Początki zamku w Zatorze. Rezydencja biednych książąt
The Beginnings of The Castle in Zator. The Residence of Poor Princes

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the history of the Castle of Zator. Main focus is placed on oldest, and least recognized by previous researchers, part of the history of this building. The origins of the castle are strongly related with the events in the Duchy of Oświęcim, especially with its division in 1445. Manuscript of the mentioned division, survived to our times, and has become the starting point for reflection on the causes, circumstances and opportunities associated with building a castle by the relatively poor princes. While reading subsequent paragraphs we follow the career of the oldest Duke Wenceslaus I (Wacław), for whom, new residence in the capital of the newly created Duchy of Zator was built. Shortly after his death another division was made. This time Duchy of Zator became divided into two parts, designed for four sons of Duke Wenceslaus. Also in this case we are in possession of the original manuscript created in 1477. This document became the basis for the study of the structure of the earliest building of the castle of Zator. Analysis of this description showed that the previously known descriptions of the castle, from this period, contain many inconsistencies. Everything indicates that the original residence was rather modest, partly made of wood. There were located one big chamber, several smaller rooms and compartments. In addition, there were kitchen and hallway. In the earliest period, castle also had a chapel, but as time passed it disappeared. Dimensions of the castle clearly indicate limited financial possibilities of Zator’s princes.

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