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Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin - visit with children the region's top landmark

Korsarzy 34
70-540 Szczecin

In a room
Outdoors

One of the most important and recognizable historic sites in West Pomerania

Set on Castle Hill above the Oder River in Szczecin (north-west Poland, near the German border), this was for centuries one of the most important and grand residences of the Pomeranian Dukes, known as the Griffins. What will children enjoy most at the castle?

the unusual clock with a green mascaron (a carved face) that rolls its eyes, with the hand in the middle of its nose
climbing the tower—try to spot from above the places you have already visited or plan to see
before or after your visit you can print our coloring pages about the Griffins; you will find them at the end of this article

About the Griffins, the castle's history, and the city coat of arms

The Griffins were one of the longest-ruling ducal dynasties in Europe. They governed West Pomerania for almost 600 years. Many towns in the region, including Szczecin, grew thanks to them. Szczecin became their main seat and one of the key power centers on the Baltic Sea.

The family emblem was a griffin—a mythical creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion. That is why not only Szczecin but many Pomeranian towns have a griffin in their coat of arms.

After the dynasty died out, the castle lost importance. During periods of German rule it served various administrative and military roles. In World War II it was badly damaged. Long reconstruction works later restored its historic look.

Pomeranian Dukes' Castle in Szczecin - the residence of the Griffin dynasty

The Castle Courtyard

One of the most distinctive places is the courtyard surrounded by Renaissance wings. In Griffin times it was the center of court life—ceremonies, political meetings, and key events took place here. Today the courtyard is open to locals and visitors and hosts concerts, festivals, theater shows, and outdoor events. This historic space still feels lively and links past and present.

Courtyard at the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle

The clock with a mascaron

A highlight is the clock tower and the unusual Baroque clock. It shows a green mascaron (a carved face) that rolls its eyes. The clock hand sits in the middle of its nose. Above it a clacking jester strikes the gongs to mark the hours and quarters.

The castle clock once set the rhythm of life at the ducal court. The current version was rebuilt after the war but follows historic models. Its distinctive dial, visible from far away, is one of the most photogenic details, and the tower is a key landmark on Szczecin's skyline.

This clock is one of the oldest and most mysterious of its kind in the city—over 300 years old.

Clock with a mascaron at the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle

Climb the Bell Tower

When visiting the castle, be sure to go up the Bell Tower—one of the top attractions here. After about 200 steps you reach the viewing terrace with beautiful views of the castle and the city. You can see St James Cathedral, Waly Chrobrego (Chrobry Embankment), the Philharmonic Hall, Lasztownia Island, and the Oder River. The Mary Bell on the tower is older than the tower itself.

View from the Bell Tower toward Waly Chrobrego and Lasztownia

Museum at the Pomeranian Dukes' Castle

The on-site museum presents the history of the Griffin dynasty. You will see historic everyday objects, old weapons, documents, and scale models showing how the castle and the city looked in different periods. There are also artworks linked to Pomerania—painting and sculpture—and archaeological displays about life in the region in earlier times.

Maiden's Tower (also called the Tower of Seven Coats)

Near the castle stands the ivy-covered Maiden's Tower, also called the Tower of Seven Coats. It is a remaining part of the city's medieval defensive walls. According to legend, a Pomeranian duke ordered seven coats from a tailor, made of very fine and expensive fabric. The tailor's wife loved the material so much that she begged him to sew her a dress from the scraps. The duke and his court admired the coats, but soon someone saw the tailor's wife wearing a dress made from the same fabric. As punishment, the dishonest craftsman was supposedly locked in this very tower.