Lublin's Old Town and Castle as seen form Zamkowa Street. History of Lublin settlements goes back to IV century. Some fortifications existed on this site as early as X c. In XIII century first mortar building was erected on Castle hill, defensive-residential tower. Town quickly expanded into surrounding hills area of what is now know as Old Town. Town was often attacked and suffered significant damages. Castle itself was rebuild many times. In 1826 it was expanded to serve as criminal prison.