- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 13th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Poland
- Coordinates
- 50.7972°, 20.4603°
History
The castle was built around the turn of the 14th century on a limestone hill, and under Władysław the Short and Casimir the Great it became one of the key royal fortresses. It guarded part of the crown treasury, and after the Battle of Grunwald Teutonic prisoners were held here. In the 16th century Queen Bona Sforza lived in the castle for a time. The Swedes wrecked it during the 1650s invasion and again in the early 18th century, after which it fell into ruin. In the 21st century the ruins were stabilised and partly reconstructed for visitors.
What to see
Visitors can climb the towers, including the rebuilt eastern tower, for views over the town, the ranges of the Holy Cross Mountains and nearby quarries. The site preserves stretches of defensive wall, the layout of the upper and lower castles and a bastion. Knightly tournaments and historical shows are staged here in summer.
Wikipedia article Wikidata Q4497261
Popularity: articles about this site in 10 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).