The journey through Świętokrzyskie castles should begin with one of the most recognizable buildings of the region - the Royal Castle in Chęciny. This majestic fortress, built on a limestone hill at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, was once one of the most important defensive strongholds of the Polish Kingdom. The castle served not only a military function, but also a residential one - it hosted within its walls King Wladyslaw Lokietek and his son Casimir the Great. Interestingly, royal insignia and the treasure of the Gniezno archdiocese were kept in the Chęciny treasury for some time.

Chęcin castle is a place shrouded in numerous legends. One of them tells of the White Lady - the ghost of Queen Bona, who, according to legends, hid her treasures in the castle's dungeons. Another legend tells of a mysterious tunnel that was supposed to connect the castle with a nearby monastery. Today, the castle towers offer a breathtaking view of the Swietokrzyskie Mountains, and in the summer season knight tournaments and demonstrations of ancient crafts are held here.

Another point on the map of royal residences is the Royal Castle in Sandomierz. This Gothic building, erected on the initiative of Casimir the Great in the 14th century, was one of the most important royal residences in Poland. The castle, although significantly damaged as a result of the Swedish Deluge and the subsequent landslide of the Vistula escarpment, still impresses today with its monumental structure. The preserved western wing now houses the District Museum, where valuable exhibits related to the history of the region can be admired.

The Sandomierz castle hides many secrets. According to local legends, in the castle's vaults there is an entrance to an extensive system of tunnels that were supposed to serve as escape routes during sieges. Some even claim that one of the tunnels led all the way to the abbey in Koprzywnica, several kilometers away. Sandomierz Castle is not only a history lesson, but also an excellent vantage point for a picturesque panorama of the city and the Vistula River valley.

It is worth mentioning that the two castles differ significantly in their state of preservation and tourist offerings. The castle in Chęciny, although preserved in the form of a ruin, has undergone extensive revitalization and offers a rich educational and entertainment program, including workshops of ancient crafts, demonstrations of knightly battles or night tours. On the other hand, the castle in Sandomierz, although only partially preserved, houses a professionally prepared museum exhibition that allows a better understanding of the history of the city and the region. Both sites are linked by a royal past and a strategic location, which in the past determined their military importance.

A true pearl of defensive and palace architecture of the Świętokrzyskie province is the Krzyżtopór Castle Ruins in Ujazd. This monumental building, erected in 1627-1644 by Sandomierz voivode Krzysztof Ossolinski, was at one time the largest magnate's residence in Europe. The castle was designed with extreme precision and symbolism - it had 365 windows (like days in a year), 52 chambers (like weeks), 12 ballrooms (like months) and 4 towers (like seasons). The name 'Krzyztopór' comes from the founder's coat of arms - the Cross - and the axe - the symbol of the Ossolinsky family.

Krzyztopór is a fascinating example of the 'palazzo in fortezza' style - a palace within a fortress, combining the luxury of a magnate's residence with defensive functions. According to accounts, one of the rooms had an aquarium placed in the ceiling, through which swimming fish could be admired during feasts. Another legend speaks of an underground tunnel connecting the castle with Sandomierz, several kilometers away. Unfortunately, the splendor of Krzyztopor was short-lived - already in 1655, during the Swedish Deluge, the castle was looted and partially destroyed, and subsequent wars and turmoil of history completed the work of destruction.

Today, the ruins of Krzyztopor, although stripped of their former glory, are still impressive for their size and preserved architectural elements. Walking through the vast courtyards and corridors, one can imagine the splendor that once reigned here. The place acquires a particularly magical atmosphere at dusk, when the shadows lengthen and the walls turn golden in the rays of the setting sun.

Slightly less well-known, but equally fascinating, are the Royal Castle Ruins in Szydłów. This small fortress, erected during the reign of Casimir the Great in the 14th century, was part of the kingdom's defense system. The castle in Szydłów is distinguished by the fact that it was integrated into the city's defensive walls, forming a compact system of fortifications. Fragments of the walls, the Knights' Hall and the Treasury, a small building that probably served as a treasury, have been preserved to this day.

