Castle Emerges From Revamp
There's great news for both art and castle lovers this month as the picturesque stronghold of Pieskowa Skala has just opened its second floor following a costly and long-running restoration.
Pieskowa Skala is one of the most beautiful - and beautifully preserved - castles in all Poland. It was one of the legendary 'Eagle's Nests' that lined the upland that stretches north-west to the fabled monastery of Jasna Gora.
For several decades the castle has housed a branch of the Royal Castle Museum at Wawel. However, only a handful of rooms have been accessible to the public over the last few years.
As it turns out, the restoration was well worth the wait. The restorers have done a tremendous job, utilizing modern technology, but always in sympathy with the heritage of the castle itself.
The exhibition previously broke off its chronological lay-out in the baroque era. Now it continues through Rococo, Neo-Classical, Empire, Art Nouveau and Art Deco rooms. It's a shame the museum still doesn't have any classic Sarmatian Portaits (which showed the typical Oriental styled get-up of the Polish nobleman) but amidst such fine treasures - all lucidly presented - you really can't complain.
To get to Pieskowa Skala you can jump on a bus bound for Olkusz from Cracow's main station. It's about a forty-five minute journey. Afterwards, a walk and a picnic in the Ojcow Park are added incentives to leave the city behind. Don't miss it.