Rytwiany

Rytwiany is a village located in the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, within the Gmina Rytwiany, serving as the seat of the local government. The village is traversed by a green tourist trail, and its location on the Czarna Staszowska River makes it an attractive destination. Rytwiany boasts a rich history dating back to the Neolithic period, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries. The first documented owner was Piotr Bogoria of Skotniki in the 13th century, and over the centuries, the village had many distinguished owners, including bishops of Kraków and magnates. In the 15th century, Bishop Wojciech Jastrzębski initiated the construction of a Gothic defensive castle, which survived until the 19th century but was eventually destroyed and partially dismantled by subsequent owners. Today, only a fragment of the corner wall remains from the castle ruins. In the 17th century, Rytwiany became a place of worship when Jan Tęczyński brought the Camaldolese Order to the village, founding a monastery and a church. The monastery is now a Class I historical monument, and its surroundings served as a backdrop for the TV series "Czarne Chmury," enriching the village's tourist appeal. An interesting fact is the story of the Szymański family, who acted heroically during the German occupation by providing aid to Jews. In 1979, the Yad Vashem Institute honored them with the title of Righteous Among the Nations. In the 20th century, the Radziwiłł family built a residence in Rytwiany, which now functions as a hotel. Thanks to its architectural and cultural assets, Rytwiany is an intriguing destination on the regional tourist map, with a rich historical heritage and preserved monuments such as the ruins of the Gothic castle, the Baroque Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and remnants of the former Radziwiłł buildings. These elements make Rytwiany an important point on Poland's historical and cultural map.