Ryn Castle

Ryn Castle is a Teutonic stronghold dating from the late 14th century, situated on a hill between Lake Ryn and Lake Ołów. Over the following centuries, it served as the seat of the Order’s commanders and bailiffs, and later of the ducal starosts; it was also used as a prison and a seat of government offices. Since 2006, it has housed a hotel, and its historic interiors can be visited on guided tours.

Genesis

According to sources, a Teutonic Order watchtower may have existed in Ryn even earlier, but the construction of a proper castle began around 1377 on the orders of Grand Master Winrich von Kniprode. The stronghold was intended to serve as the seat of the convent and a base for expeditions against Lithuania. The first mention of the castle is found in the chronicle of Wigand of Marburg. At that time, the outer walls were built on a rectangular plan measuring approximately 44 by 52 metres, with a large outer bailey.

Around 1393, Grand Master Konrad von Wallenrode resumed construction, planning to establish a commandery here for his brother Frederick. These plans were not fully realised – the commandery was soon disbanded, and following the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the development was limited to a quadrangle of walls with a single Gothic building. In the following decades, the castle served as the seat of the village reeves and, from time to time, of Teutonic Knights’ commanders.

From the Thirteen Years’ War to the ducal era

Inventories from the early 15th century mention a kitchen, a bakery and a brewery in the castle, whilst later records from 1507 and 1515–1524 refer to a chapel, an armoury, a chapter house, a refectory and a guest room. During the Thirteen Years’ War, in 1455, the castle was captured by peasants; it was recaptured by Jerzy von Schlieben.

Following the secularisation of the order in 1525 and the establishment of the Duchy of Prussia, the castle became the seat of the Prussian Duke’s governors. In the 17th century, it was converted into a comfortable hunting lodge and a south-west wing with a gatehouse was added. In 1657, during a retaliatory raid on Ducal Prussia led by Aleksander Hilary Połubiński, the castle was burnt down by the Tatars.

Prison and court

In 1853, the castle was purchased by the Gąbin District Administration, which, following renovation, established a prison there; from 1861, it was designated for women. In 1881, a fire destroyed part of the complex, which was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style – with battlements and slender turrets, which today give the castle its distinctive appearance. At the beginning of the 20th century, a multi-storey prison block was added, and from 1911 the castle once again served as a men’s prison; a court also operated within the complex. It continued to function as a prison during the Second World War.

After 1945, the castle housed warehouses, workshops, offices of municipal institutions, a community centre and a museum. After 1990, the town sold the property to a private investor, who, between 2001 and 2006, converted it into a hotel and conference centre.

Architecture

The current four-winged structure took shape largely during the 19th century. The oldest part is the south-eastern wing, known as the ‘Komtur’ wing, which is approximately 44.5 metres long and 17 metres wide. The walls were built of brick on stone foundations, with a stone plinth approximately 1.3 metres high; the façade was adorned with diamond-shaped patterns of dark, Zendrówka brick. The Gothic vaults and portals have been preserved.

The two large towers planned in the Middle Ages were never completed, and the castle did not take on the originally intended layout of four wings. The battlements and corner turrets date from the 19th century, not from the Teutonic Knights’ builders. During the refurbishment, the courtyard was covered with a lightweight roof spanning approximately 950 square metres, whilst the former cellars were converted into a swimming pool and leisure area.

Legends

The best-known legend tells of the White Lady – a benevolent spirit said to bring good luck. According to the legend, she is Anna, the wife of the Lithuanian prince Vytautas. Vytautas, whilst seeking the crown, is said to have held negotiations with the Teutonic Knights in Ryn, whilst his wife and children were held hostage. Because he did not betray Władysław Jagiełło, his family were said to have been walled up in the castle cellars. Another tale speaks of underground passages connecting the castle to the crypt of a church that no longer exists and the nearby cemetery. Both stories are legends, with no confirmation in historical sources.

The castle today

The castle is privately owned and operates as the four-star Hotel Zamek Ryn, featuring the Refektarz restaurant, a wine bar, a spa area and conference rooms. Guided tours are available and cover the Gothic interiors as well as a collection of historical weapons, including helmets, swords, axes and spears. Knightly feasts and cultural events are held in the covered courtyard.