source: Napoleon Oorda's lithograph, album of views, 1882 / źródło: Litografia Napoleona Ordy, album widoków, 1882
Castle in the style of Palazzo in fortezza
Krzyżtopór Castle (Cross and ax) was built by Krzysztof Ossoliński Herbu Topór. Construction began around 1627 and was completed in 1644. This castle is a very rare type of building known as "palazzo in fortezza". The castle was to combine luxurious apartments with a defensive function. This type of structure was one of the few and was the largest palace complex long before the construction of Versailles.
Where does the name of the Krzyżtopór castle come from?
The name of the castle comes from the cross and from Krzysztof Ossoliński, the Topór coat of arms, which created the name Krzyżtopór. Once, in front of the entrance gate, there was a plaque with the inscription: Defense cross / support cross / grandparents of our Ax, no longer exists.
Krzyżtopór Castle (Cross and ax) in Ujazd - Symbolism of astrology magic?
Ossoliński was fascinated by symbolism and astrology, hence his structure is very much related to his interests. The location of the castle, the number of windows, chambers, rooms or towers is not accidental. All of them relate to the annual cycle of the earth. So the lock has 365 windows because it is 365 days a year. In addition, it has 52 rooms because the year has 52 weeks, 12 rooms in relation to the number of months and 4 towers because there are 4 seasons in Poland. In addition, it was built on a pentagon plan.
*Castle plan on the engraving of ERIK DAHLBERGH, 1656
Krzyżtopór Castle (Cross and ax) - a structure ahead of its time
Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd was built with great panache. Legends mention a two-story ballroom, a glass ceiling in the ballroom, which was a huge aquarium full of colorful fish. Apparently, the stables were equipped with marble mangers, and the lighting of the castle was supported by a system of large mirrors. In the basement of the castle there is a spring with healing properties that supplied the castle with water.
Krzyżtopór Castle (Cross and ax), the Swedish Deluge - the end of its splendor
The castle lived a short time to its fullest. It lasted 11 years, until it fell into the hands of the Swedes during the Swedish Deluge. They robbed the castle of all valuables, and with time the castle fell into ruin.
Krzyżtopór (Cross and ax) at present
Little has survived to this day. 90 percent of the walls and about 10 percent of the vaults. The castle has never been rebuilt, it has remained in its original state until today. Despite this, it is a real tourist attraction, and the shots from the drone confirm its beauty and former glory and splendor.
Without a legend, a castle is not a castle 😉
Apparently, the power over the ruins of the castle is taken over by the spirits who are moving at night, so you must not pass the entrance gate. Then the figure of a white lady, a knight on horseback, residents and palace servants appear there, and walk around the ruins of the dazzling splendor of the castle.
It is an impressive star, we find them literally all over the world, most are hidden or covered.
It says humans are connected to one of them and those stars were there before humans.