Rytro Castle

Rytro Castle is the ruins of a medieval castle on Zamczysko hill (463 m above sea level), on the right bank of the Poprad, above the village of Rytro. What remains of the former stronghold is the stone core of a tower, about ten metres high, and fragments of a residential building.

History

The first mention of the castle comes from a privilege of Władysław the Elbow-high of 1312, in which it appears as "castrum Ritter". The sources do not say who built it. The castle belonged to the royal estates and had various leaseholders, among them the Ryterski family. After the 16th century the stronghold fell into decline. According to local tradition it was destroyed in 1657 by the invaders of George II Rákóczi, but documents from 1616-1617 already describe it as a ruin. The heritage register dates the site to the 13th century.

What it looks like today

The layout of the castle is typical of mountain castles: a tall defensive tower stood on one side of the courtyard and a residential house on the other. The ruins are entered in the heritage register. The area of the ruins is open to tourists and offers a view of the surroundings.

Nearby

Mountain trips begin in Rytro. About 2.5 km from here is Cyrla Mountain Hut, and further on Radziejowa with a viewing tower. On Wola Krogulecka, 2.3 km from the castle, there is a viewing platform.

Practical information

• Location: Zamczysko hill above the Poprad, Rytro (Nowy Sącz County).
• This is a ruin in mountain terrain. Check the current rules of entry and the approach trail with the Rytro municipal office before setting out.