It is known that in the 19th century, excavations were conducted in this area by history enthusiasts interested in exploring the mysteries of the place. As evidenced by published records, mainly bones, bricks, and burnt beams were unearthed during these excavations. In the early 20th century, archaeologist Włodzimierz Demetrykiewicz began excavations at the stronghold, where the remains of the collegiate church still stood. In 1903, he uncovered fragments of medieval pottery, animal bones, and charred beams. Most notably, he discovered traces of a significant Romanesque stone structure, which he identified as the known collegiate church of St. Paul.

Over half a century later, in 1958, systematic excavations of the stronghold began. Directed by Krzysztof Dąbrowski from the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Polish Academy of Sciences (now the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences), the excavations concluded in 1965. During this initial phase of work, numerous archaeological trenches were dug, stratigraphy was identified, and a preliminary chronology of the stronghold was established for the period from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Among the most important achievements were the uncovering of the foundations of the Romanesque collegiate church and a tower erected on the ramparts, as well as the recognition of successive phases of the stronghold’s fortifications. During the excavations, artifacts dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries were recovered. Both the thousands of individual finds and the mass-produced artifacts found in the site’s medieval layers proved to be of interest. Tens of thousands of fragments of pottery and animal bones were discovered, all providing insights into the daily life of the stronghold’s inhabitants.

Over half a century later, in 1958, systematic excavations of the stronghold began. Directed by Krzysztof Dąbrowski from the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Polish Academy of Sciences (now the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences), the excavations concluded in 1965. During this initial phase of work, numerous archaeological trenches were dug, stratigraphy was identified, and a preliminary chronology of the stronghold was established for the period from the 10th to the 14th centuries. Among the most important achievements were the uncovering of the foundations of the Romanesque collegiate church and a tower erected on the ramparts, as well as the recognition of successive phases of the stronghold’s fortifications. During the excavations, artifacts dating from the 10th to the 14th centuries were recovered. Both the thousands of individual finds and the mass-produced artifacts found in the site’s medieval layers proved to be of interest. Tens of thousands of fragments of pottery and animal bones were discovered, all providing insights into the daily life of the stronghold’s inhabitants.

The excavations also involved studies aimed at reconstructing the environment in which the stronghold and its accompanying settlement were founded. Researchers hypothesized about the development of the stronghold’s fortifications and changes in the land use. Additionally, a concept for creating an archaeological reserve on the site of the stronghold was prepared. In 1982, a team of archaeologists from the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Polish Academy of Sciences (now the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences) returned to the stronghold.

The excavations also involved studies aimed at reconstructing the environment in which the stronghold and its accompanying settlement were founded. Researchers hypothesized about the development of the stronghold’s fortifications and changes in the land use. Additionally, a concept for creating an archaeological reserve on the site of the stronghold was prepared. In 1982, a team of archaeologists from the Institute of the History of Material Culture of the Polish Academy of Sciences (now the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology of the Polish Academy of Sciences) returned to the stronghold.

Directed by Tadeusz Baranowski, this phase of research, which lasted until 1992, included several excavations within the collegiate church and on the stronghold’s mound. The preservation status of the collegiate church relics was assessed during this period. In the established excavations, the stratigraphy of the preserved church walls and the positioning of the foundations were recognized. The previously found remains of the so-called graves of Mieszko Mieszkowic and Mieszko III the Old were also verified. Through detailed analysis of documentation from earlier research and verification work conducted within the collegiate church, the remains of the earliest wooden church, dating back to the 10th-11th century, were identified. During the excavations on the mound of the stronghold, traces of a cemetery with tumuli from the 8th-9th century were discovered, associated with the earliest settlement phase of the area in the early Middle Ages. The final stage of the stronghold’s research in 2006-2007 was associated with work on creating an archaeological reserve. Two small excavations were made near the relics of the stone tower and at the planned location for the reconstruction of the stronghold’s gate. In this final excavation, fragments of fortifications dating back to the 11th century were identified. These works allowed for the reconstruction of the gate’s bay location during this period.

Dariusz Wyczółkowski