In a beautiful hill between the lakes: Ryńskie and Ołów the building works began. This medieval stronghold was built in stages and it used to look completely different in the old times. The oldest data about a Teutonic castle, which gave the beginning to the settlement and the future town, come from the chronicle of Vigand from Marburg in 1377. The first phase of building works is estimated for the second 14th century, until 1376. The second phase of the works is dated back to in 1377 and was begun with constructing surrounding walls, on the rectangular with the measures of 44 x 52 metres, with a huge settlement outside castle walls. It was planned to build two wings: southern-eastern and northern-eastern (the southern and northern wing was 56,5 metres and the eastern and western was 44,8 metres and their outside width was 17 metres). Thick walls: 4,5 metres thick, narrowing to the ground up to 2,5 metres made the base for the colossus. From the other sides, the square was closed with curtain wallswith a unique tower situated in the western corner. It is assumed that at that time surrounding walls did not go beyond the second storey, and the southern-eastern wing was built from the ground height. Additionally, surrounding walls were reinforced on the corners with risalit in order to make it possible to settle turrets on their crown. Rooms on the ground floor were planned to have been covered with wooden ceilings, in others – cross vaults.
After creating Komturiaship in Ryn, there appeared the necessity for alteration of the castle. Then, cellars, the southern-eastern wing were again divided and there appeared cross vaults. On the underground floor there were constructed three rooms such as a spacious room, covered with cross vaults and supported by brick pillars. On the first floor there was a chapel, which was characterised by unique windows. Next to the chapel there was a chapter house and theh Grand Commander's room. Higher, over the chapel, there was an armoury. The last and the highest floor was surrounded by defensive porches. From the first floor to higher storeys there were inside stairs with the width of the wall, and the communication in a wing was enabled by a one-storey gallery.
A rom the southern-eastern side there were approaches of the castle with the manor. It is thought to have been used as a utility room. The whole castle was surrounded by moats with water from Ołów Lake.
It may be read in inventories from the beginnings of the 15th century that the castle rooms included a kitchen, a bakery, and even a brewery. In 1507 there is a mention of an attic, a chapel, a powder magazine and an armoury. In 1515-1524 there were other rooms detailed: a chapter house, a refectory, a dormitory, a writer's and a cook's rooms, baths and a guest room. From the subsequent entries it may be learnt about a stronghold, a malt-house, a honey store, a mill, a powder mill, a granary, and a 'walke' house. A 18th-century- four-wing irregular castle with an extended yard – was the effect of many alterations from 16th century and later. First alterations were made in 1525, and next in 17th century when there was a need to organise a comfortable hunting residence for a Duke. Then there appeared the southern-western wing with the gate and the northern-western wing. Always, when the owners changed, the castle's appearance and destination changed as well.
source www.zamekryn.pl
Book hotel room in Ryn Castle on-line
The RYN CASTLE Hotel **** towers over the small town, which is beautifully located on the isthmus of two lakes: Ołów and Ryńskie, which makes an offshoot of the Great Masuria Lakes Trail. This 14th-century second largest building of this type in Poland, is situated in one of the most attractive, ecological, natural and tourist regions. Hilly, undulating landscape, fabulous lakes, meandering in long gutters, full of charming bays and peninsulas create the Castle's surroundings.
Additional attractions: Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, Infrared, bowling alley.
In the vaults of the Castle we have a Wine Cellar where our sommelier regularly enriches a thoroughly selected, adjusted to dishes, a wide choice of wines from internationally acclaimed vineyards. During romantic suppers our Guests can enjoy fabulous "Ryńskie Wine", whose mistery lies in carefully preserved recipies and the exceptional atmosphere of this place.
____________________________________________________
Stay at least one night in one of the polish castles !!! Your choice:
| Czocha | Kliczkow | Krag | Ladek Zdroj | Ryn |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |