The journey through Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska is best started with its most impressive fortresses, which, despite the passage of centuries, still make a great impression on visitors.

Ogrodzieniec Castle is a true pearl of the Eagle's Nest Trail and one of the finest examples of medieval defensive architecture in Poland. Located on the highest hill of the Jurassic (515 meters above sea level), in the village of Podzamcze, it towers over the area, offering breathtaking views. The history of the place dates back to the 14th century, when King Casimir the Great erected the first brick fortress here. However, the castle owes its current shape to the Boner family, which transformed it into a Renaissance mansion in the 16th century. Unfortunately, the Swedish Deluge in 1655 brought an end to the castle's splendor, which was looted and partially destroyed.

Today, the ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle are one of the most picturesque places in Poland, where fantastic rock formations combine with the remains of the walls to create a unique landscape. The castle hides many secrets and legends, including the tale of the Black Dog of Ogrodzieniec - the specter of castellan Stanislaw Warszycki, who was famous for his cruelty during his lifetime. It is said that on moonless nights his ghost, in the form of a huge dog with burning blinds, still roams the ruins, guarding hidden treasures.

The castle has also become the setting for many film productions, including the cult series 'Janosik' and the film 'Revenge' directed by Andrzej Wajda. For history buffs, knight tournaments and historical re-enactments are organized here, especially during the summer festival Juromania, which attracts thousands of tourists.

Just a few dozen kilometers away, in the Ojcowski National Park, rises Pieskowa Skała Castle - the only fully preserved stronghold on the Eagles' Nests Trail. This Renaissance palace, built on the site of a medieval castle, is a true architectural gem. Its origins date back to the reign of Casimir the Great, who erected a watchtower here as part of the 'Eagles' Nests' defense system. In the 16th century, the castle was rebuilt in the Renaissance style by the Szafraniec family, and was then repeatedly modernized by subsequent owners.

Pieskowa Skała Castle impresses with its harmonious body with a characteristic arcaded courtyard, which resembles the courtyard of Wawel Castle. It now houses a branch of the Wawel State Art Collections, where visitors can enjoy exhibitions presenting styles in European art from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Visitors can see authentic furniture, paintings, sculptures and handicraft items.

An integral part of Pieskowa Skała's landscape is the famous limestone rock called 'Hercules' Mace', which rises 25 meters. According to legend, it was with this mace that Hercules was said to have defeated a dragon living in the surrounding caves. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque landscape park, which is especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees shimmer in all shades of gold and red.

Unlike Ogrodzieniec Castle, which primarily offers the experience of historical ruins, Pieskowa Skała allows you to move back in time and see what life was like for the Polish nobility. The two castles also differ in accessibility - Ogrodzieniec is located in an open area and offers more space for exploration, while Pieskowa Skała, as a museum, has a more structured tour. Ticket prices are comparable, although it's worth noting that Pieskowa Skała offers a more extensive museum exhibit, which may be attractive to art lovers.

Following your journey through the Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska region, it's worth delving into lesser-known, but equally fascinating places that harbor remarkable stories and legends.

The ruins of Ojcow Castle, located in the heart of Ojcow National Park, is a place with a unique atmosphere. The stronghold was erected in the 14th century by Casimir the Great as part of the defense system of the western borders of the Polish Kingdom. The name 'Ojcow' is linked to the legend of Wladyslaw Lokietek, who was said to be hiding in the surrounding caves from the troops of Czech King Waclaw II. The local people, risking their lives, provided him with food, for which the grateful ruler, after regaining his throne, named the place 'Ojcow', recognizing the inhabitants as his adoptive fathers.

Ojcow Castle has witnessed many historical events. In the 15th century, King Władysław Jagiełło granted it to Jan of Korzków, and it passed through the hands of various noble families. Like many other fortresses, it suffered severely during the Swedish Deluge. Only fragments of the walls, the entrance gate and the characteristic cylinder-shaped tower, known as the 'Casimir Tower,' have survived to our days.

The ruins are surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the Prądnik Valley, making it one of the most romantic places in Jura. The castle's hilltop offers a beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding limestone rocks. Unlike more popular castles, the ruins in Ojcow offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to contemplate the beauty of nature and history in silence.

Not far from Olkusz is another fascinating stronghold - Rabsztyn Castle. This medieval structure, which dates back to the 13th century, guarded for centuries an important trade route linking Krakow with Silesia. The castle's name comes from the German 'Rabenstein', meaning 'ravenous rock' - a reference to the black birds that took a liking to the surrounding rocks.

Rabsztyn's history is as turbulent as that of other Jurassic strongholds. In the 14th century the castle was expanded by Casimir the Great, and in subsequent centuries it changed hands. One of its owners was Seweryn Boner, treasurer of the crown, who transformed the medieval fortress into a Renaissance residence. Unfortunately, the Swedish Deluge and subsequent wars led to the decline of the castle, which in time fell into ruin.

