Danków Castle

Danków Castle, situated at the crossing over the Liswarta River, is a 17th-century historical monument built on the site of an earlier Gothic-Renaissance stronghold. It is distinguished by preserved sections of bastion fortifications, including earthen ramparts with masonry facing and the remains of the main castle gate—the Krzepice Gate. The most impressive structure is the Church of St. Stanislaus, founded in the 17th century by the castellan of Kraków, Stanisław Warszycki. According to tradition, the church walls are said to contain remnants of a medieval castle, though archaeological studies have not confirmed this. The origins of the settlement in Danków date back to the Middle Ages, with the first mention in 1217, when a meeting of Polish princes took place here, highlighting Danków's significance as a venue for political gatherings. The castle passed through the hands of many families, including the Warszyckis, who ultimately completed the construction of the modern fortifications. An interesting fact is that the castle was not attacked during the Swedish Deluge, making it one of the few untouched sites in Poland at the time. By the 18th century, the castle had fallen into ruin, with descriptions indicating that only fragments of the structures and the church remained. Finally, in the 19th century, the site was declared a complete ruin. Danków Castle remains a fascinating example of Polish architectural heritage, rich in history and legends, which continue to attract the attention of history and architecture enthusiasts to this day.