Stara Baśń Castle in Grybów

In Grybów near Nowy Sącz stands a structure that recreates what once existed only in legend: a fortified stronghold founded by Bolesław called the Fierce, where — according to tradition — in 1287 the troops of the Tatar-Mongol invasion led by a descendant of Genghis Khan were routed. Zamek Stara Baśń is a reconstruction built since 2000 — contemporary, but consistent in every detail.

The Middle Ages with a touch of fantasy

Dozens of dragons, small and huge, have settled across the stronghold grounds; the largest, Grynbos, is built into the structures. The fort works like an open-air history museum: you can watch demonstrations of medieval crafts, bread baking and the smoking of meat and fish, and groups can taste dishes cooked to old recipes. The Festival of Old Flavours with kitchens from all over Poland is held here.

In practice

The stronghold is open daily from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; a regular ticket costs PLN 20, and parking by the site is free. Address: Grottgera 15, Grybów. Before your visit, check whether the grounds are not reserved for organised groups — they are then unavailable to individual visitors. After the tour, drop by Grybów’s market square or drive to Nowy Sącz (about 18 km).