Lost Medieval Town of Stolzenberg Found in Poland (Including Moat!)

Moat around the lost Medieval town of Stolzenberg.

March

/ 2026

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In a remarkable archaeological find, researchers have uncovered the remains of the lost medieval town of Stolzenberg hidden deep within a Polish forest. Located near the modern settlement of Zagrody, close to Sławoborze in north-western Poland, this forgotten urban center existed only briefly before vanishing from history. The discovery provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval frontier life and urban planning, while raising intriguing questions about why the thriving settlement was suddenly abandoned.

According to Science in Poland, the first clues pointing to the town's existence emerged from historical documents dating back to the 16th century, alongside 19th-century German literature that described the remains of a deserted town near Sławoborze. Local field names such as "Alt Stadt" (Old Town) and "Hospital" also hinted at the area's rich past. However, it wasn't until recent archaeological interventions that the true scale of the site was revealed.

An old map that included the town.

An old map included the town. (Poland’s Ministry of Culture and National Heritage)

Initial investigations began with metal detector surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021 by the Parsęta Exploration and Search Group from Kołobrzeg. These early efforts yielded over 400 metal artifacts dating from the late 13th to the 15th century, including tools, clothing elements like belt fittings and brooches, and various coins. Among the most significant finds were medieval bracteates from Strzałowo and Szczecin, as well as a denarius issued by Barnim II, firmly placing the town's active period within the medieval era.

Some of the items found in the initial metal detector exploration

Some of the items found in the initial exploration. (Marcin Krzepkowski)

Uncovering a Forgotten Settlement

Following these initial discoveries, comprehensive archaeological work was launched in 2025 by the Relicta Foundation, funded by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. The research team employed a suite of non-invasive techniques to map the site without disturbing the delicate archaeological layers beneath the forest floor. This approach has become increasingly vital in modern archaeology, allowing experts to visualize buried structures across vast areas without a single spade being put in the ground.

Results of geophysical surveys at the site of the former town.

Results of geophysical surveys at the site of the former town. (P. Wroniecki / Science in Poland)

The use of geophysical surveys and LiDAR drone scanning proved highly effective in outlining the town's boundaries and internal layout. Piotr Wroniecki of the Relicta Foundation detailed the findings: "In an area of approximately six hectares, surrounded by a rampart and moat, we detected over 1,500 anomalies, unusual terrain features, suggesting the presence of buried structures, such as ancient buildings. Drilling confirmed the presence of such layers, exceeding two meters in depth." Geological drilling operations confirmed these findings, revealing cultural layers exceeding two meters in depth beneath the forest floor.

Advanced Technology Reveals Urban Planning

The data collected from the surveys painted a clear picture of a well-organized settlement characterized by urban planning typical of towns founded under German law. Researchers identified a central market square surrounded by burgher plots, indicating a structured and deliberate design. Furthermore, the course of the main street leading to the town gate was clearly visible in the digital terrain models, suggesting a settlement that was purposefully laid out and intended to grow.

Relics of the medieval town of Stolzenberg based on a digital terrain model. (P. Wroniecki / Science in Poland)

The town was heavily fortified, surrounded by a rampart and a moat that remains remarkably well-preserved today. Thanks to the protective canopy of the forest, the moat still reaches depths of approximately 5.5 meters in some sections. These impressive defenses suggest that Stolzenberg was likely established as a strategic frontier town, possibly by the Margraves of Brandenburg who controlled the nearby Neumark region during that period, though the involvement of the Bishops of Kamień has also been considered.

The Mystery of Stolzenberg's Demise

Despite its strong fortifications and organized layout, Stolzenberg was abandoned relatively soon after its founding. Radiocarbon dating of organic materials indicates the town existed as early as the first decades of the 14th century, but the exact reasons for its rapid decline remain a mystery. Marcin Krzepkowski of the Relicta Foundation noted: "We cannot say what its population was and why the town was abandoned. Usually, more than one factor determines a town's decline, its degradation to a village, or its relocation. Sometimes it happens due to natural causes, such as floods, or changes in transportation routes, reduced activity in a given town, leading to the decline of trade and crafts, and the impoverishment of the town. Sometimes, of course, the causes are military events, wars, or invasions."

Archaeologist conducting non-invasive ground search of the site

Non-invasive research of the lost town of Stolzenberg. (M. Krzepkowski / Science in Poland)

Future research plans aim to unravel these historical puzzles through further non-invasive studies and targeted survey excavations. Archaeologists are particularly keen to locate the town's church and cemetery, which were first mentioned in historical records in 1291. Krzepkowski added: "We plan to determine when exactly the town was founded and clarify the circumstances under which it became depopulated. It is crucial to determine the location of the church and cemetery, which were first mentioned in 1291. This information will tell us more about the layout of the buildings." By continuing their work, the team hopes to finally shed light on one of north-western Poland's most intriguing medieval mysteries.

Top image: Stolzenberg moat and ramparts hidden in the forest. Source: M. Krzepkowski / Science in Poland

By Gary Manners