In recent years Rabsztyn Castle has undergone partial reconstruction. The 14th-century dwelling house was rebuilt and the remaining ruins were secured, allowing the site to be open to tourists. During the tour, visitors can see the reconstructed chambers, learn about the castle's history and admire the panorama of the area from the castle courtyard.

Rabsztyn is associated with a legend of hidden treasure. It is said that the last owner of the castle, fleeing from the Swedes, hid a huge fortune in the vaults, which is guarded by the ghost of the castle castellan. According to local legends, the treasure can only be found by a pure-hearted person who comes to the ruins on Midsummer Night.

Comparing Ojcow Castle and Rabsztyn Castle, it is worth noting that the former remains in ruins, offering a more authentic historical experience, while Rabsztyn, thanks to its partial reconstruction, allows you to better imagine what life was like in a medieval stronghold. Both castles are less crowded than the popular Ogrodzieniec or Pieskowa Skała, which is an added advantage for those looking for quieter places to explore. In terms of pricing, both sites offer affordable tickets, making them an attractive option for families with children or travelers on a tight budget.

Our journey through the Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska would not be complete without visiting places that uniquely combine history with nature and show how the past can be given new life.

The Royal Castle of Bobolice is a true phenomenon on the map of Jurassic fortresses. For centuries it remained in ruins, only to be reborn like a phoenix from the ashes in the 21st century. The history of the castle begins in the 14th century, when King Casimir the Great erected a watchtower here as part of the defense system of the western border of the Polish Kingdom. Over the centuries, the castle passed from hand to hand, being owned by such families as the Szafraniec, Myszkowski and Męciński families. Like other Jurassic fortresses, Bobolice suffered severely during the Swedish Deluge, and in time fell into complete ruin.

A turning point in the castle's history came in 1999, when the Lasecki family, who originated from the area, decided to rebuild the fortress. After years of painstaking reconstruction work, based on archaeological and historical research, Bobolice Castle was opened to the public in 2011 as the first fully rebuilt stronghold on the Eagle's Nest Trail.

Today, the castle looks impressive - with its distinctive cylindrical tower, fortified walls and reconstructed chambers that allow you to travel back in time to the Middle Ages. The interiors have been furnished with replicas of furniture and everyday objects, giving you a better understanding of what life was like in a medieval stronghold.

Bobolice Castle is associated with a romantic legend about two twin brothers, Peter and Paul, owners of neighboring castles in Bobolice and Mirow. According to the legend, Peter fell in love with a beautiful branka that his brother brought back from a war expedition. Possessed by jealousy, he murdered his brother and imprisoned the girl in the dungeons. The ghost of the murdered Paul, however, had no peace and began haunting the castle, driving Peter mad. Legend has it that the ghost of the beautiful bride still wanders the castle walls on moonless nights.

Just a few hundred meters from Bobolice Castle are the ruins of Mirow Castle, which creates a unique opportunity to see two strongholds during one trip. This geographical proximity gives a better understanding of how the medieval defense system functioned, in which castles could communicate with each other by means of light signals.

Ojcow National Park, the smallest of Poland's national parks, provides the perfect backdrop for the historical strongholds of the Jurassic region. Established in 1956, it encompasses the most beautiful part of the Prądnik Valley, where nature has created fascinating rock formations and man has left traces of his presence in the form of castles, chapels and watermills.

The park is famous for its picturesque limestone monoliths, the most famous of which are the Hercules Mace and the Krakow Gate. The park is also home to more than 400 caves, the most famous of which are Lokietek's Cave and Dark Cave. According to legend, the future King of Poland, Wladyslaw Lokietek, hid in Lokietek's Cave while fleeing the troops of Czech King Wenceslas II.

Ojcow National Park is not only nature, but also a wealth of material culture monuments. In addition to the aforementioned ruins of Ojcow Castle and Pieskowa Skała Castle, the park includes the unique 'On the Water' chapel, erected in the 19th century on stilts over the Prądnik River to circumvent the Tsarist authorities' ban on religious buildings.

Comparing the Royal Bobolice Castle with other Jurassic fortresses, it is worth noting its uniqueness as a fully restored site that allows you to see what medieval castles really looked like. Unlike the ruins of Ogrodzieniec or Ojcow, Bobolice offers a complete historical experience, with the opportunity to tour fully equipped chambers. The Ojcow National Park, on the other hand, stands out from other Jurassic attractions for its natural wealth, combining scenic, geological and historical values.

In terms of accessibility, both Bobolice Castle and Ojcow National Park are well suited to tourists' needs, offering marked trails, rest areas and information points. Ticket prices vary - admission to Ojcow National Park is relatively inexpensive, while a visit to Bobolice Castle involves a slightly higher cost, which is understandable given the expenses incurred in its reconstruction.

Jura Krakowsko-Czestochowska is a land where there is something for everyone - from impressive ruins to fully restored castles, from wild caves to picturesque valleys. It's a place where history comes alive and legends become real. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for inspiring views, the Eagle's Nest Trail is sure to leave an indelible impression in your memory.