zamek królewski w Nowym Sączu

#medieval #historia #archeologia #zlotuptaka #dronevideo #małopolska #podróże #travel 📜 object history: The origins of Nowy Sącz Castle have traditionally been linked to the foundation work of King Casimir III the Great. Based on recent archaeological research (2019-24) and the discovery of relics of a 13th-century tower, the dating of the entire complex should be moved to pre-foundation times (i.e., before 1292). The founder was likely King Wenceslas II of Bohemia. The Nowy Sącz stronghold was built in the northwestern corner of the city and connected to the city walls. Interestingly, this site was used as early as the Stone Age: archaeologists have found flint tools dating back to the Late Paleolithic period (ca. 10,000 BC). King Casimir the Great certainly expanded the castle in the mid-14th century. During the Middle Ages, the castle hosted numerous Polish monarchs: in 1370, Louis of Anjou stayed here on his way to Kraków for his coronation, and in 1384, Jadwiga of Anjou was welcomed on her way to Kraków. In later years, King Władysław II Jagiełło and his successors often stayed at Nowy Sącz Castle. Subsequent rulers invested in the stronghold, expanding it with further brick structures (including a chapel mentioned in sources in 1467). In 1611, the castle and town were destroyed by fire. The complex was rebuilt and expanded in the Renaissance style between 1612 and 1618 by starosts Sebastian and Stanisław Lubomirski. During the Swedish Deluge, in 1655, King John II Casimir Vasa sought refuge there, fleeing the Swedes. Soon, however, Swedish troops occupied the town and castle, inflicting extensive damage. Although the structure was partially rebuilt after the war, it never regained its former importance. The stronghold's fall came in 1768, when a fire was started during the march of the Bar Confederates. It almost completely destroyed the castle. Another fire the following year completed the devastation, even burning the roofs. During the partition period, no investments were initially made at the castle: part of the walls were demolished, and in 1813, during a flood, the western wing collapsed into the Dunajec River. Only in 1838 did the Austrian authorities strengthen the northern part of the complex, designating it as barracks and military warehouses. After Poland regained independence, Nowy Sącz Castle was largely rebuilt. However, it did not survive to this day, as it was completely destroyed (in 1945) by the explosion of ammunition stored in the basement by the German occupiers. After the war, only the Renaissance 'Blacksmith's Tower' and a section of the perimeter walls were rebuilt. In 2025, the 'Blacksmith's Tower' was revitalized.