Dobczyce Castle

The Royal Castle in Dobczyce, situated on a rocky hill overlooking Lake Dobczyckie, boasts a rich history dating back to the 14th century, when a fortified stronghold existed there. The first written mentions of the castle appear in 1362, but earlier, in 1311, King Władysław I Łokietek issued a document in Dobczyce during the rebellion of the Kraków bailiffs, suggesting the site’s military function. The castle originally consisted of a cylindrical tower and wood-earth fortifications, protecting a customs chamber that may have operated there since the 13th century. In 1359, management of the castle was taken over by Mikołaj Wierzynek, and after his family, successive noble families, including the Kamieniecki and Lanckoroński clans. In later centuries, the castle underwent significant reconstructions, becoming a heavily fortified fortress with walls 5–9 meters thick during the reign of Casimir the Great. In 1390, King Władysław Jagiełło granted the castle to Klemens of Moskorzów. The castle served as a venue for royal gatherings, including stays by King Jagiełło and his wife, Jadwiga. In 1473, Prince Casimir stayed here. In the 16th century, under the rule of Sebastian Lubomirski, the castle regained its splendor, acquiring a Renaissance character thanks to numerous investments, such as the construction of a chapel and a fountain. By 1620, the castle comprised 70 rooms and 3 towers. It remained unscathed during the first Swedish Deluge but suffered damage during the second invasion in 1702 and due to a fire in 1735. In the 19th century, the castle began to be dismantled, and after 1901, conservation works commenced. After 1960, thanks to archaeological excavations led by Władysław Kowalski, the castle was partially rebuilt and transformed into a PTTK museum. Today, the castle is a tourist attraction, offering scenic viewpoints over the picturesque Pogórze and Beskidy ranges. Its history reflects architectural changes and the cultural significance of the region, making the castle a site of great importance both for local communities and for tourists visiting the area.