On the 26th of June A.D. 2021 members of the Prestige Club and invited guests met in the Royal Castle in Niepołomice near Kraków, called the ‘Second Wawel.’
The Gothic castle from the mid-14th century, rebuilt in the Renaissance style, is located in the centre of Niepołomice. The castle, built on the orders of King Casimir the Great, was used for defensive purposes, and for hunting expeditions to the nearby Niepołomice Forest. The history of the royal castle abounds in events of national importance. In the days of King Władysław Jagiełło, it was here that the Crown and nobility gathered to deliberate on state issues. Queen Bona Sforza liked to spend time here.
The castle, which for centuries was the residence of Polish kings and the most distinguished noble families, is now open to visitors and tourists. The club took advantage of this opportunity, and the castle’s magical atmosphere brought the readers of Prestiż Magazine who is who closer to the history of Poland.
In keeping with club tradition, Gen. Prof. Mieczysław Bieniek gave another lecture, this time on security in the modern world. The lecture was followed by a lively discussion.
New club members talked about their professional and social activities.
We also benefited from an invitation by club member Jerzy Motyka to actively participate in a golf course in Ochmanów near Kraków, of which he is a co-owner, and to obtain a so-called green card.
We also visited an exhibition in the Castle Museum. It was a meeting with history, architecture, nature and art, as well as with legends connected with the visits of Polish kings.
An evening dinner at the castle restaurant provided an opportunity for informal conversations and to discuss the programme of the autumn meeting of club members in Krynica Zdrój.
