Incredible Szydlowiec - a town with a snow-white castle and a multinational past

We combined our trip to Polish Szydłowiec (a small town in the southern part of Mazowieckie Voivodeship) with a trip to the Skalki Pieklo Reserve near Necklan.
The white-washed Szydlowiec Castle is one of the most beautiful early Renaissance aristocratic residences in Poland.
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Szydlowiec boasts more than 650 years of history, during which it experienced a period of prosperity, economic decline, and then recovery. The well-maintained historic center, filled with true gems of Renaissance architecture, unspoiled nature and an atmosphere of multiculturalism in the past.
The town was founded in the early 15th century by the representatives of the powerful Odrowiecki family - Jakub and Slavko, ancestors of the Szydlowiecki family. The town quickly developed. During the Radziwiłłs' time the city was an important center of crafts and trade.
Foreigners who were persecuted in their countries for religious reasons - Scots, Germans and Italians - started settling in the city. After the Swedish war, a strong Jewish community was established in Szydłowiec, and in the early 20th century Jews constituted the majority of the population.
The main attraction of the town is Szydlowiecki Castle, a magnificent aristocratic residence built by the Szydlowiecki family and completed by the Radziwill family. The castle is located on an artificial island surrounded by a moat and castle gardens, today known as Radziwill Park.
The castle interiors were furnished with rich ceilings, friezes, multicolored tile fireplaces, and decorative floors. Its modern appearance goes back to the times of the Radziwill family of "Szydłowiec County". After the death of Nicholas Radziwill in the early 18th century the castle was sold to Anna Sapezhin, who in turn resold it to the government of the Kingdom of Poland in 1828. The castle was inhabited until the 1840s. It fell into disrepair when it fell into the hands of the Engemann family who used it as a brewery, and during World War II the Germans created a ghetto for Jews there. It wasn't until the 1960s that the castle was restored.
Today, the chateau in Szydłowiec, painted white, looks great. The red roof tiles are very interesting and contrasting. The copper gargoyles and ornaments also attract attention. The castle was built of local sandstone, for which the city is famous.
In the castle there is the Szydłowiec Center of Culture and Sports and the Museum of Folk Music Instruments.
The castle is surrounded by a beautiful historical park in the valley of the Korzeniówka River. In the water of the river, the castle picturesquely reflects its face. It is so romantic and beautiful. There are also ducks swimming here.
The Mountain of Three Crosses. From here you can see a panorama of the river and the city.
Old Church of St. Sigismund, built by brothers Szydłowiecki back in 1401. There are golden altars here," the old proverb says, and, as is often the case, it is true. The late medieval church has a magnificent interior that is unparalleled in the entire region.
And here is the restored beautiful market square. Just as in Western Europe, it is the center of city life. It is a favorite meeting place for residents and numerous cultural events. In the center of the square is a magnificent 17th century town hall, built during the time of Nicholas Radziwill in the late Renaissance style. On the tower of the Town Hall there is an observation deck from which you can admire the panorama of the city. Unfortunately, it was closed because of the pandemic.
In front of the town hall there are two late renaissance city pillars. This is the infamous pillar from 1629, topped with a circle and shackles for convicts. On the second pillar is a figure of a woman in a pose symbolizing pride.
Overall, a very nice, well-maintained, restored town. We loved it. There were practically no people at all. Especially impressed with the castle on the island, which is so beautiful and photogenic reflected in the water. I recommend visiting it together with the Reserve near Neklan.
Interestingly, in 2004 the Polish tourist organization gave the city the title of the Most Beautiful Poland, and a year later in 2005 Szydlowiec was awarded the title of the cultural capital of Masovia.
Be sure to watch my other videos about interesting places in Poland.
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