Castle of the Dukes of Mazovia in Ciechanów

The castle in Ciechanów was built on the swamps of the Łydynia River on the turning point of the fourteenth and fifteenth century. It was erected by the Masovian Duke Siemowit III, and his son Janusz I, Prince of Ciechanów and Warsaw. The brick stronghold was built on the mound made of layers of clay and timber. The towers located in the four corners of the castle's square formation help to defend the stronghold, and additional 10 metre high defensive walls. In the fifteenth century, the castle was raised by an additional level and a raised courtyard.
The castle as the prince’s headquarters had defensive, economic, administrative and judicial roles. 

After the death of the last duke of Mazovia, in the second half of 15th century, Mazovia was incorporated into the Polish state. In 1547, when the castle belonged to Polish queen Bona, the stronghold changed its function into an aristocratic residence. In later years, the building fell into disrepair. The castle was destroyed by the Swedish army in the so-called Swedish Deluge (second half of the 17th century). After the Third Partition of Poland (1795), the stronghold became part of Prussia and was partially deconstructed for cheap building material. In the 19th century, the castle was visited by famous Polish writers and poets. Its ruins, representing the memory of past glory, inspired the spirit of the nation. 

In the 1950’s, some archaeological and architectural studies were launched with the reconstruction of the castle. The Castle of the Masovian Dukes was rebuilt and its interiors are used for temporary exhibitions, mainly archaeological, history-related meetings and ancient music concerts. 

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