Sanok Castle, Medieval castle in Sanok, Poland
Sanok Castle sits on a steep hill about 317 meters above sea level and overlooks the San River valley with massive stone walls and Renaissance details. The fortress contains several buildings within its fortifications, including a chapel and living quarters that were expanded over centuries.
King Casimir III the Great built a fortress in the 1340s that replaced an earlier wooden castle from the 12th century. The structure later evolved into a Renaissance palace as it was expanded and rebuilt by successive rulers.
The castle houses a collection of around 200 icons from Lemko villages that show the religious beliefs of this region. Visitors can see here how the Eastern icon tradition was practiced in this part of Poland.
The location sits on a rise, so the climb up is noticeable for visitors, especially on warm days. There are several flights of stairs and pathways to reach the main entrance from the town center.
The castle hosted the wedding of King Władysław Jagiełło with Elisabeth of Pilica in 1417, an event of importance in Polish history. This ceremony shows that the fortress was more than just a military outpost but also a place where royal affairs took place.
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