About Our
History
150 years later
My great-great-grandfather opened a traditional carpentry shop in Turwia, on the grounds of the family estate, in 1885. Today, together with my father Norbert and my son Sambor, we represent the six generations of craftsmen - 150 years of experience, passion, and unbroken tradition.
Timeline
1885
The story of Old Craft Rides begins in 1885, when my great-great-grandfather, Franciszek Styszyński, opened a traditional carpentry workshop next to his home in the small town of Turew. It was there that the Styszyński family’s passion for working with wood and natural materials first took root—a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Turew House and Joinery 1885 Franciszek Styszynski
1913
In 1913, Teodor Styszyński expanded the family craft by opening a new workshop in Nowe Miasto nad Wartą. Driven by skill, determination, and a growing reputation, the business continued to thrive.
Teodor Styszynski Joinery Nowe Miasto nad Wartą 1913
1937
By the 1930s, the Styszyński family established a small factory in the town of Jarocin, producing high-quality wooden structures and furniture, combining artisanal methods with early industrial techniques.
Styszyński Family Joinery, Jarocin 1937
1939-2010
The outbreak of World War II abruptly halted the company’s development. In the difficult post-war years, the family’s craftsmanship spirit lived on. My grandfather, Konrad Styszyński, and later my father, Norbert Styszyński, both pursued engineering degrees and went on to work in large industrial enterprises. Although they chose professional careers outside the family workshop, their passion for working with wood never faded. Over the years, they dedicated their free time to small-scale woodworking projects, keeping the tradition alive—quietly, patiently, and with great care.
Watching my grandfather and father work with wood—always with care, precision, and love—I knew that this legacy was too valuable to let fade. After completing my management studies at the University of Economics, I decided it was time to return to the family tradition. I set out to gain the knowledge and experience needed to realize large-scale projects, while staying true to the values and craftsmanship of traditional carpentry. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter—one that would blend heritage with innovation, and passion with purpose.
2010
In 2010, with the support of my father, Norbert Styszyński, I fulfilled a lifelong dream: I reconstructed a 10th-century Slavic stronghold, complete with a collection of full-scale medieval siege machines. This ambitious project combined historical accuracy, traditional craftsmanship, and immersive storytelling—bringing history to life in a tangible, unforgettable way. It became a turning point that showed me how our family’s woodworking heritage could be transformed into large, educational, and emotionally engaging experiences.
Bartosz Styszyński, Pobiedziska Stronghold
2013
Later in 2013, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Malbork Castle Museum—a world-renowned UNESCO heritage site—we built the world’s largest exhibition of full-scale medieval siege machines. This monumental project proved our ability to take on even the most demanding challenges, combining historical fidelity with engineering precision. It was a defining moment that validated our vision and craftsmanship on an international stage.
Malbork Castle, UNESCO Heritage, 2013
2014 - 2016
Following the success in Malbork, we went on to create additional exhibitions of medieval war machines—first in the ruins of the Czersk Castle near Warsaw, later in another UNESCO-listed site: the ruins of the Teutonic Castle in Toruń and in the end in Wenecja Castle. Each of these projects deepened our expertise in historical reconstruction and large-scale wooden engineering, while strengthening our reputation for reliability, creativity, and attention to detail.
Czersk Castle, 2014
Torun Castle, UNESCO Heritage, 2015
Wenecja Castle, 2016
2018
Over time, the Pobiedziska Stronghold evolved into a small, family-run amusement park, where we continue to test our ideas and attractions in a real-world setting. By observing how visitors interact, play, and enjoy the experience, we’re constantly refining and improving our designs. It’s a living laboratory of fun—where tradition meets innovation, and every smile helps shape the next ride.
That moment sparked a new idea: to develop an entire range of human-powered attractions, all rooted in traditional craftsmanship and natural materials. And so, the Old Craft Rides brand was born—bringing together generations of woodworking heritage, a passion for history, and a vision of joyful, sustainable amusement.
