Golub-Dobrzyń delights visitors with the castle towering above the town. Although built by the Teutonic Knights, its appearance resembles a Renaissance palace residence more than a Gothic fortress. This transformation is credited to Anna Wazówna, who took over the Golub starosty in 1611. The princess grew so fond of the castle that she is said to care for it to this very day. Legend has it that she can still be seen, dressed in white, wandering through the castle cloisters at night…

From the courtyard, the so-called “horse stairs” lead up to the upper floors. They owe their name to the knights who once rode up them on horseback directly into the chambers. A local legend warns that anyone who looks back while climbing the stairs will neigh at the most inappropriate moment within a year.

 

While standing in the cloister, step into one of the small chambers hidden within the castle walls. These were once penitential cells, where errant members of the order were confined to pray in solitude and atone for their sins. It is said that anyone with a guilty conscience should enter the cell — and their sins will be forgiven.