LIW CASTLE
HISTORY and NOWODAYS
HISTORY
The castle-manor complex in Liw is the oldest example of architecture in the Siedlce region. In the middłe ages the wooden
castle protected the eastern part of the Mazovia Duchy from the attacks ofthe Russian, Lithuanian and Baltic tribes. In the
first quarter of the XV century Janusz I Prince of Mazovia founded a new castle of brick on the artyficially raised island,
surrounded by the swamps of the Liwiec River, which was the border of the state.
The Gothic castle possessed crenellated walls, a drawbridge and 2 buildings for the knights crew. Nearby there was a
settlement of the craftsmen and servants. Before 1420 Liw gained the town rights. In the XVI century, from 1526, the
Mazovian Princess Ann possessed the castle. She was the last member of the Piast Dynasty which ruled the Mazovia Duchy
for almost 300 years. During her 10 year stay in Liw the walls and the tower were heightened. The next owner ofthe castle
was another lady - Bona Sforza, the Queen of Poland.
The greatest disaster for Liw were the so-called Swedish Wars. In 1657 and in 1703 the Swedish Army conquered and
plundered the town and the fortress, which was ruined after the second invasion. In 1782 the foreman of Liw County T.
Grabianka built up the Baroque-style manor for his office.
Since 1963 there exist the Museum Armoury which presents the old weapons from the XV - XX century: the firearms, the
sidearms and about 105 bayonets; a colletion of the sarmatian style Polish portraits and old fumiture. Our Museum organizes
concerts of classical and pop music. As with every old castle, Liw is visited by ghosts. One of them is the gost of Ludwika
Kuczynska, innocently accused of conjugal infidelity and beheaded, the so-called Yellow Lady. She appears herselfover the
castle walls at midnight.
NOWADAYS
Liw is situated 80 km to the east of Warsaw. In 2004, Liw celebrates the 700th anniversary of
obtaining municipal rights. The Castle is a seat of the Knights of Mazowsze and Podlasie
Area. For three years, annually, Liw has hosted knights from all other the country who have
come to take part in the Knight Contest of the Ring of Princess Anne. The Contest is
organised simultaneously with other cultural events: shows of old-age dance and outfit,
concerts of old and modern music, exhibition in the Tower Gallery, artistic acts and
performances.
In May 2003, the Liw Castle organised an Archaeological Feast. As part of celebrations, visitors could
attend the following shows and events: Roman legions (shows of fight, armours, fortifications), barbarian
warriors, pottery, manufacturing and use of wood tar, wattling, bronze manufacturing, archaeological
workshops, weaving, exhibition concerning a period of Roman influence, archery, and spear hurling.
Presentation and arrangement of all the events allowed visitors to enjoy close contact with history and
archaeology. The Feast was mainly addressed to the school youth and kids.
Both, the Contests and the Feast have been organised by young, enthusiastic people, full of
entrepreneurial fleur and willing to co-operate and exchange experience.
In the Knights Room meetings and lectures may be held for approximately 60 attendants. The
Tower Gallery consisting of two rooms offers a magnificent and severe atmosphere. It
provides room for 40 medium size works. Stairs leading to the Gallery saw the time of the
Queen of Poland, Bona Sforza.
The accommodation for visitors is provided in a hotel located 4 km from Liw.
The Liw Castle copes with two problems – cracking walls and lack of funds to maintain them.
The celebrations of the 700th anniversary of Liw in 2004 may offer a great opportunity to start
co-operation as a co-organiser or partner in project “Culture 2000” for 2004 which is focussed
on national heritage. We are looking forward interesting offers.
Liw Castle. Cultural Association of Liw Area.
Contact:
Magda Raczko-Pietraszek
+48 22 728 92 50
mobile: 0604093930
e-mail: magdarp@poczta.onet.pl