Ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle in Podzamcze - Station 05 – Chamber of Włodek family

Description

On the north-eastern walls of the main courtyard there are the chambers of Włodków family. It is the oldest part of the Gothic castle. Imagine that once it was not a high stone staircase to lead to the castle but, instead, a ladder system. Today, in their place there is a hollow in the rock. However, it does not come from the Middle Ages, but from the 70s of 20th century. It can be seen in the footsteps that were left by modern mining drills (photo 07.05.001). The stairs in the eastern wall of the courtyard were carved only at the times of Boner family.

The premises in this section were connected by enfilade. They were covered with a barrel vault, fragments of which have been preserved until today (photo 07.05.002). Probably in this section there were two more floors, of which there is no trace.

On the other hand, a sign is left after the reconstruction done in the 60s of the 20th century. You can easily notice the pieces of galvanized sheet (photo 07.05.003). In this way, restorers marked the spots combining original walls and contemporary elements.

There are not many informations left about Włodków family. According to the documents of Jan Długosz, in 1385, the castle belonged to Włodek of Ogrodzieniec. Better known is the personage of Balthazar of Ogrodzieniec. He is described in the chronicles as a deputy in the negotiations with the Teutonic Knights in 1414. In 1470 the castle was sold to Salmonowiczowie, rich burghers from Kraków. However, after many vicissitudes it ended up again in the hands of Włodków family.

Nowadays, Podzamcze Castle has its own life. In winter 2001 it became an outdoor space for making movies. Within the walls of Ogrodzieniec, Andrzej Wajda shot ”Zemsta” (Revenge) by Aleksander Fredro. Of course, it was enriched by numerous decorations; they built even porches which allowed the movement between plans. Participated to the movie, among others, Roman Polański, Andrzej Seweryn, Janusz Gajos, and Daniel Olbrychski.