Category: Castles

Category: Castles

Kashubia

The Kashubians – Welcome to Kashubia

Kashubia is a region located in northern Poland, known for its rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and unique language. This area, which stretches from the Baltic Sea coast to the Masurian Lakes, has a long and fascinating history that has shaped its culture, traditions, and identity. Among larger cities, Gdynia contains the largest proportion of people declaring Kashubian origin. However, the biggest city of the Kashubia region is Gdańsk, the capital of the Pomeranian Voivodeship and the traditional capital of Kashubia.

The total number of Kashubians varies depending on one’s definition. A common estimate is that over 300,000 people in Poland are of the Kashubian ethnicity. The most extreme estimates are as low as 50,000 or as high as 500,000.

Kashubia

Language

One of the most distinctive features of Kashubia is its language, which is a Slavic dialect with its own vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. While Polish is the official language of the region, Kashubian is still spoken by many residents and is recognised as a regional language by the Polish government. This language is just one of the many ways in which Kashubia stands out as a unique and vibrant place.

In 2005, Kashubian was for the first time made an official subject on the Polish matura exam (roughly equivalent to the English A-Level and French Baccalaureat). Despite an initial uptake of only 23 students, this development was seen as an important step in the official recognition and establishment of the language.

Today, in some towns and villages in northern Poland, Kashubian is the second language spoken after Polish, and it is taught in regional schools.

Since 2005 Kashubian enjoys legal protection in Poland as an official regional language. It is the only tongue in Poland with this status. It was granted by an act of the Polish Parliament on January 6, 2005.

Lakes, forests, and beaches

The region’s natural beauty is another major draw for visitors. Kashubia is home to several stunning lakes, forests, and beaches, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Wdzydze Landscape Park, for example, offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s diverse wildlife and plant life, as well as take part in activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing. The Kashubian Switzerland is another popular spot for outdoor recreation, with its rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque valleys.

Kashubia

Cultural heritage

Aside from its natural beauty, Kashubia is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The region has a long and storied history, with roots dating back to the medieval period. Over the years, Kashubia has been influenced by a variety of cultures and traditions, including Polish, German, and Scandinavian. This has resulted in a unique blend of customs, music, and cuisine that is unlike anything else in Poland.

Folk art

The Kashubian culture is particularly notable for its distinctive folk art, which includes intricate embroidery, woodcarving, and pottery. Visitors to the region can explore several museums and galleries that showcase these traditions, such as the Kashubian Ethnographic Park in Wdzydze Kiszewskie and the Museum of Kashubian Pottery in Chmielno. These venues offer visitors a chance to learn about the history of the region and see some of its most beautiful works of art up close.

Tourist Attractions

Kashubian Ethnographic Park: At Wdzydze Kiszewskie is an outdoor museum of traditional Kaszubian buildings, founded in 1906. The buildings were collected from the region, lovingly restored and furnished and set up as a folk village. Perhaps some of them were abandoned by the Kaszubs as they left to look for a new life overseas. In the area of 22 hectares there are approximately 40 buildings: 7 farmyards, 2 manor houses, 5 cottages, 4 nobleman houses, a village school with a classroom, a church, a sawmill, a windmill and a smithy.

Centre for Education and Regional Promotion in Szymbark: Danmar is a timber house builder and is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Kashubian culture. They have on exhibit new and old solid timber houses, even a church, a replica underground bunker as used by the partisans during WWII (Gryf Pomorski), an ‘upside down’ house and a restored steam train as used to transport people to the camps in Siberia. They have the longest plank of sawn wood in the world. It was cut from a Douglas fir measuring 36.83m and can be found in the Guinness Book of Records. Many Polish celebrities were involved in the sawing including Lech Walesa. It is well worth a visit.

Parowozownia (steam locomotive museum) at Koscierzyna: The open air railway museum at Koscierzyna displays a huge collection of steam locomotives and railway stock, dating back to 1929, and documents the development of the railways in the region. You are free to climb onto these huge engines and even ride on a working steam train!

Sand dunes at Leba: Nearby is the Smoldzino and Slowinski National Park, covering more than 18,000 hectares of dune, forest, water and peat environment, and sand-bars separating lakes Lebsko and Gardno from the sea. Here shifting dunes, which can reach a height up to 120m (400 feet), leave wilderness behind them; and one can feel as though in a real desert, Poland’s Sahara, with sand all the way to the horizon.

Hel Peninsula: The sandy Hel Peninsula, 35 km long, is a unique natural and landscape attraction and some call it the longest pier in Europe. The whole of the Hel Peninsula is incorporated into the Seaside Landscape Park (Nadmorski Park Krajobrazowy). On the Hel Peninsula there are the seaside resorts of Kuznica, Jurata and Jastarnia. At it’s furthest point is Hel, a well known fishing port, and the seat of a fishing museum, as well as a reminder of the last Polish bastion in the September 1939 fight with the Nazi invaders.

