September - December 2016
Jurassic Land
Millions of years ago, between Częstochowa and Kraków the waters of the Upper Jurassic Sea were flowing. It gave the origin to unique Jurassic formations and karst phenomena leading to creation of caves and monadnocks. This area, known as the Cracow-Częstochowa Jura, has become the habitat of many, often unique, representatives of fauna and flora. Scientists identified here, among others, 1500 species of vascular plants, 3000 species of insects, or 19 species of bats. There is an interesting piece of Polish history connected with Jura, presented in many colorful legends, with the characteristic Trail of the Eagles' Nests. A trail spreading between Cracow and Częstochowa, two cities of great importance to the history of Poland and to the patriotic awareness of Poles.
The richness of flora, fauna, history, legends framed with beautiful landscapes makes this peculiar Jurassic Land a wonderful background for both Częstochowa and Cracow. A background highly worth noticing and appreciating on a daily basis... This series of photo exhibitions present selected pictures of this beautiful and unusual Jurassic Land.
Ogrodzieniec - power fortress
The gothic Castle in Ogrodzieniec, the largest of the Eagles' Nests, impressed with its power. Called the "Little Wawel", it became a strong link in the chain of the Eagles' Nests - a system of castles guarding the borders of the Kingdom of Poland in the Middle Ages. Castles built like eagles nests on hard-to-reach rocks of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The castle in Ogrodzieniec stands majestically on Castle Hill - the highest hill of the Jura - giving testimony to the power of the Kingdom of Poland.
The walls of the Castle in Ogrodzieniec are, according to legend, the seat of dark powers. And their source was the castellan who was famous for his cruelty, Stanisław Warszycki, accused of collegues with the devil. Sometimes, as the locals say on the castle walls, there is a huge black dog with burning eyes dragging a long chain behind it. It is believed to be the captive soul of Castellan Warszycki, guarding the riches hidden in the castle's basement.
The castle in Ogrodzieniec has become the background for many cultural events - knights' tournaments, film staging, among others "Janosik" and "Vengeance" as well as recordings of heavy metal band Iron Maiden. Undoubtedly adding them power ...
Krzysztof Muskalski, AFRP, ZPAF
Cycle "Jurassic Land":
1. The Wiercica Valley
2. Sokole Mountains colorfully
3. Ogrodzieniec - Power fortress
