The unforgettable charm of a medieval town of Świętokrzyskie and the ruins of a Gothic castle
The ruins of the royal castle in Chęciny are an example of a fortified building, typical for a mountain region. Its walls are specially fitted to the shape of the Castle Mountain, on which it had been erected. The upper part with two towers was built around the 13th C., while the lower, with a quadrilateral tower, in the 15th C. In the past, the castle was a place where various important events, like forays or sejmiki (local assemblies), took place. At that time, monarchs were visiting it together with their wives. What is more, the women seemed to be very fond of this place as they often used to prolong their stay in here. Although today only the ruins of this place have remained, the site is still very interesting. To see it, one must climb a picturesque, but very steep path. From the top of the hill, you get an impressive view of the area and on one of the towers there is also an observation point, accessible for the tourists. Many legends are connected with this object, e.g. the one of queen Bona Sforza, who had been living here for some time and is said to be still walking through the old chambers of the castle. A legend is only a legend, but a supposed ghost of the queen appears in front of the visitors almost every day.
Nevertheless, Chęciny have also other noteworthy places to offer. Most interesting of them are: an early-Baroque monastery of the Bernardine Sisters, a church and monastery of the Franciscans, founded by king Kazimierz Wielki (Casimir III the Great) in 1368, a parish church, erected in the early14th C., a Renaissance building of an old inn, also known as “Niemczówka” and a late-Renaissance synagogue, from the 17th c. The city lies on the way between Warszawa and Kielce and is very prosperous due to the vicinity of huge resources of valuable lead, copper and silver ores.
Several battle scenes for Polish historical movies have been taken in Chęciny, it is also a favourite place of photographers and history enthusiasts.
Nevertheless, Chęciny have also other noteworthy places to offer. Most interesting of them are: an early-Baroque monastery of the Bernardine Sisters, a church and monastery of the Franciscans, founded by king Kazimierz Wielki (Casimir III the Great) in 1368, a parish church, erected in the early14th C., a Renaissance building of an old inn, also known as “Niemczówka” and a late-Renaissance synagogue, from the 17th c. The city lies on the way between Warszawa and Kielce and is very prosperous due to the vicinity of huge resources of valuable lead, copper and silver ores.
Several battle scenes for Polish historical movies have been taken in Chęciny, it is also a favourite place of photographers and history enthusiasts.
Chęciny, a historical town nearby Kielce, is an attraction for all amateurs of sightseeing