Malbork Castle: Malbork is the mightiest ot the Teutonic Knights’ fortresses and the capital of their independent state until returned to Poland at the end of the 15th century. It consists of the Upper Castle, the Middle Castle and the Palace of the Grand Master surrounded by common walls and a moat. The main gate has been reconstructed with its portcullis. Inside there is a museum with many artefacts and a great collection of amber jewellery and figures. You may visit either with a group or by yourself. If you want to take pictures, you need to buy a special ticket.

Bytów Castle: The castle was built by the Teutonic Knights at the end of the 14th century. It is now fully restored, part is a hotel, part is the Museum of Kashubia. Here you may see many examples of fine local art and embroidery.

Chmielno: The Museum of Kashubian Pottery of the Necel family in Chmielno is a showcase of the art of pottery making. Under a master’s expert eye, you can even make your own clay pot!

Kashubian Regional Museum in Kartuzy: will introduce you to some of the intricacies of Kashubian domestic, cultural and religious traditions. Kashubians are a very ancient ethnic group of Slavonic Balts. They resisted polonisation for centuries but regard themselves as Poles. After the partitions of Poland, despite systematic germanisation, the Kashubians maintained close ties with Poland. They did not lose their identity, historical heritage or original culture.

The Kaszubski Landscape Park: attracts nature lovers with its nine nature reserves featuring beautiful Pomeranian beech forests and rare specimens of flora and fauna. The Radunia River Gorge, with the river flowing like a mountain stream through a deep ravine, is one of the park’s most attractive views. The striking beauty of the area is the result of the activity of continental glaciers, which carved out deep valleys and created the rivers and lakes.

Ostrich Farm at Garczyno: It was the first Ostrich farm in Poland, founded in 1993. The ostrich count is about 100. You get the chance to taste the scrambled egg made from the ostrich egg, and you can have a ride on the back of camel. There is also another ostrich farm in the village of Wandowo.

Stone Rings Reserve in Wesior: It’s at the cemetery Gotów. There are about 160 graves and four stone circles dating from the beginning of AD. Supposedly, this place influences people and gives them unforgettable impressions.

Kwidzyn: It is worth visiting the 14th century castle and cathedral complex located there, as well as the Recreational Grounds of Milosna (a beautiful complex of buildings dating back from the early 20th century). Here you can also see a mini-Zoo for children. Moreover, while in Kwidzyn, you can enjoy the numerous town attractions, such as: restaurants, sala s, discos, etc.

Anthem Museum: About eight kilometres east of Kościerzyna is the small village of Będomin. There is the 18th century court which is surrounded with a park of three hundred years old linden and oaks. This court has belonged to Józef Wybicki’s family for many years. The museum has been open since 1798, and it’s the only Anthem Museum in the world.

Sianowo: features a wooden church built in 1816.

Wiezyca: a viewing tower offering fantastic views and three ski slopes.

Szymbark: where you can enjoy horse and cart rides and where sleigh rides are organised (snow permitting!)

Golubie: very famous for its beautiful botanical gardens.

In conclusion, Kashubia is a region that is steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are interested in outdoor recreation, folk art, or unique linguistic traditions, you will find plenty to see and do here. With its friendly people, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Kashubia is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Poland.

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

 


Castles in Poland

Castles, forts & palaces

Poland is a country steeped in history, and one of the most prominent features of that history is its castles. From medieval fortresses to grand palaces, the castles in Poland have played a significant role in shaping the country’s past and present. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most impressive castles in Poland.

Polish castles are not just an emblem of the country’s rich cultural heritage but also showcase the architectural skills and artistic prowess of the builders of that era. These castles, in their own right, serve as a testament to Poland’s glorious past and are a must-visit for any traveler visiting the country.

Castles Poland - Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle

Located in the city of Krakow, the Wawel Castle is one of the most famous landmarks in Poland. Originally built in the 14th century, the castle served as the residence of the Polish kings for centuries. Today, it is open to the public as a museum, showcasing an impressive collection of paintings, tapestries, and other treasures from Poland’s past.

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, is one of the largest brick castles in the world. Built in the 13th century, the castle was the seat of the Teutonic Knights, a medieval Catholic order that played a significant role in the history of Poland. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination.

Ksiaz Castle

Ksiaz Castle, located in the southwestern part of Poland, is often referred to as the “Polish Versailles” due to its stunning Baroque architecture and beautifully manicured gardens. The castle was built in the 13th century, and over the years, it served as a residence for various noble families. During World War II, the castle was used by the Nazis as a headquarters for their military operations in the region.

