Castle Museum in Oświęcim - History and the Most Important Attractions

Martyna Ługowska

21.03.2025 723

The Oświęcim Castle Museum is a place where history comes alive before the eyes of visitors. This historic building, located on a hill above the Soła River, hides within its walls the centuries-old history of the city and region. While visiting the museum, you can discover fascinating exhibitions devoted to the everyday life of former residents, historical events and the role of the castle over the centuries.

The History of Oświęcim Castle

The castle hill in Oświęcim conceals a rich history, the roots of which date back to the 11th century. Originally, there was an agricultural settlement here, which over the years transformed into a defensive stronghold. The first mentions of the stronghold date back to 1179, when the Oświęcim castellany was transferred by Casimir the Just to the Duke of Opole, Mieszko Plątonogi.

In the 13th century, the stronghold was destroyed by the Tatar invasion, but was quickly rebuilt. In the 14th century, Oświęcim became the capital of the Duchy of Oświęcim, and the castle served as the seat of the Piast princes. The characteristic cylindrical castle tower, which has survived to this day, also dates back to this period. In the following centuries, the castle underwent numerous reconstructions, and its fate was intertwined with the history of Poland, hosting many distinguished guests within its walls, including kings and papal envoys. During World War II, the building was partially destroyed and reconstruction lasted until the 1950s.

City Hall – Witness to Urban History

The Oświęcim Town Hall is an important part of the city's heritage. Built in 1874-1875 on the site of an earlier building that had burned down in a fire, it served as an administrative building for many years. During the German occupation, it was incorporated into the defense system, and after the war it became the seat of various offices.

Currently, the renovated town hall building houses the permanent exhibition "In the spaces of history. The history of the city of Oświęcim". The exhibition interactively presents the history of the city from the Middle Ages to the present day, presenting documents, seals, and exhibits such as the original Praga-Oświęcim car from 1936. This exhibition is not only a history lesson, but also an attempt to bring closer the everyday life of Oświęcim residents over the centuries. Multimedia presentations, models, and reconstructions of interiors add a modern character to the exhibition.

Mysterious Underground Tunnels

One of the most fascinating elements of the Auschwitz Castle Museum are the tunnels that run under the castle hill. Their exact origin and function remain a mystery, but it is believed that they were used for military and evacuation purposes. The tunnels add an aura of mystery to the place and attract tourists who want to explore lesser-known aspects of the city's history.

Visitors can admire fragments of the underground corridors, which have been partially made available as part of special tourist routes. Guided tours are provided by a guide who tells about the legends and hypotheses about the underground passages. The interiors of the tunnels are carefully lit, and sound and visual effects create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Contemporary Mission of the Museum

The Oświęcim Castle Museum, opened in 2010, today serves as a cultural institution whose goal is to popularize the history of the city and region. Numerous exhibitions, educational workshops and events are organized here, such as the Night of Museums and the Castellan Fair.

Thanks to modern multimedia solutions, the exhibitions are attractive to both adults and children. The museum is actively involved in historical education, offering museum lessons for schools and special programs for the youngest. Thematic lectures and meetings with historians are also regularly organized, which allow for a deeper understanding of the history of Oświęcim and its inhabitants.

The Oświęcim Castle Museum offers a variety of attractions for visitors of all ages. The proposals include:

- Guided tours, which reveal the secrets of the castle to guests.
- Pottery workshops for children and adults, during which you can create your own medieval-style vessels.
- Summer concerts in the castle courtyard, during which you can listen to old and contemporary music.
-Interactive exhibitions that allow you to feel the life of the medieval inhabitants of Oświęcim. -Special thematic routes devoted to defensive architecture and legends related to the castle.

A journey through the history of the city

The Oświęcim Castle Museum is a place where the history of the city comes alive again. Thanks to carefully arranged exhibitions, interactive displays and fascinating tunnels, visitors can explore the history of one of the oldest Polish towns. It is not only a treasure trove of knowledge, but also a cultural center that attracts tourists from all over the world, showing the rich heritage of Oświęcim. The museum is an important point on the tourist map of Małopolska, combining history with a modern approach to education and culture.