The Teutonic Castle in Kętrzyn
A Teutonic castle erected in the second half of the 14th century. Originally a seat of the Teutonic procurators, it was burned down in 1945 and rebuilt in the 1960s. Currently, it houses the Wojciech Kętrzyński Museum.
ABOUT THE CASTLE
In 1357, the Teutonic Knight Johan Schindekopf, Commander of Balga, granted the settlement town privileges. Around the same time, construction likely began on a brick castle in the southeast corner of the town’s fortifications.
The castle was completed before 1374, as it first appears in the Order’s castle inventories in that year.
MUSEUM
The Wojciech Kętrzyński Museum in Kętrzyn is one of the oldest museums in the Warmian-Masurian region. It has been operating continuously since February 26, 1946. Since 1967, the museum has been housed in the castle of Kętrzyn.
The museum’s highlights include a collection of old art, exhibits related to the city’s history, and a multimedia model with video mapping projections.
MEDIEVAL FAIR
Every summer, knights, merchants, and artisans arrive in Kętrzyn for the St. James Medieval Fair. During the fair, you can watch weavers and potters, blacksmiths and foundry workers, meet a rope maker, and try traditional regional dishes. You will learn about the work of a scribe in a scriptorium and mint a commemorative coin with a moneyer. In the shadow of the castle courtyard, you will hear the songs of pilgrims, and around the castle you will see a colorful crowd of jugglers and musicians. Knightly battles, a salvo from the castle artillery, and evening festivities to the sounds of ancient instruments create a unique atmosphere of a medieval spectacle.