Zamek Królewski w Rydzynie

The largest of the Greater Poland castles, built in the 17th century on the walls of a medieval castle. It was the seat of King Stanisław Leszczyński, periodically August II, and later of the Sułkowski princes. Napoleon Bonaparte's adjutant Józef Sułkowski was raised in the castle. During World War I, the castle housed a prisoner of war camp for French and Russian officers. From 1928-1939, the castle housed an elite secondary school: the Sułkowski Junior High School and High School in Rydzyna. The school educated outstanding students as staff for the Second Polish Republic. During World War II, the Germans set up a training center for the fascist organization NAPOLA in the castle. In 1945, Soviet troops burned the castle. In 1970, the castle was rebuilt by the Association of Polish Mechanical Engineers and Technicians. Currently, the castle has been meticulously restored and is open to visitors. It has 11 ceremonial halls, which house exhibitions and rich furnishings. The castle also houses a hotel and a restaurant. Throughout the year, the castle organizes concerts, balls and various outdoor events.

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