The medieval castle in Czersk. Residence of the Dukes of Masovia.
History Beyond Warsaw
Czersk Castle is an accessible ruin, romantically situated on the edge of an escarpment overlooking the Vistula River, which has long since moved away from the castle. The history of Czersk and its castle ruins forms an important part of the detailed history of Warsaw.
800 Years of History
Medieval Stronghold in Czersk, 13th–14th Century
Czersk Castle was built on the orders of Duke Janusz I the Elder of Masovia during the last quarter of the 14th century. Before that, a Slavic fortified settlement and a small village stood here, with a stone Romanesque church at its center. Today, only the foundations of the church remain. In the mid-13th century, the church was elevated to the rank of a collegiate church.
The fortified settlement was unable to withstand the attacks of the then-pagan Lithuanians and was almost completely destroyed during the 1380s. It was rebuilt in the form of a castle. At that time, Czersk served as the capital and administrative center of the Duchy of Masovia. After the castle was completed at the beginning of the 15th century, the duke moved the capital to Warsaw and established his new residence there. Today, the site is occupied by the Royal Castle. Czersk was transformed into a fortress controlling the important trade route that passed through the area. The settlement never regained political significance.
The castle was modernized and expanded several times during the 15th century. The side towers were raised, and the clearly recognizable Gate Tower was built during this period. Only the northern section of the defensive wall follows the line of the earlier fortified settlement. The inner courtyard covers an area of 1,900 square meters.
Property of the Kings of Poland
In 1526, the Duchy of Masovia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Poland, and Czersk Castle became the property of the Polish kings.
During the Polish-Swedish War of 1655–1660, known in Polish historiography as the Swedish Deluge, the castle was irreversibly destroyed. The Crown Marshal and Starosta (royal administrator) of Czersk, Franciszek Bieliński (1683–1766), later repaired some of the damage. During this period, the arcade bridge spanning the castle moat was constructed.
Today, Czersk is a quiet village that comes to life during festivals held within the castle ruins. The castle can be visited from the inside.
The castle before its destruction by the Swedes in 1656. A = Gate Tower, B = East Tower, C = West Tower, D = Defensive Wall, E = Church of St. Peter, F = Great Residential Building, G = ?
The Gate Tower
The Gate Tower is very well preserved. Missing from the upper floors are the battlements, the projecting bay, the hoarding, and the roof (see the image in the previous section, letter A).
Originally, the tower could only be entered through a side door connected to the defensive wall. At ground level, it contained two passageways: a narrow one for pedestrians and a wider one for mounted riders.
On the first floor, the guards had their quarters, from where they could also open and close the gate. The second floor was reserved for the castle lord. The third and fourth floors served purely defensive purposes.
The East Tower
The East Tower of the castle complex @ Walking Warsaw
The East Tower stands closest to the Vistula River. It originally reached a height of 21 meters. The dungeon was located in the basement. For this purpose, the foundations were deepened and the floor reinforced with stones. Prisoners were lowered into the dungeon from the second floor using a rope. Escape was nearly impossible because the entrance to the tower could only be reached from the level of the city walls.
Today, visitors can still look down into the dungeon. It is also possible to climb to the top of the tower and enjoy views over the Vistula Valley.
Like the Gate Tower, the East Tower no longer has its roof.
The West Tower
The West Tower of Czersk Castle. The entrance at ground level is clearly visible @ Walking Warsaw
This tower is unique because it extends beyond the line of the defensive wall. It was 16.5 meters high and served a purely military function. The castle arsenal was housed within its walls. Access to the tower was possible from the inner courtyard.
Due to the extensive destruction it suffered, visitors can only explore the West Tower up to the height of the remaining walls.
Visiting the Castle
The castle can be visited throughout the year. Several information boards help visitors better understand the complex. In the East Tower, you can walk through the rooms once occupied by the castle lord and imagine what life here may have been like.
The views are particularly impressive, especially on clear days. We especially recommend visiting Czersk Castle when a medieval fair is being held on the grounds. These events create a wonderful atmosphere and are particularly enjoyable for children.
Interior furnishings in the East Tower @ Walking Warsaw
