For several centuries, the town of Kostrzyn lived in the shadow of the massive, impenetrable fortress, built in the years 1537–1568 in the shape of an elongated hexagon. At the beginning of 1945, the fortress was prepared for defence against the advancing Soviet army. The battle for Stary Kostrzyn (within the fortress walls) lasted for 2 months, leaving the town in ruins. Walking through the remains of the streets, houses, the castle and the church, we can only imagine how this once charming and lively town used to look like.