Castle in Gródek nad Dunajcem

The castle in Gródek nad Dunajcem was a medieval knightly castle on the summit of Grodzisko hill. Today there is practically no building left, and the hill itself is an island in Lake Rożnów and is officially called Grodzisko Island.

What is known about the castle

The castle was probably built in the first half of the 14th century and was most likely destroyed at the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1410 the estate in Gródek was acquired by Piotr Kurowski and his brother Mikołaj Kurowski, Archbishop of Gniezno, owners of the castle in Rożnów. The castle ruin probably already existed by then.

The stronghold was built on bare rock. In the interwar period an embankment about a metre high along the western arc of the lower part and a road leading from the east were described, and on the summit modest remains of walls. No other clear traces of buildings have survived. The earlier attribution of the castle to the Rożen family of the Gryf coat of arms is considered mistaken.

An island on the lake

After Lake Rożnów was created, the hill found itself surrounded by water. It is clearly visible from the shores of the reservoir, and the lake itself is described in the entry on Lake Rożnów. There are no rebuilt walls or accessible interiors here, so this is a place to look at from a distance rather than to visit.

Practical information

• Village: Gródek nad Dunajcem, Nowy Sącz County.
• The site is a ruin, and the hill is an island. Check the rules of entry and access with the municipal office before your visit.
• In the area there are also Rożnów Castle and Tropsztyn Castle.