THE RUINS OF OGRODZIENIEC CASTLE

The beginnings of the defensive architecture in Podzamcze dates back to the times of Bolesław Wrymouth, when on the rocky rise of Birów Mountain a fortified city was formed, manned by a team guarding the frontiers against the invasions of Czech princes. Instead of this building, ruined during the Battle of Łokietka for the throne of Cracow, in the mid 14th century Kazimierz Wielki built a Gothic castle on the Mount Janowski, which Władysław Jagiełło in 1386 gave Włodek from Charbinowice the coat of arms Sulima. The fortress went from hand to hand in the first half of the 16th century to be in the hands of the Boner family, belonging to the richest and most influential in contemporary Poland. At the initiative of Seweryn Boner in the years 1530-45 the castle was rebuilt into a magnificent Renaissance-style building. The ambitious owners followed in their plans at the Wawel castle, and in the result, with great pomp, one of the most magnificent residences in the Commonwealth.

After the expiration of the Boner men's line, the castle changed owners many times. Unfortunately, the building was also a victim of raids and catastrophes, which caused greater damage. In 1587, the castle was won by the Archduke Maximilian, the pretender to the throne of Poland. In 1655, the Swedish forces stationed here caused a fire which consumed a considerable part of the castle. In 1702, the building again fell victim to a fire, also brought on by Swedish troops, who were staying here during the Northern War. Since then, the castle has fallen, as the cost of reconstruction has exceeded the capacity of subsequent owners. At the beginning of the 19th century, the last inhabitants left the building, whose walls were dismantled and used as building material.

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, a number of initiatives have been undertaken to protect the picturesque ruins. At present, they are open to the public, and there are also mass events. The ruins served several times as movie plenary, min. on the occasion of the production of "Knight", "Janosik" or "Revenge" by Andrzej Wajda. As with other Jurassic castles, there are legends associated with the garden. Appear in the moonlit nights on the walls of the castle appears a giant black dog, pulling a large chain behind. As the initiates claim, it is the soul of the rich and cruel castellan of Cracow, Stanisław Warszycki, one of the lords of the castle.