Ostrężnik Castle, Medieval castle ruin in Ostrężnik, Poland.
Ostrežnik Castle is a castle ruin sitting on a limestone hill that rises about 40 meters above the surrounding land. The stone walls stretch across roughly 144 meters of rocky terrain, showing the solid structure of this medieval fortress.
The castle was built in the 14th century under King Casimir III the Great as part of a defensive network protecting Krakow. It was one of roughly 25 fortresses placed along important trade routes.
The castle is part of a walking route that connects medieval fortifications through the Polish Jura landscape. Visitors today can explore how these castles were woven into the natural terrain and local identity.
The ruins sit about 6 kilometers south of Janów and connect to marked hiking trails in the area. The visit allows you to also explore the nearby Ostrężnik Cave, where digs have uncovered interesting discoveries from earlier times.
Archaeological research suggests the castle may have served as a prison for nobles or as a hideout for knights involved in robbery activities. This unusual past sets it apart from typical medieval defensive structures.
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