Tropsztyn Castle

You can reach this steep headland above the Dunajec River, surrounded by water on three sides, by ferry across Lake Czchów. Tropsztyn Castle in Wytrzyszczka is almost entirely new: it has been rebuilt since the 1990s on the ruins of a stronghold first recorded in 1231. The place is tied to one of Poland's best-known legends, about Inca treasure supposedly hidden here.

History: knights, robbers and a ruin

The stronghold was probably founded in the first half of the 13th century by the Ośmioróg family and is first mentioned in 1231. The first stone buildings probably date from the 14th century, and a Gothic building and a five-storey tower were added around 1400. From 1390 the castle belonged to the Chebda family. In 1535 it passed to Piotr Kmita, castellan of Sandomierz, and later changed hands several times.

In the 16th century the castle's burgraves robbed merchants rafting down the Dunajec. Around 1574 the owners of nearby Rożnów attacked the castle and wrecked it. By 1608 it was already described as a ruin. The first excavations were carried out in 1863 by the Nowy Sącz historian Szczęsny Morawski.

Rebuilding and the legend of the Inca treasure

In 1970 the ruins were bought by Andrzej Benesz, a politician and Deputy Speaker of the Sejm, who wanted to save them using his own savings. Benesz was known as the finder of an Inca quipu, a knotted-string record, at Niedzica Castle, which according to legend indicated that part of the Inca treasure had been hidden at Tropsztyn. He died in a car accident in 1976 before he could start work, which fuelled stories of a "treasure curse". After 1993 a foundation rebuilt the castle in stone, reinforced concrete and steel, based on research by archaeologists and architects. The outer walls and east gate went up in 1997–1998, and the 16th-century entrance gate was recreated in 1998–1999. The original sections of wall are clearly marked.

What to see

• The tower viewpoint over Lake Czchów and the Dunajec valley.
• Dungeons and underground rooms, the focus of stories about secret passages.
• A torture chamber and a film about the supposed hiding places of the treasure.
• Rebuilt walls and gates, with the medieval parts clearly marked.
• The ferry between Tropie and Wytrzyszczka, a short crossing with a view of the castle from the water.

Tripto tip

The castle is open to visitors only in the summer season, so check current dates, hours and prices with the operator before you go. Arriving by ferry from Tropie is the most rewarding approach, as the castle slowly appears through the trees. The route includes steep stairs, dungeons and the tower, so it is not easy for people with limited mobility. Allow about an hour. Other Dunajec castles are close by: Czchów (about 6 km), Rożnów (about 5 km) and Melsztyn (about 16 km).