There is something truly magical about castles. For years I have been drawn to them, I love the way they look, the way they transport me back into the past, even the way they smell, giving its chambers a unique, raw atmosphere with old furniture and the light sneaking through the little windows. No wonder last summer I had to visit my local castle in Golub Dobrzyń again, on a warm summer day when one could truly relax and take in all the beauty.
The castle is picturesquely situated on the riverside hill and it was built by Teutonic knights after 1293. The brick fortress was originally both the Komtur’s office and a bastion protecting the border between the Teutonic Land and Poland. In the seventeenth century it was a home for princess Anna Wazówna who turned it into a renaissance residence.
Before you even enter the castle grounds you cannot miss the fact that it used to be a military fortress. Long rows of cannons remind you of the simple fact that it wasn’t built and used for fun.
This year I was so happy to have visited it again as I had finally found true love, right at the castle’s doorsteps. I had finally found my brave knight. He was tall, handsome, made of wood and he had a very long sword 😉 I thought we looked pretty spectacular together!
Unfortunately, my happiness didn’t last long. It turned out he was a Teutonic knight, so not exactly my friend but rather an enemy to the Polish nation so as soon as I had told him what I thought about him (being a brave outspoken Polish girl as I am :), he punished me severely. I spent 10 minutes in this torture device before he set me free after I had threatened to call for my friend in England, the brave Lancelot! 🙂
I was then able to enjoy the rest of the day and I even touched the biggest cannon I have ever seen in my life! It was even used in one of our Polish movies and it was, well, huuuuge! I wouldn’t want to be at the receiving end of it. But I wouldn’t mind firing it, especially at some online trolls, lying on sofas all day, eating crisps in PJs, trolling around the internet and pissing people off with nastiness and hatred..oh how I would make a good use f this cannon… I may be an advocate of spreading love but I also know how to fight for justice and what’s right 😉
Golub Dobrzyń town center has a quaint, colourful square with a fountain, gushing water with a refreshing veil of mist. There are delicious cakes in the cake shop on the corner and the whole town seemed to be sleeping bathed in the afternoon sun. I always try to stop there on the way back from the castle and think to myself; ‘There is something very tempting about such a cute, small town living with no stress, no worries, just a mellow atmosphere of living in the present moment.”
If you ever find yourself in the area, I recommend it 😉 Bydgoszcz is probably the closest airport.
Read my memoir, Polish Girl In Pursuit of the English Dream now:
Great work tjhanks for sharing with us.