Society for German Genealogy in Eastern Europe

The town authorities of Gostynin have established a foundation for the purpose of restoration or reconstruction of the old Castle of Gostynin.  The castle dates back to the end of the 14th century.  In the course of time it was used for many purposes, in the beginning it was the seat of the local government and was visited by several Polish kings.  Some decades later it also served as a prison, and the most prominent prisoners were the Russian czar Vassyli Szujski and his brothers Dymitri and Ivan in 1611.  The castle was often reconstructed, but after the second half of the 17th century the castle fell into ruin.  In 1824 the government donated the ruins to the Lutheran parishioners of Gostynin, who built the Lutheran church on the site of the castle, in part making use of the remaining walls.  [According to Eduard Kneifel the building costs amounted to 3,513 Rubels, of which the government paid two thirds, while the rest was paid by the parishioners.]  The church was used by the Roman-Catholic community until 1978, after which time it apparently was allowed to fall into ruin again.

The reconstruction plans have been made by Ryszard Piosik, a well-known architect from Plock.  It is one of the objectives of the foundation that the reconstructed castle will become the main tourist attraction of Gostynin, housing a conference center, hotel, and gastronomic restaurants.

However, the foundation does not have sufficient financial means to embark on such a huge task on its own.  Therefore, the foundation asks for financial aid from the citizens of Gostynin, as well as from countrymen who are now living in other parts of Poland or abroad.

The above is a rough translation (courtesy of Jan Textor) of text from the Gostynin Castle Restoration Web Page. Kniefel commentary not in original text.