Our journey begins in Lower Silesia, a region rich in stunning castles and palaces. Our first stop is the monumental Książ Castle, the third largest castle in Poland, towering over the picturesque valley of the Pełcznica River. This architectural gem, a mix of styles from Gothic to Baroque, impresses not only with its size, but also with its rich history dating back to the 13th century. Visiting more than 400 rooms, you can feel the spirit of old times and learn about the fascinating fate of the Hochberg family, as well as secrets from the World War II period, when the castle was being prepared as one of Hitler's quarters. Ticket prices range from 50 to 79 zloty for adults (as of October 2023), which may seem a high price, but the richness of the exhibition and the possibility of visiting with an audio guide fully compensate for this.

Just a few kilometers from Książ are the mysterious Old Książ Castle Ruins. This place, although lesser known, has its own unique charm and fascinating history. Originally a medieval castle that burned down in the 15th century, it was later transformed into a romantic ruin and landscaped park. Admission to the ruins is much cheaper than to Książ Castle - a ticket costs about 10 zlotys. The site offers not only picturesque views of the surrounding ravines, but also peace and tranquility, ideal for those seeking a moment's respite from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions.

Our next destination is the famous Czocha Castle, picturesquely located on Lake Leśniańskie. This medieval castle, rebuilt in the Renaissance style, impresses not only with its architecture, but also with legends of hidden treasures and secret passages. Czocha Castle offers various sightseeing options, including a popular night tour, which adds extra mystery to the place. Ticket prices start at around 40 zloty for a guided tour. It's worth noting that Czocha Castle, unlike Książ Castle, offers an overnight tour, allowing you to more fully experience its atmosphere.

Each of the three castles has its own unique character. Książ Castle impresses with its grandeur and rich history, Stary Książ offers the romantic atmosphere of ruins, and Czocha Castle attracts with its mystery and legends. All of them are excellent choices for both history buffs and families looking for an interesting way to spend time.

Our journey now takes us to the picturesque Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska, where two more fascinating castles await us. The first is Ogrodzieniec Castle - a true pearl of the Eagle's Nest Trail. This impressive stronghold, built in the 14th century, is now one of the most recognizable castle ruins in Poland. Located at the highest elevation of the Jurassic (515 meters above sea level), Ogrodzieniec offers not only a fascinating history lesson, but also breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Visiting the castle is a real adventure - you can wander through dark corridors, climb towers and admire the characteristic rocky outcrops that are an integral part of the castle. Ticket prices are affordable - about 26 zloty for a normal ticket (as of October 2023), making it an attractive option for families and groups. Ogrodzieniec Castle is also famous for its historical events and night tours, which add extra charm and mystery to the place.

The next point on our itinerary is the Royal Castle in Chęciny. This majestic stronghold, towering over the town of Chęciny, has a history dating back to the early 14th century. Although now in ruins, the castle still impresses with its size and location. Its walls offer a magnificent panorama of the Swietokrzyskie Mountains, making it a popular vantage point.

The castle in Chęciny offers interesting attractions, such as knightly battle demonstrations and workshops of ancient crafts, making it a great place for families with children. The entrance fee is about 22 zlotys per adult (as of October 2023), which is a reasonable price for the opportunity to explore such a historically important site.

Comparing the two castles, it is worth noting that Ogrodzieniec offers a more extensive complex to explore, with more preserved structures. Chęciny Castle, on the other hand, although smaller, has a more strategic location and offers a wider range of interactive attractions. Both sites are perfectly suited for family visits, offering not only a history lesson, but also the opportunity for active outdoor activities.

Both Ogrodzieniec Castle and Chęciny Castle bear witness to Poland's turbulent history and are important points on the map of Polish castles. Their location in Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska makes them ideal as part of a longer tour of this picturesque region, combining historical, scenic and recreational values.

Our journey through Polish castles now takes us to the eastern and central parts of the country, where two fascinating sites await us - the Krzyżtopór Castle Ruins in Ujazd and the Czersk Castle. Each represents a different period of Polish history and offers a unique experience for visitors.

The Krzyztopór Castle Ruins in Ujazd is a monumental example of Mannerist architecture from the first half of the 17th century. This gigantic complex, built by Governor Krzysztof Ossolinski, was intended to be a manifestation of the power and wealth of its owner. The castle, though now in ruins, still impresses with its size and architectural ingenuity. Legend has it that the number of its windows corresponded to the number of days in the year, its chambers to the number of weeks, and its great halls to the number of months.

Visiting Krzyztopor is a real adventure for history and architecture lovers. The entrance fee is about 20 zlotys per adult (as of October 2023), which is a very reasonable price for the opportunity to explore such a vast complex. The castle also offers interesting themed events, such as night tours and historical reconstructions, which further enliven the place.

On the opposite end of our route is Czersk Castle, located near Warsaw. This 14th-century stronghold, though smaller than Krzyżtopór, has an equally fascinating history. The castle was once the seat of the Mazovian princes and played an important role in the history of the region. Nowadays, although in a state of disrepair, it has preserved characteristic towers and fragments of walls that give an idea of its former glory.

Czersk offers not only a history lesson, but also beautiful views of the Vistula valley. The price of admission is affordable - about PLN 16 per adult (as of October 2023). The castle is a popular destination for school and family trips, offering interactive forms of learning about history, such as archaeological workshops and demonstrations of medieval crafts.

Comparing the two sites, it's worth noting that Krzyztopór impresses primarily with its size and baroque grandeur, while Czersk Castle charms with its more intimate atmosphere and picturesque location. Krzyztopór requires more time to visit due to its size, but offers a more comprehensive architectural experience. Czersk, on the other hand, is ideal for shorter trips, especially for residents of Warsaw and the surrounding area.

Both castles, although different in style and period of construction, perfectly illustrate the richness of Polish history and defensive architecture. They bear witness to the turbulent history of our country and are fascinating destinations for anyone who wants to get to know Polish cultural heritage better. Whether you are passionate about history or looking for an interesting place for a family trip, both Krzyżtopór and Czersk Castle offer an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to travel back in time to fascinating eras of Polish history.