Żywiec New Castle

The New Castle in Żywiec is a classicist residence designed by Karol Pietschka at the behest of Archduke Albert. Throughout its history, the palace underwent a series of renovations, the most significant of which took place between 1893 and 1911. As a result of these changes, a new wing with a glass roof was added, housing bedrooms and guest rooms, as well as a ballroom measuring 10.5x18.0 meters, filled with mirrors. The final expansion in 1911 added a projection with balconies and a classic tympanum featuring the coat of arms of the Habsburgs. The palace interiors were arranged under the supervision of Krakow artists such as Tadeusz Stryjeński and Franciszek Mączyński. Archduke Charles Stefan, an art enthusiast, amassed a collection of paintings by renowned artists and an impressive silver collection weighing approximately 500 kg, which was taken by the Germans during World War II. After the war, the palace housed a school—the Woodworking and Forestry School Complex—which enjoyed a high reputation. In 2013, the school was relocated, prompting the Habsburg family to seek the restitution of the property. In 2001, the daughter of Archduke Charles Albrecht, Princess Maria Krystyna Altenburg, returned to the palace and lived there until her death in 2012. The castle was entered into the register of historical monuments on February 25, 1987, underscoring its significant role in the region's history. The New Castle in Żywiec is not only a witness to the rich history of the Habsburg family but also a place that combines architectural, artistic, and educational values.