A bit of castle history
The castle in Janowiec was undoubtedly one of the most magnificent magnate residences in Poland, but its military significance was only local. The outdated defense system was far from the splendor of the palace interiors. The construction was started by the Firlej family at the beginning of the 16th century. The Firlejs of the Lewart coat of arms came to eastern Poland in the 14th century as great landowners. The ancestor was also brought in by Władysław Łokietek from German Franconia, to take the position of Kraków's headquarters in Poland and live with his family in Dąbrowica near Lublin.
The elongated shape of the stronghold was adapted to the irregular bank of the Vistula scarp. From this first stage, the great gatehouse, bastion (defensive tower) and the tower with buttresses have survived to this day. Over the next years, the castle was constantly expanded. At the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, a southern wing with a separate courtyard was built. There are cloisters and attic wall finishes. A magnificent chapel was built between the courtyards. The fortification system was also expanded.
Destruction during the partitions of Poland and World War I and II
At the end of the 18th century, the castle began to fall into ruin. It was especially devastated in the years 1809-1813 by the Austrian and Russian troops. However, the worst damage was caused to Janowiec during both World Wars, especially the artillery fire in 1945. Today, these ruins are partially protected. | Pod koniec XVIII w. zamek zaczął popadać w ruinę. Szczególnie zdewastowany został w latach 1809-1813 przez wojska austriackie i rosyjskie. Największe jednak zniszczenia przyniosły Janowcowi obie wojny Światowe, a zwłaszcza ostrzał artyleryjski w 1945 r. Dzisiaj są to częściowo zabezpieczone ruiny.
Location
The town of Janowiec is situated on the left bank of the Vistula, about 15 km southeast of Puławy. Beautiful Kazimierz is located on the opposite bank of the Vistula River. In the summer season, ferries run from Kazimierz to the Janowiec Castle.
Tourist attractions
At the moment, the castle remains a ruin, but repair and reconstruction works are slowly being carried out to restore the building's former splendor and beauty. The northern palace was built almost from scratch, the cloisters in the eastern part of the courtyard, the western apartment and the cylindrical tower were reconstructed. Currently, the Castle houses a small hotel and a castle museum. The castle offers beautiful views of Kazimierz, situated on the other side of the Vistula, and the entire Vistula valley.
Photo: DJI Mavic Air 2, November 2020, Janowiec, Poland
© Copyright marianomariano, own study
Photo: Adriana Więsztal
photos from the Mavic Air 2 drone made available thanks to www.awiesztal.pl Adriana Więsztal Photography