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The Royal Castle in Niepołomice |
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In the 14th century around 25 kilometres (around 15 miles) from Krakow was the small village of Niepołomice. It was surrounded by a vast forest full of wild animals. Impressed by the landscape, Kazimierz the Great decided to build a gothic castle here. During the reign of Władysław Jagiełło the castle became the second official seat of the monarch, after the Wawel Castle. The castle underwent general modifications by Zygmunt Stary and his sons.
. The present square form of the castle, the courtyard and the gallery inside it were then introduced while all wings of the building were raised by one storey. During the so called Swedish Deluge (Polish-Swedish War of 1655-57) all furniture, paintings, chandeliers and even oven tiles were stolen. Later on, the Austrians converted the castle into an ammunition dump. It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century when the renovation brought the castle back to its former splendour.
At present the castle seats the local Culture Centre, Royal Castle Foundation and a museum. It is a venue for numerous theatre and opera performances., knight shows or hunting |
