Krupe Castle

Krupe Castle, located on the route from Chełm to Krasnystaw, is a site with a rich history dating back to the late 15th century, when it was built by Jerzy Krupski. Over the following centuries, the castle changed hands, including well-known aristocrats such as Samuel Zborowski, who introduced significant changes by surrounding the structure with a curtain wall and adding bastions and a gate tower. The castle underwent a Renaissance reconstruction during the time of Paweł Orzechowski, the castellan of Chełm. It suffered numerous destructions, including a Swedish invasion in 1656 and fires that destroyed a large part of the building. In the 18th century, the castle passed into the hands of the Mrozowicki family, and its fate was sealed in 1794 after another fire. Over the centuries, the castle lost its significance and suffered further damage, especially during the wars of the 20th century. In 1962, its ruins were preserved, allowing for partial restoration of the site. Architecturally, the castle was distinguished by its square layout with an internal moat and bastions, and its representative rooms were richly decorated. The outer bailey housed stables and servants' quarters. The castle served not only as a defensive stronghold but also as a center of social and cultural life in the region, aided by its proximity to ponds and wetlands. Interestingly, the castle was sketched by Adam Lerue, and an engraving of Krupe Castle appeared in Jan Styfi's "Tygodnik Ilustrowany" in 1863, attesting to its significance in the 19th century. Additionally, the castle gained popularity due to its legends and rich architectural heritage, making it an intriguing site not only for historians but also for tourists and heritage enthusiasts.