Czocha Castle

Czocha Castle is another impressive castle located in southwestern Poland. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle has gone through numerous renovations and reconstructions over the years. Today, it serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours, overnight stays in the castle’s chambers, and even medieval-themed banquets.

Kwidzyn Castle

Kwidzyn Castle, located in northern Poland, was built in the 14th century as a stronghold for the Teutonic Knights. Today, the castle is open to the public as a museum, showcasing an impressive collection of medieval weapons, armor, and other artifacts.

In conclusion, the castles of Poland are a testament to the country’s rich history and culture. Whether you are a history buff or simply a lover of architecture and beauty, these castles are sure to leave you in awe. From the grandeur of Wawel Castle to the impressive size of Malbork Castle, the castles of Poland are a must-see for anyone visiting the country.

For further information about castles & palaces in Poland and other detailed tourist information, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

 


Malbork Castle

Past home of The Teutonic Order

Malbork Castle, located in northern Poland, is one of the largest castles in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its impressive size, impressive history, and unique architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the region.

History

Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork, was built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order, a Germanic military order. The castle was initially constructed as a wooden fortress, but over the centuries, it was rebuilt and expanded using brick, which was more durable and provided better protection against invaders.

Over the years, the castle has been used for various purposes. It served as the Teutonic Order’s headquarters and was also the residence of the Grand Master of the Order. Later, during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the castle was used as a royal palace and became an important administrative center.

In the 19th century, the castle underwent extensive restoration work, and in the 20th century, it was damaged during World War II. After the war, the castle was reconstructed, and today it serves as a museum.

Malbork Castle

Architecture

Malbork Castle is known for its unique architecture, which blends Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles. The castle’s impressive size and intricate details make it one of the most beautiful examples of medieval architecture in Europe.

The castle’s main building is the High Castle, which features numerous halls and chambers, including the Grand Refectory, the Grand Master’s private chapel, and the High Chapter Hall. The High Castle also has a large courtyard that was once used for military drills and other ceremonies.

The Middle Castle, which was added in the 14th century, features the Knight’s Hall, which is decorated with a series of murals depicting the life and battles of the Teutonic Order. The Middle Castle also has a variety of rooms, including the library, the council chamber, and the treasury.

The Lower Castle, which was added in the 15th century, was used for administrative purposes and features a variety of rooms, including the kitchens, the granary, and the brewery.

Visiting Malbork Castle

Visitors to Malbork Castle can take a self-guided tour of the castle’s numerous halls, chambers, and courtyards. The castle’s exhibits include a collection of medieval weapons and armor, as well as various works of art and historical artifacts.

Visitors can also attend live shows, including medieval-style sword fights and demonstrations of medieval crafts and skills. The castle’s location, on the banks of the Nogat River, provides a scenic backdrop for a stroll through the castle’s gardens and courtyards.

World War II

The castle was in the process of being restored when World War II broke out. During the war, the castle was over 50% destroyed. Restoration has been ongoing since the war. However, the main cathedral in the castle, fully restored just prior to the war and destroyed during the war, remains in its ruined state. The castle and its museum are listed as UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

Third Reich

With the rise of Adolf Hitler to power in the early 1930s the Nazis began using the site for annual pilgrimages by both the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls. It was the Teutonic Castle at Marienburg, Malbork that served as the blueprint for the Order Castles of the Third Reich.

Defensive Walls

The castle is encircled by defensive walls with gates and towers. The Grand Master’s palace is believed to be the top achievement of the late-Gothic style. The representative summer refectory is the most attractive chamber in the castle interiors.

In conclusion, Malbork Castle is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Poland. Its unique architecture, impressive history, and stunning location make it one of the most beautiful and fascinating castles in Europe. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoy exploring beautiful places, a visit to Malbork Castle is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Useful links

The Malbork Castle Museum

Unesco

For detailed tourist information about Poland, please visit our travel partner, the Poland Travel Agency.

Malbork Castle tours

 

Things to do in Krakow

What to do, what to see?

Anyone who has spent even a few days in Krakow, Poland knows how much the city has to offer. Many tourists leave the city with the majority of her treasures left undiscovered. There simply isn’t enough time to cover them all. If you are in Krakow for a limited time, then below you will find our recommendations for things to do in Krakow and places that you should visit.

