The ruins of Rabsztyn castle
The first buildings of Rabsztyn castle (from German "Rabstein" literally
means "Raven Rock") date from the 13th-14th century. The castle was
built in all its glory during the reign of Casimir the Great (14th
century). It consisted of two residential wings, the upper castle with a
tower and two courtyards. The castle is one of the many buildings
located on the Trail of Eagles' Nests (Szlak Orlich Gniazd). After years
of glory it was burnt by the Swedes in 1657. According to the local
legend the castle is connected by corridors with the town of Olkusz and
Januszkowa Mountain. These days in the summer season the castle hosts
knight tournaments.
Legend has it that under the ruins of the castle in Rabsztyn, deep
underground, there is other, beautiful castle. In one of its main
chambers there are two children that have been changed into a stone: a
boy and a girl. The boy has on his finger a ring set with diamonds, and
the girl a string of pearls hanging on her neck. In the neighbouring
halls there is a number of iron knights sleeping under a spell. Once a
year, on Palm Sunday when the procession from the nearest church starts,
they wake up from their dream. At this time the ring on the boy’s
finger turns around a little, the castle halls open, the enchanted
knights wake up, regain speech and sit down at the table bending under
the weight of the finest dishes. The feast lasts until midnight. After
Palm Sunday everything is changed into stone again. That is repeated
every year until the ring comes off of the boy’s finger one day. When
this occurs, the knights will be freed from the spell. Awakened knights
under the command of the boy will fight against Poland’s enemies. They
will be supported by other enchanted armies. After the victory, the girl
with pearls will give each of the knights a pearl as a token of
remembrance of a brave fight for their motherland.
[http://regio4trip.eu/en/region/biala-przemsza/tourism/the-ruins-of-rabsztyn-castle,52.html]
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