The Owidz Settlement

Did you know that many of our current traditions, such as decorating Easter eggs or leaving an empty place at the Christmas Eve table, date back to the ancient beliefs of the Slavs?

At Grodzisko Owidz (The Owidz Settlement) and the Museum of Slavic Mythology, near Starogard Gdanski, you can learn more about this fascinating heritage!

Just a few kilometers from Starogard Gdanski, on the Wierzyca River, you will find an unusual place – Grodzisko Owidz (The Owidz Settlement). It is a reconstructed medieval settlement, which was one of the most important defensive strongholds in Kociewie. Owidzki Castle was one of the most important defensive castles in Kociewie and is estimated to have survived until the mid-12th century.

Grodzisko Owidz – Return to the Middle Ages

Although its history dates back centuries, the site gained new life in 2012 when its restoration was completed and opened to visitors.

The castle was one of the most important defensive points in Kociewie, and its history dates back to the early Middle Ages. Passing through the gate, you can feel the spirit of the old days and walk between wooden workshop, hunting, herbalist or hangman’s huts. Some of the huts are open to the public, allowing visitors to look inside and see what daily life may have been like in the settlement.

It is also worth climbing the tower of the last defense, which offers a view of the entire castle. There you will also find a fighting arena and a statue of Swietowit, which enriches the atmosphere and allows you to feel like in a real Slavic settlement.

Outside the castle are many wooden sculptures, an amphitheater and a sizable playground for younger visitors.

Museum of Slavic Mythology – Discover ancient spirituality

The Owidz Grodzisk is home to Europe’s only Museum of Slavic Mythology. Despite its small size, the museum is packed with fascinating information and interactive stations that introduce the world of Slavic beliefs and ancient rituals.

We can learn that some of the modern customs, such as painting eggs for Easter or leaving an empty place at the Christmas Eve table, have their roots in Slavic rituals.

The tour is guided by a guide who colorfully tells us about the mythology of the Slavs, introducing us to the mysterious world of ancient beliefs, demons and deities. The exhibition is highly evocative, although it can be a bit dark, which gives it an added charm.

The Owidz Settlement for children

The Owidz Settlement is a great place for families with children. Next to a reconstruction of a medieval settlement is an amphitheater and a themed large playground designed in medieval style, allowing younger visitors to feel like little explorers of history.

Little visitors can take a peek inside the cottages, see the farm animals, and climb the tower. Although most of the facilities are kid-friendly, it’s worth remembering that the hangman’s hut may be too scary for the little ones.

Practical information

Catering

On the grounds of Grodzisko Owidz there is an inn “Na Podgrodziu,” styled as a Slavic inn. The restaurant offers traditional dishes that fit the atmosphere of the place and are a perfect complement to your visit. This is the place where you can have a filling meal after an eventful tour of the settlement and museum.

Prices – how much does a ticket to Grodzisk Owidz cost?

Grodzisko Owidz is not an expensive attraction, so all the more reason to visit this place. Prices are as follows:

The Owidz Settlement :

• Normal ticket – PLN 10,
• Discounted ticket – PLN 5.

Museum of Slavic Mythology:

• Normal ticket – 15 zł,
• Discounted ticket – 10 zl.

Grodzisk Owidz opening hours

Grodzisko Owidz is open year-round, but access to some attractions, such as huts, may be limited during the winter.

Standard opening hours are 2:00-6:00 pm, with the last entrance to the Museum of Slavic Mythology available at 5:00 pm.

Days on which the museum is open to individual tourists:

• May: Saturday-Sunday,
• June through September: Wednesday-Sunday,
• October: Saturday-Sunday.

Note, important practical information:

• Grodzisko Owidz
  You can visit individually or with a guide (at a full hour). It is a very interesting place for children, but it is better not to enter the hangman’s hut.
• Museum of Slavic Mythology
  Tour only with a guide, at full hours (takes about 45-60 minutes). Museum rather for adults, families with older children, because it’s dark inside, can be scary, well, and you have to sit/stand still ;)

Getting to Grodzisk Owidz

Grodzisko Owidz is located approx. 3.5 km from the center of Starogard Gdanski. Just follow School Street and then turn into Knights Street. After about 200 meters, free parking is available, from which it takes a few minutes’ walk to reach the ticket office and the Museum of Slavic Mythology.

Lokalizacja:
Grodzisko Owicz
Knights 1
83-211 Owidz
e-mail: grodziskoowidz@gmail.com
phone: +48 519 849 145

Grodzisko Owidz – our opinion