During one of our adventures in Poland, we had the opportunity to visit a unique place with history: Ogrodzieniec Castle. Located on a limestone hill in the heart of the Polish Jura Mountains, this impressive castle is shrouded in mystery, legendsโฆ and breathtaking views.
It is a place that was spontaneously and unexpectedly discovered for us by our incomparable @gtg. Thank God I was smart enough to fully charge my Drone and do a double take during the unreal heat to fly around this unrivaled giant from all sides, and stay conscious. Ogrodzieniec Castle, built in the 14th century, is one of the most famous places on the famous โEagleโs Nest Routeโ โ a series of medieval castles built on rocky peaks to guard the border between Lesser Poland and Silesia.
Ogrodzieniec Castle also served as the setting for the famous Netflix series โThe Witcherโ. Some scenes of the Battle of Sodden Mountain, including those with Yennefer, Triss and Vilgefortz, were filmed here. This adds an even more magical touch to the already mysterious atmosphere of the ruins.
This castle has more than one legend, such as this one: In the 17th century, Stanisลaw Warszycki, a wealthy and ruthless Krakow lord, purchased Ogrodzieniec Castle. While bravely defending Poland from the Swedes, his reign was marred by infamy: it is said that he tortured his serfs in a โtorture chamberโ set up in the courtyard, and that he tortured his wives, one of whom was even bricked up alive. Legend has it that after his death, he did not die peacefully - his rebellious soul turned into a giant Black Dog. Dragging a long, clanking chain behind him, he haunts the ruins on moonlit nights, watching for the treasures he refused to bequeath, including the meager dowry intended for his daughter. Witnesses claim to have seen him walking around the yard, his metallic clink echoing, silently watching with shining eyes, occasionally emerging from the water of an ancient well.
There is another myth: that of a white woman, believed to be the spirit of the former owner's wife, who is seen in a long white dress wandering the ruins after dark.
This place is not only wildly beautiful: it is also a witness to centuries of turbulent history. Originally a Gothic fortress of the Wลodki-Sulimczyk family, it was later rebuilt and transformed into a luxurious Renaissance castle by the Boner family, one of the richest merchant and creditor dynasties of Krakow.
Over the centuries, Ogrodzieniec was attacked, burned down... but was never forgotten. Today, the ruins speak for themselves. Massive walls, half-ruined towers, ruined vaults tell the story of the glory and sorrow of the past better than any book. Thanks to the drone, I was able to fly over the ruined towers, get closer to details invisible from the ground, and capture the immensity of the place in its natural environment.
These images gave me a new and almost poetic perspective on the place. Our visit was not just a photographic project. It was also a very human, very sweet moment. There was me @olga.maslievich @darine.darine and our dear wizard Gandalf. When I flew the drone over the walls of Ogrodzieniec, we were all sitting together...
It was one of those simple but perfect moments when you are not relatives, but more like family than ever. This ruined castle, which once echoed with battles, is today a place of peace, imagination, and inspiration. It attracts history buffs, curious tourists, and those simply looking for a bit of pure beauty, silence, and space. I left with hundreds of photos, and very positive impressions.
At the end of our journey, we all ate ice cream together and tried on different hats down the souvenir alley. Itโs rare that a place exceeds our expectations, but Ogrodzieniec literally blew them away. You donโt always have to go far to feel like youโre somewhere else. Sometimes all you need is a ruined castle, a few good people, some sunlight, and a drone to fly a little higher.
