Ketrzyn Castle is the heart of Kentrzyn. The first frontier outpost, then named Rastenburg, was built by the crusaders in 1329 in place of the ancient settlement of Rast. The vantage location made the fortress the base of the Teutonic Knights for their campaigns in Lithuania. The wooden building could not provide reliable protection and was destroyed twice: first, it was overtaken and burned by the troops of Prince Algirdas, and later by Prince Kestutis. Every time the fortress was restored.

In 1360, a square-shaped castle was built in place of the defensive fortress, with no defense towers and front premises. You could only defend yourself on the 3rd floor, as the rest of the space was occupied by residential and housekeeping areas. All that the knights needed in their breaks while preparing for the campaigns was there: a chapel, a refectory, a kitchen, a brewery, storerooms, a mill, a bakery, a barn, an arsenal, and even a jail. To make the castle impregnable, they began to fortify and complete it. So Ketrzyn received 13 defense towers and two gates. At the beginning of the 15th century, two-meter tall fortress walls were erected. The castle is a fine example of Brick Gothic.

Due to numerous and recurrent damages, fires, and reconstructions, in 1528, 1559, 1622, the courtyard tower was built, and in 1912, windows were cut in the castle walls to use the place for residential purposes. The castle lost its former chivalrous grandeur.

Again, Ketrzyn was destroyed in the 17th century and rebuilt before World War II. The construction of the modern Gothic castle began in 1962, according to the sketches of the architect and artist Conrad Steinbrecht.

Now the castle is a favorite place among tourists. Besides the Wojciech Ketrzynski Museum, there are permanent exhibitions and fairs, the most famous being the St. Jacob’s Medieval Fair; numerous events and concerts are also held.

The Ketrzyn Castle’s surroundings are no less stunning as they include the Gothic St. George’s Church, the Town Hall building, all of unique historical, cultural, and architectural value. Also nearby is the beautiful Baroque Swieta Lipka Sanctuary with a basilica and a Jesuit monastery.