Among the abandoned castles in Poland, the Krzyżtopór Castle Ruins in Ujazd occupy a special place. This monumental building, erected in the first half of the 17th century by Sandomierz voivode Krzysztof Ossolinski, was once one of the largest magnate residences in Europe. The castle was designed with extreme precision and symbolism - it had 365 windows (the number of days in a year), 52 chambers (the number of weeks), 12 ballrooms (the number of months) and 4 towers (the seasons). This mathematical perfection was meant to reflect the harmony of the universe and emphasize the power of the owner.

Krzyztopór survived in its full glory for only a dozen years. During the Swedish Deluge in 1655 it was looted and partially destroyed, and subsequent wars and neglect led to its gradual decline. Today, the impressive ruins with preserved fragments of walls, bastions and towers allow one to imagine the former grandeur of this residence. Particularly fascinating are the remnants of the underfloor heating system, fragments of stucco decoration and traces of luxurious features such as glass windows and a plumbing system - a rarity in those days.

There are many legends associated with the castle, including a tale of a hidden treasure of the Ossolinskis, which is guarded by the ghosts of former residents. According to local legends, on moonless nights you can hear the sounds of feasting and music coming from chambers that no longer exist. Krzyztopór is not only an attraction for history buffs, but also for seekers of paranormal experiences.

Moving on to Lower Silesia, we come across the mysterious Castle Ruins of Stary Książ, located near the famous Książ Castle in Walbrzych. This medieval fortress, erected in the 13th century by Prince Bolek I of Swidnica-Jawor, served as a watchtower guarding the trade route. Unlike its younger and more imposing neighbor, Old Ksiaz fell into disrepair as early as the 15th century, when it was destroyed during the Hussite Wars.

Interestingly, the current ruins are not entirely authentic. In the 18th century, in keeping with the romantic fashion for artificial ruins, the then owner of the Dukedom estate, Hans Heinrich VI von Hochberg, had the castle partially rebuilt as a picturesque ruin to enhance the landscape and serve as a walking destination. This peculiar history makes Old Książ a kind of architectural paradox - a ruin that was intentionally created as a ruin.

The place is shrouded in a dark legend about the Black Lady - the ghost of Duchess Kunegunda, who allegedly threw herself from the castle tower after her beloved was killed in battle. According to legends, her phantom appears in the ruins during a full moon. Situated amidst picturesque forests, Stary Książ offers not only an encounter with history and legend, but also beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Pełcznica River valley.

One of the most picturesquely located abandoned castles in Poland is Chojnik Castle, towering over Jelenia Góra. Erected in the 14th century by Prince Bolek II of Swidnica-Jawor, this massive stronghold sits atop the mountain of the same name (627 meters above sea level), in the heart of the Karkonosze National Park. Thanks to its strategic location, the castle remained unconquered for centuries - only a lightning strike and the resulting fire in 1675 led to its destruction.

Chojnik is famous for the legend of the cruel Kunegunda, daughter of the castellan, who placed impossible conditions on her suitors. The knights had to go around the castle walls erected on the edge of a precipice on horseback. Many daredevils lost their lives trying to meet this challenge, until finally there was a knight who accomplished the feat. However, instead of marrying Kunegunda, he cursed her and left, and the distraught woman threw herself into the abyss. It is said that her spirit still haunts the ruins, seeking redemption.

Chojnik Castle impresses not only with its history and legends, but also with its breathtaking views of the Karkonosze Mountains and the Jeleniogórska Valley. Among the preserved elements, one can admire the massive defensive walls, the tower, the remains of residential buildings and the chapel. History buffs will find particularly interesting the traces of the former defense system, including moats and bastions.

Moving on to Krakow-Czestochowa Jura, we come across the Castle Ruins in Olsztyn near Czestochowa - one of the most characteristic buildings of the Eagles' Nests Trail. This royal castle, erected in the 14th century during the reign of Casimir the Great, guarded the southwestern border of the Polish Kingdom. Its most recognizable feature is its cylindrical tower, towering over the area and visible from many kilometers away.

