Bobolice Castle

Bobolice Castle was built by Casimir the Great in 1350–1352 as part of a chain of strongholds guarding the border with Silesia. It stands on a rocky hill 360 m a.s.l., its white limestone walls crowned with battlements standing out against the forests of the Mirowsko-Bobolicka ridge. Together with the neighbouring Mirów it forms the famous 'twin' pair on the Jura stretch of the Trail of the Eagles' Nests.

A reconstruction that surprised the sceptics

Its first lessee was Władysław Opolczyk (1370); later owners included the Szafraniec, Krez (from 1486) and Fogelweder families — the latter added the main tower in the 17th century. By the late 20th century only ruins remained, bought in 1996 by brothers Jarosław and Dariusz Lasecki. The reconstruction in 2001–2011, preceded by three years of archaeological research, ended with the opening on 3 September 2011.

The legend of the brothers and the White Lady

Bobolice and Mirów are linked by a rocky ridge with a footpath, and both castles are bound by the legend of brothers Bobol and Mir. Mir fell in love with his brother's wife; the lovers were caught in a tunnel connecting the strongholds — Bobol killed Mir with a dagger and the woman was walled up alive. Since then, the White Lady is said to appear in the walls.

What to see and how to plan your visit

In the courtyard stands a well, and around the perimeter run walls with two semi-circular bastions from the 14th century and a horseshoe-shaped outwork from the 16th century with a chapel on top. The entrance leads across a drawbridge over a dry moat, and at the foot of the rocks the rock-cut Brama Laseckich gateway was carved. Bobolice is a good starting point for the Bobolice–Mirów loop (about 2 hours) along the ridge with views of both castles at once — the red Trail of the Eagles' Nests crosses the hill.