Szydlovsk castle is a witness to the turbulent history of the region. According to local legends, treasures were hidden in the castle's vaults to protect the town from Tartar invasions. Another legend tells of a mysterious tunnel connecting the castle to the nearby St. Ladislaus Church. Nicknamed the 'Polish Carcassonne' for its well-preserved city walls, Szydłów offers a unique experience of time travel to medieval Poland.

Comparing the two sites, it is worth noting that Krzyztopór impresses primarily with its grandeur and richness of architectural details, while the castle in Szydłów charms with its intimate atmosphere and perfect integration into the urban fabric. Krzyztopór is an example of magnate extravagance and splendor, while Szydłów's castle represents a pragmatic approach to defensive architecture. Both places, however, share an aura of mystery and romance that makes them perfect destinations for couples looking for an unforgettable experience.

Swietokrzyskie province is not only about monumental castles and their picturesque ruins, but also elegant palaces, a testament to the wealth and refined taste of their former owners. One of the most beautiful examples of palace architecture in the region is the Baranów Sandomierski Castle, often referred to as 'little Wawel'. This pearl of the Renaissance, erected in 1591-1606 for the Leszczynski family, impresses with its harmonious body, wealth of architectural details and picturesque location.

The castle in Baranow Sandomierski, despite its name, is in fact a palace, combining representative and defensive functions. The building was probably designed by the Italian architect Santi Gucci, giving it the form of a quadrangle with an inner courtyard surrounded by arcaded galleries. Of particular note are the richly decorated attics, portals and window frames. The palace's interiors hide valuable polychromes, including a unique frieze depicting scenes from the life of Sigismund III Vasa.

Baranow is associated with the romantic legend of the 'Black Lady' - the ghost of a princess who fell in love with a poor knight against her father's wishes. When he imprisoned his daughter in the tower, the girl threw herself from the window in despair. According to legends, her ghost still wanders the castle's chambers on moonless nights. The palace is surrounded by a vast English-style park, which is the perfect place for romantic walks among centuries-old trees and picturesque ponds.

Another interesting palace building is the Wielopolski Palace in Pinczow. Erected between 1789 and 1798 according to a design by Franciszek Nax for Franciszek Wielopolski, this classicist residence is an excellent example of late 18th and early 19th century architecture. Situated on a hill, the palace towers over the town, offering beautiful views of the Nida valley.

The history of the Pinczow palace is closely linked to the history of the city and the region. In the 19th century the residence was an important center of cultural and political life. According to local accounts, valuable works of art were hidden in the palace cellars during the January Uprising. Another legend tells of a mysterious underground passage that was supposed to connect the palace with the nearby Reformati monastery.

The palace of the Wielopolski family, although less grand than the castle in Baranow, charms with its elegant simplicity and harmony of proportions. It currently houses the City Hall, but some of the rooms are open to visitors. Particularly noteworthy are the representative ballroom with its original decoration and the library with its rich collections on the history of the region.

Comparing the two buildings, one can notice clear stylistic differences - Baranow represents a rich Renaissance with Mannerist details, while the palace in Pinczow is an example of elegant classicism. Baranow castle impresses with its splendor and richness of details, while the palace of the Wielopolski family charms with its noble simplicity and harmony. The two buildings also differ in their accessibility to tourists - the Baranow castle offers a full tour with guides and museum exhibitions, while the Pinczow palace, as the seat of the government office, has some restrictions on sightseeing.

It is worth noting that both the castle in Baranow and the palace in Pinczow are excellent starting points for exploring the surrounding attractions. Baranów is close to the picturesque Vistula River valley and historic Sandomierz, while Pinczow is the gateway to the Nadnidziański Landscape Park and the famous gypsum hills. Thus, both places offer not only a lesson in history and architecture, but also the opportunity to commune with the beauty of Świętokrzyskie nature.