Defensive manor in Czańcu

The Czaniec Fortified Manor, located in the Silesian Voivodeship, is a 17th-century noble residence that has undergone numerous transformations and changes of ownership over the centuries. Initially built as a Renaissance manor, it was converted in the mid-17th century by the Stokowski family into a palace-garden complex, featuring a central courtyard and the addition of a northern wing with a chapel. In the 18th century, it was managed by Franciszek Czerny-Szwarzenberg, the castellan of Oświęcim, who introduced significant alterations, including walling up the arcades on the front façade and adding a decorative risalit on the garden side. In 1822, the manor came into the hands of the Habsburgs, who managed it for over a hundred years until it was handed over to the Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences. During the interwar period, it served as a conference center, and after World War II, it was used as housing for residents of nearby villages. After many years of neglect, it was purchased by a private investor in 2008, who began renovating the building. Architecturally, the manor is a two-story structure with two wings, surrounded by a defensive terrace with bastions. The interior features preserved Baroque elements, such as a chapel with early Baroque stuccowork and door portals. The external garden, with its pathways and ancient trees, beautifully complements the whole. Although the manor was in poor technical condition for many years, it was listed in the register of historical monuments, highlighting its cultural and historical significance. The renovation and adaptation of the manor for residential purposes aim to restore its lost splendor and secure its future as an important heritage site in the region. Interestingly, the border between two voivodeships divides the manor's grounds into two parts, which posed challenges for conservation protection. In 2020, the garden was added to the register of historical monuments, underscoring its cultural and natural value.