since then, over the years, the building has been successively expanded with new wings and towers. It acquired its characteristic Renaissance character in 1530, when its reconstruction began. The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin turns into a two-story building with a clock tower. At that time, the eastern wing of the building was also built, and in 1637 the Gryfin dynasty ceased to exist. Since then, the castle has served as the seat of the Swedish governor, and from 1720 - the Prussian garrison. In 1752, Frederick II the Great founded the mint in the museum wing. In 1920, the building fell into gradual devastation due to the abandonment by the garrison. In 1944, the castle was seriously damaged during air raids by Allied air forces. However, in the years 1958–1980 the castle was rebuilt, and in 2014–2015 the northern wing of the castle was renovated. The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle - architecture The former ducal residence is a five-wing complex of buildings planned around two courtyards, known as the main courtyard and the mint courtyard. The ensemble consists of the following wings: southern, eastern, western, northern and mint. The castle complex is enriched with towers: "bells" - from the north-west, "clock" towers - on the northern axis of the southern elevation, and "prison" towers - at the south-west corner of the southern wing, and a tower by the west wing. The main courtyard of the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin is surrounded by one-story cloisters. The Pomeranian Dukes' Castle - Szczecin and interesting facts Numerous research works contributed to attempts to recreate various customs and describe the everyday life of the castle's courtiers. Like every long-term monument, the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle still hides many secrets for us, but a few interesting facts are presented below. Castle witch Sydonia von Borck appeared in the history of the castle as a manor who fell in love without memory with the son of Prince Philip I. The prince, however, married another woman, and Sydonia left the castle. According to legend, she put a curse on him, which did not allow the Pomeranian dukes to leave any descendants. After a few years, Sydonia was accused of witchcraft. Then tortured and executed in 1620. The Gryphin Dynasty was not renewed. Medical service at the castle At the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin, doctors were especially trusted by the prince and were appointed to the positions of ducal advisers. The doctor also had access to state secrets and information about the health of members of the royal family, which is why he was bound by a declaration of silence "until the grave" about everything he had learned at court. Gryfin funeral ceremonies The adoption of Lutheranism in the Duchy of Pomerania in 1534 influenced the course of mourning ceremonies. The religious part has been modified: rituals such as mass or prayer for the deceased have been replaced with Bible readings and a Lutheran funeral sermon. Cheers and jesters at the court The possibility of conveying the bitter truth to the ruler was referred to at the court as "clownish freedom", because only jesters had the right to say aloud what everyone thought, and thus transgress conventions and etiquette. In spite of everything, Jesters were treated as persons with great insight. How to plan a trip to the castle? Visiting the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin can be organized independently or with a guide. The latter is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the facility. The guides have prepared interesting stories and unique routes, thanks to which you will remember a walk around the royal estates for a long time. Tickets to the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle can be purchased both traditionally at the ticket office and online. Ticket prices vary depending on the type of exhibition that visitors choose. The Pomeranian Castle in Szczecin and the events organized as part of its activities are one of the biggest weekend attractions in this port city. The organizers prepare cyclical walks around the castle, meetings with historians, concerts and theater shows. For people who want to stay longer, a hotel will be the perfect solution. Szczecin is a city where it is worth spending at least a weekend to feel the atmosphere of northern port buildings. Hotel Dana is a great base. Closely related to the history of Szczecin, it allows you to feel a unique atmosphere, providing guests with an extraordinary experience during the entire stay.