Janów Podlaski in its prime stood at the crossroads of Western and Eastern civilizations, serving as a melting pot of cultures and an example of the harmonious coexistence of many traditions and religions. The excellent location of the town contributed both to its great flourishing and its declines. The rapidly developing city in the 16th century was a perfect prey for successive persecutors, and the turbulent fate of Poland left its mark on Janów.
Prehistory
Beginnings
For history enthusiasts, Janów Podlaski and its surroundings surely still hold many secrets as the settlement's history dates back to the Paleolithic era.
In the early Middle Ages, Slavic peoples appeared in the Lubelszczyzna region, and during this period, history began to take shape: first the village of Porchowo, and later the town of Janów.
Middle Ages
On the Way to Glory
In 1423, the Grand Duke of Lithuania Witold donates the village of Porchowo – along with its adjoining estates – to the cathedral church in Łuck. In 1428, the first wooden church dedicated to the Holy Trinity is built in the settlement.
In 1437, the transfer of lands to the Łuck cathedral is confirmed by Sigismund, Grand Duke of Lithuania.
In 1450, the bishop of Łuck, Jan Łosowicz, moves the bishop's residence from Łuck to the village of Porchowo.
In 1465, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk grants the settlement town rights under Chełmno law. The town is named Janów – after Bishop Jan Łosowicz, who advocated for privileges and the development of the town. The coat of arms of Janów becomes the host and chalice.
Renaissance
"Golden Age"
The end of the 15th century marks a period of city expansion: a brick church of St. John the Baptist was built, the Castle – the residence of the bishops – was expanded, and churches, an Orthodox church, and a synagogue were also established.
Subsequent bishops sought numerous privileges for the city, contributing to its development. During this period, Janów earned the nickname 'Episcopal'. The splendid period of prosperity was at the end of the 16th century and the 17th century.
Janów Podlaski, located on important communication routes – a land route leading from Kraków to Vilnius and a water route along the Bug River to Gdańsk – became not only an important spiritual center but also developed demographically and economically.
Decline
Tumultuous Fates
At the end of the 16th century, the city, devastated by several large fires, has no chance of rebuilding. The plundering and destruction of the Castle, churches, and buildings are carried out by the Swedes during the war 1655-1657, and the destruction is completed by the Russians during the Moscow invasion in 1660.
However, the history of Janów is a history of emergence and revival. In 1687, a seminary is opened, and in 1673, the town is granted new privileges, this time under Magdeburg law.
In 1714, Bishop Aleksander Wyhowski begins work on the construction of a brick Church dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The second half of the 18th century is a period of reconstruction of the Castle on the hill. Between 1770 and 1780, the existing buildings of the bishop's castle are built. Bishop Paweł Turski, in place of the destroyed residence, builds a baroque palace surrounded by a moat with an English-style park, farm buildings, and ponds.
After the first partition of Poland in 1772, Janów is incorporated into the Russian partition.
A long period of "patronage" by the bishops of Łuck, the most important period in the history of Janów, ends with the figure of the most distinguished resident of the Bishop's Castle – Adam Naruszewicz – a great humanist, historian, and poet. He is the last bishop of Łuck – in 1796, with his death, Janów ceases to be the seat of clergymen because the tsarist authorities take away their residence.
In 1816, Janów is officially renamed from Biskupi to Podlaski and becomes the residence of the bishops of the newly created Podlasie diocese.
In 1866, the tsarist authorities abolish the diocese, and in 1867, Janów loses its city rights. This is the occupier's response to the participation of the inhabitants in the January Uprising.
Modern Times
20th Century
The end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century was another attempt at reconstruction, unfortunately unsuccessful, and Janów was once again affected by destruction during World War I.
In 1918, with Poland regaining independence, Janów regained city rights and became the administrative center of Konstantynów County and the seat of the revived Podlasie bishopric, which contributed to the town gaining importance and developing.
World War II brought another change – the loss of a significant portion of the inhabitants and repression by the occupier caused Janów to lose its city rights for the second time.
After the war, the Bishop's Castle was taken over by the state and handed over to the Janów Stud Farm.
Since the 1990s this magnificent building, unrestored and partly forgotten, attracted only true enthusiasts and history lovers or travelers lost in the beautiful Polesie region…
Janów Castle Today
Contemporary Period
Today, the route leading to Janów Podlaski is once again frequented. The settlement, beautifully situated on a hill in the Bug river valley, within the protected areas of the Podlaski Bug Gorge Landscape Park, attracts history enthusiasts, horse lovers, admirers of beautiful landscapes, charming corners, and picturesque villages. Here, folk traditions are still alive, numerous monuments bear witness to the turbulent and interesting history of the region, and the beauty of nature offers respite and relaxation.
Breeders from around the world gather here at one of the most famous Arabian horse studs, located less than 2 km from the Castle area.
Janów Podlaski is a place where history meets modernity.
Secrets of Janów Podlaski Castle
Legends
Temple of Reflection and the spirit of Naruszewicz – built from fieldstone (1790), located at the end of the linden avenue, the grotto was a place of reflection and the workshop of Bishop Adam Naruszewicz – the father of Polish classicism, historian, and poet. Podlasie tradition holds that here Adam Naruszewicz developed theses for the May 3rd Constitution and here he foretold the fall and enslavement of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Legend has it that the Castle on the hill was connected to the grotto by an underground passage, and the spirit of Adam Naruszewicz still walks the hidden path to ponder over Poland's fate in the temple of reflection.
| Zamkowa 1 21-505 Janów Podlaski | +48 83 379 08 50 rezerwacja@zamekjanowpodlaski.pl | Get directions |