The ruins of Rabsztyn castle

Address:

32-300 Olkusz Rabsztyn

E-mail address:

rabsztyn@interia.eu

Website:

http://www.rabsztyn.ilkus.pl

GPS:

50° 18' 4.9212" N 19° 35' 21.9696" E

The first buildings of Rabsztyn castle (from German "Rabstein" literally means "Raven Rock") date from the 13th-14th century. The castle was built in all its glory during the reign of Casimir the Great (14th century). It consisted of two residential wings, the upper castle with a tower and two courtyards. The castle is one of the many buildings located on the Trail of Eagles' Nests (Szlak Orlich Gniazd). After years of glory it was burnt by the Swedes in 1657. According to the local legend the castle is connected by corridors with the town of Olkusz and Januszkowa Mountain. These days in the summer season the castle hosts knight tournaments. They are organised by the Municipal Cultural Centre in Olkusz, the Brotherhood of Knights Castle “Raven” and the Rabsztyn Castle Association.
 

The legend of the enchanted knights of Rabsztyn castle:

Legend has it that under the ruins of the castle in Rabsztyn, deep underground, there is other, beautiful castle. In one of its main chambers there are two children that have been changed into a stone: a boy and a girl. The boy has on his finger a ring set with diamonds, and the girl a string of pearls hanging on her neck. In the neighbouring halls there is a number of iron knights sleeping under a spell. Once a year, on Palm Sunday when the procession from the nearest church starts, they wake up from their dream.  At this time the ring on the boy’s finger turns around a little, the castle halls open, the enchanted knights wake up, regain speech and sit down at the table bending under the weight of the finest dishes. The feast lasts until midnight. After Palm Sunday everything is changed into stone again. That is repeated every year until the ring comes off of the boy’s finger one day. When this occurs, the knights will be freed from the spell. Awakened knights under the command of the boy will fight against Poland’s enemies.  They will be supported by other enchanted armies. After the victory, the girl with pearls will give each of the knights a pearl as a token of remembrance of a brave fight for their motherland.

source: http://www.rabsztyn.ilkus.pl/legenda.html

Fot. Jacek Sypień