Things to do in Swietokrzyskie Province, Central Poland: The Best Castles

Undoubtedly, the Royal Castle in Chęciny is a magic place. Recently, a complete revitalization of the Castle has been proceeded and the castle is now shining anew. During the day, wandering through the fortress, you will be surprised by the amount of attractions you encounter. Moving back in time come and see the castle's crew in historical costumes. Ferro Aquilae Team is inviting you for a dance. In the background, you may hear the clangs of swords and loud uproars. It is the knight's fights and arquebuses shots. In the yard of the lower castle, the armourer is precisely preparing the armour. Is the castle preparing for a siege? There is a Cage of Shame nearby which is awaiting for the prisoners and just behind it, there are enormous stocks. And in the dungeon? Long time ago there was a prisoner chained to its walls...In the treasury, the gold and the silver shimmers, the coins are falling out from the chests. The castle is old, but full of life! The Royal Castle is located on the Castle Mountain. In order to reach the ruins from the Chęciny centre, it is advisable to follow Jędrzejowska street, heading to the southwest to the car park at the foot of the castle. Next, follow the Royal Route up to the fortress' gate. You can choose another, more difficult trail to the castle - from the main square follow a stony road past the Chęciny Commune Office, turn right next to the church dedicated to Saint Bartholomew and head upwards following a steep path towards the castle.

Discover Sandomierz through our Museum and the regional archaeology, art, ethnography, history and literature, each presented within their own exhibition. Delve into the cellars and visit the turret to experience the views over the Vistula River, and feel the grandeur of the medieval castle. The treasures include a unique 12th century locally-made chess set and a copy of the crown likely worn by the Polish king Casimir the Great. Get to know the life of the writer Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz, whose muse was often Sandomierz herself. Already a prince seat in the 12th century, the first stone castle was founded by the king Casimir the Great in the 14th century. Rebuilt in Renaissance style in XVI century. In 1656 during the Swedish wars blown up and partly destroyed. In XIX and XX century the castle served, amongst others, as a prison. This grim chapter closed in 1986, when the castle took the mantle of District Museum. Mondays – free admission 1st Monday of the month – closed. Now ON-LINE