Castles

Korzkiew Castle

The stone tower from 1352 rising over a bend of the Korzkiewka stream is the core of Korzkiew Castle, one of the strongholds of the Eagles' Nests line in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. After decades as a ruin, the castle has been rebuilt since 1997 by architect Jerzy Donimirski. Today a gate tower rises above the timber-arcaded courtyard, and a small hotel operates within the restored walls.

History with Grunwald in the background

In 1352 the Kraków judge Jan de Syrokomla bought the hill and erected a basemented residential and defensive tower measuring 9.5 by 12 metres, with walls up to 2.5 metres thick. His grandson Zaklika Korzkiewski commanded banner no. 47 at the Battle of Grunwald. The castle changed hands often afterwards — in 1545 it was sold to Piotr Zborowski for 5,500 florins, and after the remodelling around 1720 it hosted King Augustus III of Saxony. In 1805 it ceased to be the seat of the estate owners, at the end of the 19th century it served as a granary and fell into ruin.

A private rebuilding

Since 1997 the ruins have belonged to architect Jerzy Donimirski, who has been restoring the fortress stage by stage. A gate tower has risen over the remains of a quadrilateral bastion from the 15th century — now the main landmark of the complex — and wings with timber arcades enclose the courtyard.

Practical tips

Korzkiew lies in the Zielonki commune, just north of Kraków, so it slots easily into a one-day Eagles' Nests run together with Ojców and Pieskowa Skała. The castle works as a hotel, so access to the interiors may be limited — the courtyard and the silhouette make the strongest impression from outside. Before your visit, check the touring options available.