Kruszyna
On the way to my next stage destination N51.00.000 E020.00.000, my virtual bike route leads through one of the oldest villages in the area, Kruszyna. The village was first mentioned in 1337 and belonged to a large noble family in the 16th and 17th centuries. In 1630 the family commissioned an Italian architect to build a Renaissance palace. After the end of the 17th century, the owners changed several times and phases of decay alternated with renovation, rebuilding and expansion. During World War II, the buildings were partially looted and destroyed, after the war an orphanage was temporarily housed there. Since 1980 the complex was abandoned and fell into disrepair. The castle now belongs to an American couple and is being renovated.
Lasek-Kolonia
On the way to my next stage destination N51.00.000 E020.00.000 I "drive" on my virtual bike tour again and again through small villages, which often only consist of a row of houses along a straight street. I see few historical buildings, the villages often consist of newer buildings with large floor plans on large plots, sometimes there is an old, dilapidated house next to it on the property, as if a generation has built a new house next to the parents' house which is falling into disrepair after the death of the parents. I notice a number of new buildings without external plastering, without balcony or stair railings, but which look as if they have been inhabited for a while. I also notice that there are several houses under construction that are obviously no longer being built, as if the owners had run out of money.
