Fortified Manor House in Szymbark

The kasztel in Szymbark is a Renaissance fortified manor house, described as the leading example of a kasztel in Poland. It is a branch of the museum in Gorlice.

Accessibility

The kasztel is sometimes closed to visitors while work is under way; before you travel, check on the website of the Museum of the Karwacjan and Gładysz Manor Houses whether the interiors are open. Before planning a visit, check the museum's current notice, as dates may change. The building can be viewed from the outside by the road, and next door operates the Pogórze Village Open-Air Museum, which has separate rules.

The building

The kasztel was built in two stages: work began in the first half of the 16th century and was completed in 1585-1590. It has a rectangular plan measuring 20 by 13 metres, four corner towers and walls of quarry stone and brick. It served representative, residential and defensive functions. It was inhabited until the end of the 18th century, and in the 19th century it housed a distillery and a grain store. The monument is entered in the heritage register.

Practical information

• Location: Szymbark in Gorlice County.
• It is managed by the Museum of the Karwacjan and Gładysz Manor Houses in Gorlice, with information on the museum's website.