Dunajec Castle

Niedzica Castle, also known as Dunajec Castle, is a medieval fortress located in Niedzica-Zamek, on the shore of the Czorsztyn Reservoir in Polish Spiš. Built in the early 14th century by Kokosz of Berzevice, the castle served as a strategic outpost on the Polish-Hungarian border. The first written mention of the castle dates back to 1325, when it came into the possession of the Berzevice family. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times, including to the Szepes count Emeryk Zápolya and later to the Łaski family, who transformed it into a Renaissance residence. After World War II, the castle became part of Poland and was owned by the Salamon family until 1945. In the postwar period, the castle was restored and converted into a museum and cultural center. Architecturally, it combines Gothic and Renaissance elements, with preserved museum rooms, a courtyard, and dungeons once used as a prison. An interesting fact is the Inca *kipu* (a knotted cord record) found after the war, which is said to contain information about a hidden treasure. Additionally, the castle has served as a filming location for numerous movies and TV series, including "Zemsta" (The Revenge) and "Janosik." Today, it functions as a museum and hotel and is one of the region’s main attractions, offering beautiful views and a rich historical atmosphere. Legend has it that in the 18th century, part of the Inca community resided in the castle and hid a treasure there intended to fund an uprising against the Spanish.