In the very heart of Lublin, there is a beautiful castle of the softest color. This outstanding architectural landmark can be called the main attraction of the city as it is inextricably linked to its history.

The construction of the castle was first mentioned in the 12th century. Back then, most likely, the castle was more like a defensive fort and wasn’t decorated with exceptional architectural details. Two centuries later, the first brick tower was built next to it. Giant keep towers were typical of European architecture in the 13th-14th centuries, but only a few have survived to our time. In the 15th century, a fortress wall with a gate was erected around the castle to protect the city.

The castle got its current appearance, commemorating the beauty of medieval architecture much later, in 1520. By order of King Sigismund, it was almost entirely rebuilt in the Renaissance style. It began to be used as the residence of Polish kings. Eminent Italian artisans were invited from Krakow to build the castle. They were able to create a genuine architectural masterpiece.

This beautiful castle hosted celebrations, trade negotiations, and critical political decisions were taken here. At the end of the 19th century, it was severely damaged during one of the wars. And for quite a long time, for almost 128 years, as per the proposal of Stanislaw Staszic, it was used as a prison for political prisoners.

Today, the most interesting place for historians and tourists is the Holy Trinity Chapel, which is part of the castle complex. It is famous for its beautiful 15th-century frescoes. Remarkably, the temple has always been Catholic, but its frescoes are made in the Byzantine style, in the Orthodox tradition.

According to National Geographic, the Lublin Castle is one of the top seven attractions in Poland. And it’s hardly arguable because even though the current castle is not that old, the place itself and the preserved standalone buildings evoke certain awe when you stand before the hallmark of Lublin and Poland.