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A Polish Fairytale Come to Life- Moszna Castle
I was among the 5 Kenyan journalists who spent 7 days in Poland courtesy of Humandoc foundation.
Among the places we visited while there was Opole. One of Poland’s oldest cities which is often referred to as the “Venice of Poland” due to its scenic riverside location.
This is where the fairy tale Moszna Castle is located particularly, in southern Poland, about 35 kilometers from the city of Opole and 190 kilometers from Kraków.
Honestly, in my wildest imagination, I have never thought castles were real and that they existed, until I visited this historic site.
Front view of Moszna Castle from the entrance .Photo by Kui Mugweru
It is one of the most beautiful castles in Poland and, in my opinion, a real hidden gem.
The magnificent structure blends three distinct styles: Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Neo-Renaissance.
The central part of the structure, dating back to the 17th century, reflects the elegance of Baroque design.
Flanking this original structure are Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance wings, added in later centuries to enhance the castle’s opulent charm.
Can you imagine the castle has 365 rooms and staggering count of 99 towers?
More shocking is the fact that each of the castle’s 99 towers and spires has its own story to tell and a representation of a particular symbol of wealth and power , making it a truly unique destination.
I don’t think many foreigners stop by the castle, maybe except Germans that seem to live southern Poland.
To prove this, Wiktoria Ernst, a tourguide and marketing specialist who was also our castle tour guide confirmed that we were the first Africans to visit the castle since the reconstruction that was done in the 19th century by Franz Hubert Tiele-Winckler family who lived there from 1866 to 1945.
What makes Moszna Castle so unique and enchanting is its ability to transcend time and space.
It is a place where history comes alive, where architecture becomes art, and where every visitor can find a piece of their own fairytale.
The reservation of old original items like bathtabs,100years old bed and tiles makes it even more demure.
Its decorations invite you to step into a world where the past and imagination collide in breathtaking harmony.
For adventurers like my colleagues Bosco Kathima and Kui Mugweru, the castle’s guided tours offered a chance to uncover its hidden nooks and crannies, from the grand ballroom to the castles, bedrooms as well as the hidden escape backdoors.
I felt in place when I saw a 100years old library filled with antique tomes, rich in history of the land and memoirs from prominent hierarchy of leadership in the castle.
100years old castle library.Standing besides it on the right is our host Karolina(Humandoc Foundation)and left is Wiktoria Ernst, a tourguide and marketing specialist. Photo by Mercy Tyra
The monumental fireplaces and a collection of unique furniture and artwork made it even interesting.
Ruth Keah and Chairman Denis Beru who were seeking solace found the tranquil chapel and meditation spaces which offered a quiet retreat for the few hours they utilized.
They say meeting is no meeting if there is no food and indeed the castle restaurant was there to sum it all.
Think long wooden tables with candelabras, but also Wi-Fi, because knights these days need Instagram (on a light note).
The castle restaurant menu is a blend of traditional Polish dishes and modern European cuisine.
A group photo of the 5 journalists from Kenya with their hosts from Humandoc foundation and the University of Opole, waiting for the last supper at Muszna castle restaurant.Photo by Mercy Tyra
Well, this I wouldn’t lie, honestly, I don’t know the names of what we ate that evening but all I know, it was sweet!!!
This was a fulfilling trip that indeed fed my curiosity of whether castles were fairly tales or real deal.
Given a chance, the castle is worth revisiting.
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