Łapalice Castle

Łapalice Castle is an unusual unfinished building constructed in the 1980s as an illegal structure. Initiated by Piotr Kazimierczak, a woodcarver and furniture maker, it was originally intended to be a single-family home with a workshop, but ultimately evolved into a massive 5,000 m² structure reminiscent of residential architecture. The history of the investment is marked by controversies related to the discrepancy between the construction and the original permit. After several attempts to legalize the building and the annulment of previous administrative decisions, a ban on further construction work was issued in 2013. However, in 2023, the Kartuzy City Council adopted a spatial development plan that allows for the completion of the building with the intention of converting it into a hotel. Architecturally, the castle, surrounded by a concrete wall, consists of four wings with mansard roofs and twelve towers symbolizing the twelve apostles. Current plans aim to adapt the structure for tourism while preserving its unique architectural features. Although the project remains unfinished, many elements are already in place, and the interior was intended to be dominated by wooden finishes and sculptures. Despite the official ban on entry, the castle has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing urban explorers and visitors alike. Unfortunately, this has led to issues such as littering and road blockages caused by parked vehicles. Due to the building’s hazardous condition, accidents have occurred, including serious injuries to two teenagers and a young man in an elevator shaft. Łapalice Castle combines elements of architecture, a controversial history, and tourist appeal, making it an intriguing yet dangerous landmark in the region.