She was married to Captain Jan Samuel Chrzanowski. In 1675, she was present with her spouse at his command position, Trembowla Castle, when it was besieged by the Ottoman Turks. Despite Turkish efforts, the defenders of castle managed to hold their positions after several attacks. After several days, shortages of food and water became severe, and Captain Chrzanowski decided to surrender. Chrzanowska disagreed with this decision, and threatened to commit suicide if he proceeded. She convinced him to hold the fort - furthermore, Anna Dorota urged the defenders to carry out an attack on Turkish positions, resulting in heavy losses among the Ottomans. Chrzanowska’s determination is regarded to have raised the morale among the Poles, despite the fact that their losses were also heavy. The Turks ended the siege on October 11.
Monument in 1903. Monument foundation after preservation work in 1982. Picture taken in 2010 before modern monument was erected.
The first monument of Anna Dorota Chrzanowska erected in Trembowla in 1683 was last mentioned in 1829. Subsequently, in 1900, a second one was erected on the same site, work of Terebovlian sculptor J. Bohenek. It was destroyed in 1944 by Soviet troops.
In 1982, the hill where monument once stood was rebuilt, and the slab was built, and the plate that remained undamaged was secured. On this spot opening of the third monument took place in July 2012, work of Roman Vilgushinsky.[2]
Legacy
The siege of Trembowla and story of Anna Chrzanowska inspired Polish painters and writers alike.
Most notable works:
Aleksander Lesser (1814–1884) painting Defense of the Trembowla against the Turks
Leopold Löffler (1827–1898), painting Anna Dorota Chrzanowska at the castle in Trembowla
