Castle of the Dukes of Mazovia in Ciechanów (Zamek Książąt Mazowieckich w Ciechanowie)

Built on the swamps of the Łydynia River, the fortified castle was erected in the second half of the 14th century by Prince Janusz I (1379-1429), who in 1400 moved the city there and confirmed his privileges. As the prince’s headquarters, the castle not only had a defensive role (in 1465 it resisted the invasion of the Teutonic Knights), but also economic, administrative and judicial roles. Its glory days were between 1547-1556, when the castle belonged to Queen Bona; in later years, the building fell into disrepair. In the 19th century, its ruins, representing  the memory of past glory, inspired the spirit of the nation. The castle was visited by such people as Zygmunt Krasiński, Stefan Żeromski and Maria Konopnicka. In 1916-1920 and during the World War II it was the site of numerous executions. In the 1950’s, some archaeological/ architectural studies were launched with the reconstruction of the castle. In 1985 the castle was made into a museum, exhibiting arms from the 15th to the 18th centuries, pottery and ceramics from the 11th to the 16th centuries and copies of archival materials and photographs on the history of the castle. The most interesting exhibits include the armor worn by King Zygmunt August when he was a child, a winged Husarski helmet and harquebus. The castle interiors are used for temporary exhibitions, mainly archaeological, history-related meetings and ancient music concerts.
Branch of the Mazovian Nobility Museum in Ciechanów.
Location: 100 km north of Warsaw.
Bus or train connection.

Opening hours:
May - September: Tue.-Sun. 10 am - 6 pm
October - November: Tue.-Sun. 8 am - 4 pm

Admission:
regular - 5 PLN, reduced - 4 PLN