Tenczyn Castle

Tenczyn Castle, located in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland near the village of Rudno in Lesser Poland, is a historical monument with a rich history dating back to the 14th century. The castle was built on a volcanic cone, making it one of the highest elevations of the Tenczyn Ridge. Architecturally, Tenczyn underwent numerous transformations over the centuries, and its structure includes both an upper and lower castle, along with a series of chambers and buildings such as the "Dorotka" bastion and the "Nawojowa Tower." In the 16th century, the castle was renovated in the Renaissance style, which added elements such as arcades and attics. Tenczyn played a key role in Polish history, being associated with important figures, including Władysław Jagiełło, who imprisoned Teutonic Knights here after the Battle of Grunwald. In the 16th century, it was frequently visited by prominent representatives of the Polish Renaissance, including Jan Kochanowski. Legends associated with the castle add to its mystique, telling stories of the ghost of Tęczyński's deceased wife, treasures guarded by devils, or the figure of a weeping woman in the tower. Although the castle fell into ruin, it is currently undergoing preservation work, and since 2016, it has once again attracted tourists. A notable natural feature in the courtyard is a sycamore maple tree, listed as a natural monument. Tenczyn has also served as a backdrop for films and TV series, highlighting its significance in Polish culture.