The most famous castles are located in the northern part of Małopolska, in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, and are known as the Eagle’s Nests because they were built on hard-to-reach rocks, like eagles’ nests. These castles are also associated with the greatest number of legends—explaining their names, linking them to nearby natural wonders, or simply enriching their history.
Kraków – Wawel
The most beautiful historic castle in Poland. This is a place that, more than any other, has been inscribed in the development of the Polish state and its culture. Almost all Polish kings were crowned here, and many were also buried here—alongside some of the most outstanding Poles. It also houses exceptionally rich museum collections. The origins of the majestic cathedral date back to the 11th century. Today, it features elements of many architectural styles and is surrounded by a ring of 18 chapels. While at Wawel, one must not miss the Dragon’s Den—a cave beneath the castle hill, where, although the dragon is long gone, the charm of the famous legend remains.
Niepołomice
Built in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great and expanded over the next two centuries into a Renaissance residence, it served the royal court as a hunting castle. Restored, it now houses the Niepołomice Museum.
Wieliczka
The castle near the Wieliczka salt mine, known as the Żupny or Salt Castle, was built in the 14th century for a royal official overseeing the salt mining operations. The castle now houses the Krakow Saltworks Museum. In 2013, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Pieskowa Skała
The castle in Pieskowa Skała was built in the 14th century. Its current form as a Renaissance residence resulted from a 16th-century reconstruction and the expansion of its fortifications a century later. Inside is a museum, a branch of the Wawel Royal Castle National Art Collection. The castle is located within the Ojców National Park.
Korzkiew
A 14th-century knight’s stronghold. During the Swedish Deluge (1655–60), the castle was completely destroyed. Today, the ruins have been carefully rebuilt. The castle grounds now host knightly combat demonstrations and cultural events.
Ojców
The ruins of the castle in Ojców, towering over the Prądnik Valley, are the remains of a stronghold built in the 14th century by King Casimir the Great. Today in Ojców, visitors can see remnants of the walls, the entrance gate (which houses a small museum above it), and a reconstructed tower.
Rabsztyn
On a high limestone rock stand the picturesque ruins of Rabsztyn Castle, dating from the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle was expanded in the 15th century, and a Renaissance palace was built at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. The castle was burned during the Swedish Deluge. Today, it houses an exhibition dedicated to its history.
Oświęcim
The Castle of the Dukes of Oświęcim – a medieval stronghold symbolizing the town’s long history. Today, the castle houses the Oświęcim Castle Museum.
Dębno
The castle in Dębno near Tarnów, built in the 15th century, has survived to the present day in an almost unchanged form and excellent condition.
Sucha Beskidzka
The castle, known as the “Little Wawel,” was built between 1554 and 1580. At the beginning of the 17th century, it was transformed into a Renaissance noble residence. Today, the castle houses the Municipal Museum of Sucha Beskidzka, the University of Tourism and Ecology, as well as a hotel and restaurant.
Nowy Wiśnicz
The castle was originally built in the 14th century in the Gothic style and later rebuilt in Renaissance and Baroque styles. Near the castle, in the 19th-century wooden manor house Koryznówka, is the Jan Matejko Museum.
Czchów
The castle in Czchów, built by King Casimir the Great, served as a customs chamber and a stronghold guarding the trade route to Hungary that ran below. Today, the castle's tower overlooking the Dunajec Valley remains—a great vantage point.
Czorsztyn and Niedzica
Separated by the waters of Lake Czorsztyn, these two castles were once border fortresses. The Polish Czorsztyn Castle, formerly the seat of royal starosts, fell into ruin in the 18th century, while the Hungarian Niedzica Castle remained in private hands until the mid-20th century and has been preserved in excellent condition. Tourist boats and gondolas operate on Lake Czorsztyn between the two castles.
Wygiełzów
The ruins of Lipowiec Castle on Castle Hill were once the property of the bishops of Kraków. Built in the 12th century, the castle served as a high-security prison. It is well worth a visit, as it offers an excellent vantage point over the surroundings of Zator and Oświęcim, and in good weather, the Beskids can also be seen.
