Pęzino: Castle, Church and Red Hiking Trail

• The castle was built in its original form by the Knights Hospitaller around the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries.
• Its identifiable building phases range from Early and Late Gothic through Late Renaissance to Neo-Gothic.
• The Late Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary dates from the mid-16th century and was built from fieldstone and brick.
• The red Hetman Stefan Czarniecki Trail runs from Stargard to Recz, passes through Pęzino and is 62.5 kilometres long in total.

The castle is notable for its building history spanning several periods. The Knights Hospitaller built it in its original form around the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. Its clearly identifiable stylistic phases range from Early and Late Gothic through Late Renaissance to Neo-Gothic. The castle therefore cannot be assigned to just one period: these phases give its architecture a variety of historical influences.

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary offers a different historical and architectural reference point. It is Late Gothic, dates from the mid-16th century and is built from fieldstone and brick. The church is distinguished by its date and building materials as well as its style, whereas the castle is defined above all by its succession of different building phases. Those interested in architecture will find two distinct subjects in Pęzino, without having to assign both buildings to the same period.

The red Hetman Stefan Czarniecki Hiking Trail runs from Stargard to Recz and passes through Pęzino. Its length of 62.5 kilometres refers to the entire trail, not to a short loop in the village. Pęzino is one point along its route. This is a useful measure for your planning if you want to distinguish between local architectural history and a longer hiking route. If you plan to hike the trail, check its current condition before setting out.

Stargard has its own cultural and historical attractions. Its medieval town walls are among the few examples of fortifications in West Pomerania that have survived almost along their entire length, complete with defensive gates and bastions. By an ordinance of the President of the Republic of Poland dated 17 September 2010, St Mary’s Church and Stargard’s medieval town walls were recognised as a Monument of History.

A museum exhibition in Stargard covers the city’s history from its founding in the 13th century to the beginning of the 18th century. Routes also differ: the “Stargard – Jewel of Pomerania” circular route passes through the Old Town and is about 3 kilometres long. The Historical Festival “In the Land of the Griffin” is intended for whole families, history enthusiasts and people looking to spend an active weekend in June. These cultural and trail-related attractions in Stargard offer separate points of reference for planning your trip.

First consider whether your trip will focus on the architectural history of the castle and church, or on the red hiking trail and its 62.5-kilometre route.

Discover more destinations: Sowno, Dobrzany, Żukowo, Oświno, Rogowo, Brudzewice, Granica, Insko.

When was Pęzino Castle built?

The Knights Hospitaller built the castle in its original form around the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Which architectural styles can be seen in the castle?

Its identifiable building phases range from Early and Late Gothic through Late Renaissance to Neo-Gothic.

How long is the red Hetman Stefan Czarniecki Trail?

The trail is 62.5 kilometres long, runs from Stargard to Recz and passes through Pęzino.

To the broader travel guide: Stargard.