Muzeum – Zamek Górków w Szamotułach

About the museum

The castle in Szamotuły is a former residence north of the town, built in the mid-15th century; a mention from 1473 refers to a “new house” at the court of Piotr Szamotulski. From the beginning of the 16th century the castle belonged to the Górka family. In 1511 Łukasz II Górka became the owner, and in 1518 he rebuilt the complex in the Renaissance style and converted the tower, today called the Halszka Tower, into a residential part. In 1551 a printing house began operating in the castle, the first in Greater Poland, publishing Polish and Czech books. Łukasz III Górka, later voivode, modernised the residence again in 1552.

After the voivode's death the castle passed from hand to hand and fell into ruin; the residential part was renovated in 1720, and in 1869 a general renovation removed some original elements. In 1976–1990 the castle was rebuilt in its historic form, using the surviving Gothic fragments. The castle is linked to the legend of Halszka, that is Princess Elżbieta Ostrogska, who according to tradition refused to marry Łukasz III Górka and was held prisoner in the tower.

The Szamotuły Land Museum (Muzeum Ziemi Szamotulskiej) opened on 22 June 1957, originally in the tower. In 1990 the castle was opened to visitors and the institution was renamed the Górka Castle Museum (Muzeum Zamek Górków); in 1998 it was entered in the State Register of Museums, and in 2000 a restored 19th-century granary was added. The best-known collections are the icon collection and the story of Halszka of Ostróg, known as the Black Princess (Czarna Księżniczka).

Highlights

• Castle interiors: Knights' Hall, Ladies' Parlour, Gentlemen's Study and Ballroom foyer
• Collection of about 1,200 icons, about 350 on permanent display
• Halszka Tower and the legend of the Black Princess
• Ethnographic exhibition in the west wing: blacksmith's, carpenter's and weaving workshops
• Virtual walk around the castle

Permanent exhibitions

• Zamek – Galeria Wnętrz – Tour of the historic castle interiors: the foyer of the Ballroom, the Gentlemen's Study, the Ladies' Parlour and the Knights' Hall.
• Muzeum – Ikony – Collection of about 1,200 icons, about 350 of them on permanent display, mainly tempera on wooden panels, supplemented by metalwork and enamelled plaques.
• Etnografia w oficynie zachodniej – On the ground floor the blacksmith's, carpenter's and weaving workshops and a reconstructed village room; on the upper floor, folk costumes linked to the history of the region.

Founded

1957

Admission & discounts

Free admission: On Thursdays admission to the castle and the granary is free.

The PLN 8 ticket (reduced PLN 5) applies separately to the main building, the Halszka Tower, the ethnography in the west wing and the granary. Guided tours outside opening hours cost twice the basic price and must be booked at least 7 days in advance; groups are limited to 25 people.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: not available
• Service dogs welcome: not available
• Tactile models & exhibits: not available
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: not available

Stairs lead to the castle; there is no ramp for wheelchairs and no lift, and all floors are used for exhibitions. There is no toilet adapted for people with disabilities, no induction loop, no Braille signs or contrast markings, and no parking spaces for people with disabilities in front of the entrance. According to the accessibility statement, guide dogs and assistance dogs may not enter the building. People with disabilities and their carers enter free of charge.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum runs museum lessons and art workshops. Children up to age 5 in unorganised groups enter free of charge.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The Concert Hall, the Ballroom and the Knights' Hall (PLN 123 per hour each) are available for rent for conferences, training, seminars, lectures, corporate meetings and celebrations.

Plan your visit