Olsztyn Castle played an important role during the Swedish Deluge, when it was one of the few to successfully resist the invaders. Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair in later years and was abandoned in the late 18th century. According to local legends, hidden in the castle's vaults is the treasure of the Knights Templar, and on moonless nights you can meet the ghost of a monk guarding the mysterious treasures.

Not far from Olsztyn are the Castle Ruins in Mirów, another point on the Eagles' Nests Trail. This medieval castle, built in the 14th century by the Mzur family of the Lis coat of arms, was part of a defense system protecting the borders of the Polish Kingdom. Situated on a limestone hill, surrounded by picturesque rocks, it forms, together with the nearby castle in Bobolice, an unusual duo known as the 'twin castles'.

Mirow is linked to a romantic legend about twin brothers, owners of castles in Mirow and Bobolice, who fell in love with the same woman. The rivalry led to tragedy - one of the brothers killed the other, and the ghost of the murdered one haunts the ruins to this day. Mirow Castle, although much damaged, still impresses with its austere medieval architecture and picturesque location. Particularly impressive are the remains of the tower and fragments of the defensive walls rising on a rocky hill.

Assumed castles are not the only historical sites in Poland that have fallen into oblivion. An excellent example is the Kopice Palace, also known as the Schaffgotsch Palace Ruins, which represents a completely different era and architectural style. This neo-Gothic residence, built in the 19th century for Silesian industrialist Hans Ulrich Schaffgotsch and his wife Joanna Gryzik von Schomberg-Godulla (known as the 'Silesian Cinderella'), was once one of the most beautiful palaces in Silesia.

The story of the Kopice palace is a tale of wealth, love and a tragic fall. Joanna Gryzik, the daughter of a poor miner, thanks to a happy coincidence was adopted by the wealthy industrialist Karol Godulla, inheriting a huge fortune from him. Her marriage to Count Schaffgotsch was the fulfillment of the Cinderella fairy tale. The couple created a true architectural gem in Kopice, surrounded by a picturesque landscape park with exotic tree species and romantic ponds.

The palace survived in full splendor until the end of World War II. In 1945 it was looted by the Red Army and then set on fire. In the following decades of the People's Republic of Poland it systematically fell into disrepair, being stolen and devastated. Today, all that remains of its former glory are the exterior walls, fragments of towers and portals. Nevertheless, the ruins are still very impressive, allowing one to imagine the former grandeur of this residence.

The palace is linked to the legend of the 'White Lady' - the ghost of Joanna Schaffgotsch, who is said to appear in the ruins on the anniversary of her death. According to local legends, her apparition guards the family treasures hidden somewhere in the palace's vaults. Although in a deplorable state, Kopice attracts history, photography and urbex enthusiasts fascinated by the melancholy beauty of the place.

Returning to the castles, it is worth noting that each of the described buildings represents a different historical period and architectural style. Krzyztopór is an example of a magnate's residence from the early 17th century, combining defensive functions with a luxurious palace. Chojnik Castle, Olsztyn and Mirów are typical medieval fortresses whose main task was to defend the country's borders. Old Książ represents a peculiar case of romantic reconstruction, and Kopice Palace represents a 19th-century aristocratic residence in neo-Gothic style.

What do all these buildings have in common? First of all, their current state - they are all ruins, witnesses to past glories and dramatic historical events. Each has its own unique story of decline - some were destroyed during wars, others fell victim to fires or simply neglect. They are also all shrouded in legends and ghost stories, which adds to their mystery and romantic charm.

For lovers of history, photography and unusual experiences, abandoned castles and palaces are a fascinating destination. They offer not only an encounter with the past, but also unforgettable views and an atmosphere that can hardly be found in restored, bustling tourist sites. However, it is worth remembering that exploration of the ruins requires caution and respect for the historical substance of these sites. Every brick, every stone is a witness to history, which we should protect for future generations.