Korzkiew Castle

Korzkiew Castle is a Gothic knight's castle from the 14th century, rising on a promontory of a hill in a bend of the small Korzkiewka river. It lies in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Polish Jura) and belongs to the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. The monument is entered in the register, and today it houses a hotel.

Beginnings and owners

The castle began as a stone tower with a cellar, on a rectangular plan, which was built in 1352 by the judge Jan de Syrokomla after buying the hill. The tower measured about 9.5 by 12 metres, with walls 2.5 metres thick and loopholes for firearms. As early as 1385 the founder's descendants called themselves "of Korzkiew".

After the Korzkiewskis the castle changed families; the owners included the Zborowskis, Szaniawskis, Jordans and Wessels. Zaklika Korzkiewski commanded troops at the Battle of Grunwald, and around 1720 Augustus III of Poland stayed at the castle. From 1775 it belonged to the Wodzickis, and in 1805 it ceased to be the family's main seat.

Expansion and reconstruction

In the following centuries defensive walls, square towers, staircases and a gatehouse were added. The largest rebuilding took place in the 16th century, when a staircase with four flights was built. The heritage register describes the castle as Gothic, of brick, from the second half of the 15th century. After 1997 the tower was rebuilt, and it is today the most recognisable element of the complex.

The complex includes the castle ruins, a residential house, a farm building and a park. Next to it stands the historic Church of the Nativity of St John the Baptist.

Nearby

It is about 6 kilometres from here to Ojców. Nearby are Ojców Castle and Łokietek's Cave.

Practical information

• Village of Korzkiew, Zielonki municipality, Kraków County.
• The castle is privately owned and operates as a hotel, so check the possibility of visiting on the venue's website before your visit.