Kamieniec Castle in Korczyna-Odrzykoń

KAMIENIEC CASTLE IN THE LOW BESKID AND ITS HISTORY

In 1348, by the will of King Kazimierz Wielki, Kamieniec—a royal fortress—was erected amidst the greenery and mountains. It later belonged to King Władysław Jagiełło. Under the ownership of Klemens of Moskorzewo, this notable attraction of Low Beskid was expanded to impressive proportions. Although it remained with his family for several generations, the estate was first divided during their ownership. Lower Castle was handed over to Seweryn Bojer as payment for a debt. His daughter Zofia and her husband Jan Firlej lived there. In 1601, Upper Castle was sold to the Skotnicki family. A prolonged dispute between the families persisted until the reconciliatory marriage of Zofia Skotnicka and Mikołaj Firlej in 1630, uniting the castle under a single family again. However, the Swedish Deluge turned this medieval landmark into ruins, later sold to the Scipio del Campo family, and then to the Jabłonowski family. In 1828, through marriage to Zofia Jabłonowska, the castle came into the possession of Aleksander Fredro. The 19th century saw another division, with parts of the estate going to the Szeptycki and Biberstein-Starowiejski families. Peace returned to the castle in 1945 after the expropriation of its owners, reuniting the property. Archaeological and conservation work began to preserve the monument. Interestingly, the castle straddles the border between the municipalities of Wojaszówka and Korczyna.

Today, the ruins have long been leased, and the tenant strives to restore their former glory. In the reconstructed part of the monument, exhibition halls display items found during archaeological work. Thanks to the tenant’s efforts, the famous boundary wall and the castle chapel have been rebuilt. The castle also houses the Castle Ceramics Workshop and a torture chamber exhibit.

THE CASTLE IN THE LOW BESKID AS AN ARTISTIC INSPIRATION

Steeped in centuries of history, the castle has inspired some of the greatest artists. When Jan Machnicki, known for his madness, resided there—issuing commands to invisible subjects—the renowned poet Seweryn Goszczyński visited the fortress. The figure of this insane resident became the inspiration for the protagonist of "Król Zamczyska". The famous castle of the Low Beskid was also immortalized by Jan Matejko in his series of paintings "Ruins of the Castle in Odrzykoń," showcasing its appearance. However, the ruins are most closely associated with Aleksander Fredro, who, while residing at the castle, discovered old documents detailing a family feud. These documents inspired him to write the renowned play "Revenge."

WHAT GHOSTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE LOW BESKID FORTRESS?

Ghosts wandering the halls and mysterious tales are an integral part of many fortresses. The castle in Odrzykoń is no exception. Its walls, standing since medieval times, hold echoes of past tragedies and secrets. Here, you might encounter the spirit of Kasia the dwarf, and sometimes even hear her laughter. She grew up surrounded by the greenery and mountains of Odrzykoń, but later moved to Granada with her husband. Longing for her homeland, she wished to be buried in Poland, but her husband couldn’t fulfill her request. She returned to her beloved castle in the Low Beskid only in the form of a spirit. Another ghost you might meet here is the spirit of a young castellan's daughter. In love with a prisoner of war, the daughter of the castle’s owner jumped from the castle walls after her lover was killed. Now, her spirit wanders the ruins, visible only to good and pious people—traits said to describe the young castellan. There’s also a legend about the castle’s construction, involving a devilish rider—a rogue who terrorized the villages of the Low Beskid, turning Odrzykoń into his base and forcing the locals to build the walls. Are you ready to face the ghosts and mysteries of Odrzykoń? Amidst the prevailing silence and peace, will you hear that faint laughter?

LOW BESKID TRAILS

Kamieniec Castle, surrounded by the wild nature of the Czarnorzecko-Strzyżowski Landscape Park, is the perfect spot for a walk. It’s easiest to reach from a nearby parking lot, just a 15-minute walk through the Low Beskid to reach it. For those who enjoy more challenging hikes, there’s a green trail from Krosno to the castle, about 9 km one way. The area, rich in fresh air, is ideal for outings. Nearby is another famous attraction of the Low Beskid—the Prządki Nature Reserve. To visit both, you can park along the main road from Czarnorzeki to Korczyna. The parking lot between these two attractions connects them via the black trail, making it easy to find your way. The walk from the parking lot to the castle takes about 40 minutes one way. The trails leading to or around the castle are also great for families with children.

LOW BESKID ATTRACTIONS

While in the Low Beskids region, be sure to check out other attractions. Near Krosno, you can visit the Open-Air Museum in Bóbrka, the Oil and Gas Industry Museum, located at the world’s oldest oil well. In this part of the Low Beskid, the Maria Konopnicka Museum in Żarnowiec is also worth visiting, housed in a historic manor given to the poet as a gift from the Polish people. There are also spas to explore. Both Rymanów-Zdrój and Iwonicz-Zdrój are perfect for leisurely strolls and admiring unique architecture. The Low Beskid is a place where peace and quiet reign supreme, and you can experience it in the Magura National Park. This and much more await those curious to explore the wonders of the Low Beskid.