Lost and Found. The Residence of Nostitz Family in Chotków, Lower Silesia

The archaeological research conducted in Chotków, Lower Silesia focused on verifying the existence and character of a presumed defensive-residential site associated with the von Nostitz family. Archival studies indicate that from the 14th to the 16th centuries, Chotków hosted multiple stone residential towers with defensive features, though their precise locations had remained unverified until recently. Remote sensing and geophysical surveys, combined with archival cartographic analysis, helped identify a mound with rectangular relics of masonry structures, partially surrounded by a former moat. Excavations revealed architectural remains, yet the precise nature of the wall and avant-corps requires further interpretation. The limited artefactual material, predominantly from the 15th–16th centuries, implies either a brief period of occupation or later structural transformations, potentially linked to an economic repurposing. RECEIVED 03.05.2025 • VERIFIED 17.06.2025 • ACCEPTED 24.06.2025 Funding Information: Lubuski Wojewódzki Urząd Ochrony Zabytków w Zielonej Górze Conflicts of interests: None Ethical Considerations: The Authors assure of no violations of publication ethics and take full responsibility for the content of the publication. The percentage share of the author in the preparation of the work is: AM 75%, AL 25% Declaration regarding the use of GAI tools: not used