Analiza przyczyn katastrofy budowlanej na Zamku Książąt Pomorskich w Szczecinie w świetle dotychczasowych ustaleń

Analysis of the causes of the construction disaster in Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin – current state of investigation. Prz. Geol., 69: 884–898; doi: 10.7306/2021.50 A b s t r a c t. The Renaissance Pomeranian Dukes’Castle in Szczecin was built in the late 16 th century in place of older buildings. At that time, the construction, and in particular the foundation of buildings on non-diagenized sediments, was more of an art than a science, since soil mechanics was being born only in the 18 th and 19 th centuries. However, the experience and intuition of old building masters also allowed for the construction of monumental structures that could survive hundreds or thousands of years. Their walls looked solid, so there was no fear of making further renovations and rebuilding in the following centuries. Meanwhile, in 2017, the complex of columns supporting the ceilings of the three-story rooms and the basement in the northern wing of the castle collapsed underground. It happened around 430 years after the completion of construction. The article discusses the results of various types of geotechnical tests, the purpose of which was to determine the causes of the catastrophe. Thanks to the research, a complex of underground tunnels made mostly during World War II, but also previously suspected, was discovered and largely documented. The article summarizes the actual arrangements and describes geological and historical conditions regarding the course and causes of the Castle’s construction disaster in Szczecin. The knowledge resulting from these studies and analyses makes us approach with great caution any interference in the existing static system of seem-ingly powerful and indestructible historic buildings.