Stargard: Medieval Walls and City History

City Walls, St. Mary's Church and City History

St. Mary's Church and Stargard’s medieval city walls were recognised as a Monument of History by a decree of the President of the Republic of Poland dated 17 September 2010. The walls are among the few examples of medieval urban fortifications in West Pomerania that have survived almost along their entire course, with defensive gates and bastions. It is this combination of an extensive line of fortifications, gates and bastions that makes the complex a distinctive feature of the city.

A museum exhibition in Stargard covers the city’s history from its founding in the 13th century to the beginning of the 18th century. It adds a historical timeline to the architectural heritage, from Stargard’s beginnings to an era well beyond the medieval city fortifications. If you are interested in history, you can include a range of topics in your trip rather than limiting your visit to a single building.

Another cultural highlight is the historical festival “In the Land of the Griffin.” It is an event for families, history enthusiasts and anyone who would like to spend an active weekend in June. Since 2014, the Archaeological-Historical Museum has organised the festival as part of Stargard Days in Piast Park, near the Bastion. The June weekend and the festival’s historical character give it a different appeal from a visit focused mainly on the city walls and exhibition.

Old Town Walking Route or Cycling Route?

For a walk focused on the old town, the “Stargard – Jewel of Pomerania” route passes through the old town and is about 3 kilometres long. Its stated length gives you a practical guide for planning your day, without confusing it with the quite different cycling route.

The red “Through the Drumlins of the Stargard Region” cycling route starts and ends in Stargard. Along the way, it passes through Lipnik, Zieleniewo, Morzyczyn, Grzędzice, Żarowo, Rogowo and Lubowo. The two routes therefore appeal to different interests: the walking route stays within Stargard’s old town, while the cycling route connects several places along one route.

Pęzino Castle and Lake Miedwie Nearby

Pęzino lies where the Pęzinka meets the Krąpiel, about 13 kilometres east of Stargard. Its castle is considered one of the best-preserved residential and defensive buildings in Pomerania. The original structure was built by the Knights Hospitaller around the turn of the 15th century. For travellers who would like to include a historic castle as well as a medieval townscape in their plans, it offers a distinct highlight nearby.

Water offers a different kind of outing: Koszewo, on the eastern shore of Lake Miedwie, has an unguarded bathing area. Koszewo is about 15 kilometres from Stargard. Pęzino Castle and the bathing area in Koszewo therefore cater to different interests—architectural history on the one hand, and a lakeside spot on the other.

More to Discover in the Gmina Stargard

The Gmina Stargard also has distinctive natural and cultural features. The Ozy Kiczarowskie geological reserve lies south of Kiczarowo, on Route 149 between Stargard and Chociwel. It covers 4.7 hectares, was established in 1962 and preserves glacial sands and gravels that form ridge-like rises and elongated hills. This geological landscape is quite different from the historic buildings that define Stargard and Pęzino.

Barzkowice, also in the Gmina Stargard, is home to an eclectic 19th-century palace, extended in 1911, with Classical and Neo-Renaissance motifs. The village also has a 12.7-hectare park with notable tulip trees; an avenue of lime trees and an avenue of elms are recognised as communal natural monuments. In Poczernin stands the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, built from fieldstones in the 15th century, with a wooden tower cupola dating from 1850. It preserves a Late Gothic altar with a 16th-century crucifix, as well as three Gothic portals. Each place offers a distinct focus in the Gmina: the park and palace in Barzkowice, and church architecture in Poczernin.

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Interests

If you are mainly interested in Stargard’s history, you can focus your search for a holiday apartment on Stargard and make the old town walking route, city walls and museum the main themes of your visit. If you would also like to visit places such as Pęzino or Koszewo, plan them as separate parts of your trip. Your choice of accommodation will therefore depend on whether your stay is devoted mainly to the city or to a mix of Stargard and its nearby surroundings—without needing to assume that a holiday apartment has any particular amenities.

Discover more destinations: Insko, Dobrzany, Stargard Szczeciński, Rekowo, Żukowo, Rogowo, Granica, Morzyczyn, Chociwel, Koszewko, Oświno, Brudzewice, Pęzino, Sowno.

For the broader travel overview: West Pomerania.