Golesz Castle

Golesz Castle, located in Krajowice in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, dates back to the 13th century when it originally existed as a stronghold. The stone castle was built around 1420 as the seat of the starost (governor) managing the estates of the Benedictines from Tyniec. The complex also served as a feudal court. In the 18th century, the castle suffered destruction, likely due to the invasion of Transylvanian forces in 1657, which contributed to its eventual decline, with the last inhabitants leaving in the 17th century. The castle was built on an irregular polygonal plan, featuring a round tower and an entrance gate, with its remains surrounded by an earthen rampart. The primary building material was sandstone, and the walls vary in texture and mortar. The ruins, now part of the "Golesz" nature reserve and a Natura 2000 site, serve as a sanctuary for rare plant species and a testament to the region's rich history. After World War II, the castle fell into further ruin, and illegal excavations in 2009 prompted regular archaeological investigations. The charm of the ruins, along with local legends about hidden treasures and knights' ghosts, attracts tourists. Conservation efforts in recent years aim to protect this valuable heritage. The castle grounds also contain traces of Corded Ware culture and a World War I military cemetery, highlighting the site's historical significance. Golesz Castle is not only an important architectural and historical monument but also a place rich in legends and local traditions.