The favourite haunt of many Polish rulers, a former royal residence with a picturesque arcaded courtyard and garden, known as “the second Wawel”, is the true pride of Niepołomice.
Situated only about 30 km (20 mi) from Kraków, Niepołomice enjoys a rich history, whose traces can be found in old chronicles, archival records, the bills of the royal court, and the architectural heritage of the town. In the 14th century, King Casimir the Great (Kazimierz Wielki) built a castle here and turned it into his favourite hunting lodge in the Niepołomice Primeval Forest, which at the time covered far greater expanses. It was the favourite residence of King Ladislaus (Władysław) Jagiełło, while the avid hunters Sigismund I the Old (Zygmunt Stary) and his son Sigismund II Augustus (Zygmunt August) were among the frequent guests. It is thanks to the latter that the Gothic castle was redecorated in the Renaissance style in the mid-16th century. Thanks to the scenic arcaded courtyard, the structure soon gained the nickname of “the second Wawel”. The history and legends of the ancient royal residence are best learned during a visit to the Niepołomice Museum. It also includes a gallery of painting and sculpture from the collection of the National Museum in Krakow, a collection of hunting trophies and – in the castle’s chapel – archival royal and papal documents.
Practical information
Tickets (a guided tour of the castle interiors): PLN 18/12, family PLN 36, guiding service: in Polish free of charge, in English or Russian PLN 100
