Description of the attraction
Rzeszow Castle is a landmark of the Polish city of Rzeszow, built in 1902-1906 on the site of a previously existing castle.
The first castle on this site was built in the 15th century after Rzeszow passed into the hands of Nikolai Ligierz in 1583. According to historical documents, the first castle consisted of two floors and had the shape of a square to strengthen the defensive functions. The castle was surrounded around the entire perimeter by a wall 1.5 meters thick. In case of an attack, loopholes were made in the wall, as well as two corner watchtowers. In 1620, modernization works were carried out in the castle: bastions and a rampart appeared.
After the death of the owner Nikolay Ligierz, the castle passed to the family of Jerzy Lubomirski. Under the new owner, the castle was going through hard times: Lubomirsky was a keen politician and did not pay any attention to the maintenance of the castle. In 1667, when the castle passed to the son of the previous owner - George Jerome Lubomirsky, large-scale reconstruction and expansion works began under the leadership of Tilman Gameren, which lasted until 1695. According to Tillman's plans, the castle turned into a two-story building with four wings and a deep moat around the perimeter. The castle was guarded by about 80 cannons. A whole system of secret passages was also created, allowing soldiers to move efficiently and quickly from one part of the building to another.
After the end of the Northern War, the castle was partially destroyed and again needed reconstruction. In 1820, the castle was taken over by the Austrian government, which opened a prison and courthouse here. In 1902-1906, the castle was renovated, only towers, bastions and a moat remained from the old look.
During the Second World War, executions of Poles were carried out in the castle. In the period from April 1, 1943 to March 1, 1944, almost 3 thousand people were killed. In 1981, the prison was closed, and only a functioning district court remained on the territory of the castle. After the completion of the construction of a new courthouse in the city, a museum is planned to be opened in the castle.
