The Return of the King
Poland's most swashbuckling monarch will return to Krakow this month to celebrate the 325th anniversary of the Relief of Vienna.
King Jan Sobieski (r.1674-1696) became a hero throughout Europe when he routed the Ottoman army at Vienna in 1683.
The Sultan's army laid siege to the Habsburg capital for three months that summer, and the Austrians all but gave up hope. However, the Polish forces arrived in the nick of time and rallied their allies against the Turks.
Historians cite the battle as a turning point in European history, and to this day, Sobieski occupies a fabled place in the Polish imagination.
Krakow is preparing a rollicking show for the 325th anniversary. There will be cavalry charges on Blonia Common on Saturday 13th, whilst the following day, Sobieski (played by famed actor Daniel Olbrychski) will ride from Wawel to the Market Square in a triumphal procession.
For a full programme of the festivities, see www.victoriawiedenska.pl