The Royal Castle in Chęciny

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The Royal Castle in Chęciny was erected on a limestone hill (367 m. a.s.l.), because it was supposed to be an impregnable fortress. It stretches on the ridge of a rocky hill, which is perfectly visible from afar, and from the castle and its towers, visitors can admire the views of the area, see the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and even the Tatra Mountains. The castle was built at the turn of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, on the initiative of Wenceslaus II, king of Bohemia and Polish. The fortress played an important role as a place of concentration of Polish troops in preparations for the war with the Teutonic Order. The castle also served as a residence for Polish rulers and their families. The building is one of the first defensive brick structures in Lesser Poland.

What We Love About This Place

The castle in Chęciny is a place worth visiting for many reasons. First of all, it is a building with a rich history, which has witnessed important events in Polish's past. Visiting the castle is like traveling back in time, which allows you to better understand the medieval history of the country. Secondly, the castle is located in the picturesque landscape of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, offering breathtaking views that are the perfect background for souvenir photographs. Thirdly, the ruins of the castle are an excellent example of medieval defensive architecture, which may be of interest to lovers of history and architecture. To this day, the full circumference of the outer defensive walls, two towers, a tower and foundations of residential buildings have been preserved.

This Place is Important Because

Chęciny is a town located about 15 km west of Kielce on the northern slope of a wide hill. The public space was concentrated around two market squares and the parish church of St. Bartholomew, but above all around the fortress built on the hill. The medieval Royal Castle was built of stone on a rocky ridge of the hill, and the urban layout of the designated market square and the grid of streets was oriented towards the castle towering over the area. The castle in Chęciny is one of the oldest preserved brick defensive structures in Małopolska. Its spatial layout - at least in the original concept - was a reflection of a modestly conceived utility program, but of military importance. For this reason, the castle retained its reputation as an impregnable fortress until the 15th century. Therefore, visiting this castle, everyone, admiring the beauty and picturesqueness of the ruins, experiences and learns about its magnificent, rich past. Chęciny is best known for its castle ruins and the many tourists who come here focus mainly on them, but the town also has other attractions, both historical and natural.

Special Tips

Chęciny is located 15 km southwest of Kielce, on the route leading to Krakow. Due to the fact that the castle is located on a hill, we can see it from the route. The towers dominate the area and create beautiful scenery.