Smoleń Castle

Smoleń Castle, situated on Castle Mountain in the Silesian Voivodeship, is one of the many medieval fortresses on the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, located along the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. Built in the 14th century by Otto of Pilica, the castle was originally a defensive structure with walls surrounding a rocky platform and a cylindrical tower. Over time, during subsequent construction phases, additional elements were added, such as the lower castle with a stone defensive wall and significant expansions in the western part of the castle. The history of the castle is rich; there are many documents mentioning it, and among its owners, Elżbieta Pilecka-Granowska, the third wife of King Władysław Jagiełło, stands out. The castle witnessed many turbulent events, including devastation during the Swedish Deluge and the use of its stone for customs house construction by the Austrians. In the 19th century, the castle underwent minor reconstruction, but actual preservation work began in the 20th century. An additional curiosity is the "Batawia" shot factory established by Roman Hubicki on the castle grounds. In 2015, the site was opened to visitors after securing the walls and partial reconstruction. The castle's architecture, including the Gothic gate and a well with a legend about Tatar prisoners, as well as the presence of valuable archaeological finds, make Smoleń Castle an important historical and cultural site that revives interest in the region's history and medieval architecture.