Ideas

  • Walk the entire Royal Way, from St. Florian’s Gate, down Florianska, across the Rynek Glowny, down Grodzka to the Wawel castle.
  • Listen to the Hejnal Mariacki (Trumpet Signal) while sipping a coffee in the Rynek Glowny. The signal is played live every full hour and is cut suddenly in memory of a trumpeter shot and killed by a Tatar arrow in 1241.
  • Walk around the Planty, a large park that surrounds the entire Old Town.
  • At Wawel Castle, lounge and take in the sun on the banks of the Vistula River or take a cruise down the river. See the Dragon’s Lair and see the dragon breathe fire.
  • Early on Sunday, go shopping at the open-air flea markets at Plac Nowy and Hala Targowa.
  • See a bit of UNESCO World Heritage and do Auschwitz and Salt mine tours.

Auschwitz

Town Hall Tower

Town Hall Tower is one of the main focal points of the Main Market Square in the Old Town district of Krakow. The Tower is the only remaining part of the old Town Hall demolished in 1820 as part of the city plan to open up the Main Square. Its cellars once housed a city prison with a Medieval torture chamber. Built of stone and brick at the end of the 13th century, the massive Gothic tower of the early Town Hall stands 70 meters tall and leans just 55 cm, the result of a windstorm in 1703. The top floor of the tower with an observation deck is open to visitors.

Churches of Krakow

The metropolitan city of Krakow, former capital of Poland, is known as the city of churches. The abundance of landmark, historic Roman Catholic churches along with the plenitude of monasteries and convents earned the city a countrywide reputation as the “Northern Rome” in the past. The churches of Krakow comprise over 120 Roman Catholic places of worship, of which over 60 were built in the 20th century. They remain the centres of religious life for the local population and are attended regularly.

Krakow Barbican

The Krakow Barbican is a fortified outpost and gateway leading into Krakow’s Old Town. It is one of the few remaining relics of the complex network of fortifications and defensive barriers that once encircled the city. It currently serves as a tourist attraction and venue for many multidisciplinary exhibitions. Based on Arabic rather than European defensive architecture, this masterpiece of medieval military engineering, with its circular fortress, was added to the city’s fortifications along the coronation route in the late 15th century.

Church of St. Casimir the Prince

The Church of St. Casimir the Prince with the adjacent Franciscan monastery and the catacombs is located at ul. Reformacka 4 in the Old Town district (Stare Miasto). Members of the Catholic Order of Franciscans known as “Little Brothers” arrived in Krakow in 1622 and settled at the outskirts of the town in Garbary (1625). Their church was completed in 1640 thanks to a donation from Zuzanna Amendówna, bequeathed around 1644 along with the miracle painting of Madonna displayed today at the side altar of the new church.

Krakow Old Town

Krakow Old Town is the central, historic district of Krakow, Poland. It is the most prominent example of an Old Town in the country, because for many centuries, Krakow was the royal capital of Poland, until Sigismund III Vasa relocated the court to Warsaw in 1596. Krakow’s historic centre was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1978. Medieval Krakow was surrounded by a 1.9 mile (3 km) defensive wall complete with 46 towers and seven main entrances leading through them. The fortifications around the Old Town were erected over the course of two centuries. Today the Old Town attracts visitors from all over the World and should definitely be on your things to do in Krakow list.

Sukiennice

The Renaissance Sukiennice (Cloth Hall, Drapers’ Hall) in Krakow is one of the city’s most recognisable icons. It was once a major centre of international trade. Traveling merchants met there to discuss business and to barter. During its golden age in the 15th century, Sukiennice was the source of a variety of exotic imports from the East – spices, silk, leather and wax – while Krakow itself exported textiles, lead, and salt from the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The Hall has hosted countless distinguished guests over the centuries and is still used to entertain monarchs and dignitaries.

Main Market Square

The Main Market Square in Krakow is the main square of the Old Town and a principal urban space located at the centre of the city. It dates back to the 13th century and at roughly 40,000sq m (430,000sq ft) it is the largest medieval town square in Europe. The centre of the square is dominated by the cloth hall Sukiennice, rebuilt in 1555 in the Renaissance style, topped by a beautiful attic or Polish parapet decorated with carved masks.

Things to do Krakow

Royal Road

The Royal Road or Royal Route in Krakow begins at the northern end of the medieval Old Town and continues south through the centre of town towards the Wawel Hill, where the old kings’ residence, the Wawel Castle is located. The Royal Road passes some of the most prominent historic landmarks of Poland’s royal capital, providing suitable background to coronation processions and parades, the kings’ and princes’ receptions, foreign envoys and guests of distinction traveling from a far country to their destination at Wawel. The Royal Road starts outside the northern flank of the old city walls in the medieval suburb of Kleparz, now a central district of Krakow.

For further information about the city of Kraków, please visit our travel partner, Poland Travel Agency.

See the top 10 things to do in Kraków.

Tours & Experiences

Editor’s pick