The fortification of the castle was very difficult to access—it could only be reached through a system of bridges and ladders. After its turbulent history of wars, several owners and knights turned robbers; the castle was abandoned sometime in the 17th century and slowly crumbled.

Today, only fragments of partially restored walls and foundations remain, but the setting itself is breathtaking, nestled amidst lush forests.

Local legend speaks of a hidden treasure buried within its walls, guarded by the spirit of a knight who perished defending the castle.

Adventurous visitors who explore the ruins often report an eerie feeling, as if the knight’s spirit still watches over the site. The surrounding trails also make it a favorite spot for hikers and history enthusiasts.

Royal Castle in Bobolice

Next, we venture to the majestic Bobolice Castle, one of the most beautifully restored castles in the region, which stands as a magnificent example of medieval architecture.

Constructed during the reign of King Casimir III the Great in the mid-14th century, the fortress was designed in the Gothic style, with massive stone walls, a central keep and a drawbridge.

Its strategic location on a limestone cliff made it nearly impenetrable during its heyday.

The castle and its surroundings suffered heavily during several invasions. The 17th-century Swedish Deluge proved to be the most dramatic, after which the castle began to fall into ruin.

The last great chapter in the history of Bobolice was written by King John III Sobieski, who camped under the walls of the local castle while going to Krakow to concentrate troops before the Battle of Vienna of 1683.

The castle is intertwined with a fascinating legend: a secret underground tunnel is said to connect Bobolice with the nearby Mirów Castle.

This passage was allegedly used by the Krezowie brothers, the castle’s owners, to hide treasures and conduct secret meetings. Some say that on quiet nights, whispers and footsteps can still be heard in the hills, believed to be the spirits of the brothers guarding their hidden wealth.

Visitors can now explore the restored interiors, including a museum showcasing medieval weaponry and artifacts.

Ruins of Mirów Castle

Just a few kilometers from Bobolice lies Mirów Castle, whose rugged ruins exude an air of mystery and romance. Although today the castle remains in a state of permanent ruin, its soaring walls and austere Gothic forms are impressive.

The castle in Mirów was once a twin stronghold of Bobolice and also served a defensive function on the border route of the Kingdom of Poland.

The architecture of the castle is distinguished by its slender walls and high tower, which once served as a lookout for the guards.

Mirów has the same legend of treasure as Bobolice, but locals add that in the ruins of Mirów one can often see a black dog with burning eyes—the spirit of an unfortunate knight who betrayed his brother.

After being destroyed during the Swedish Deluge, the castle increasingly fell into disrepair until it was abandoned at the end of the 18th century.

Residents of neighboring villages systematically dismantled the ruins, using the stone to build houses. Interestingly, the state did not formally take over the deteriorating castle ruins during the communist era.

Although it has not been restored, the crumbling walls and overgrown vegetation add to its haunting beauty.

Łutowiec and Przewodziszowice Watchtowers: Guardians of the Past

Perched on the rugged limestone hills of Poland’s Jura region, the Łutowiec and Przewodziszowice watchtowers offer a glimpse into the country’s medieval defensive network.

Built in the 14th century, these modest but strategic outposts played vital roles in protecting the area and monitoring enemy movements.

The Łutowiec Watchtower stands as a testament to simplicity and function. According to archeologists, it had thick limestone walls and a single entry point designed for security.

Despite its utilitarian design, local folklore imbues it with drama: a watchman’s fatal lapse in duty is said to have led to his tragic end, and his restless spirit is believed to still guard the tower.

Visitors are drawn not only by these eerie tales but also by the panoramic views, making it a favorite spot for photographers.

The Przewodziszowice Watchtower, though now mostly in ruins, was an essential defensive outpost and a refuge during times of war.

Built atop a dramatic Jurassic rock formation, it was part of a larger network of fortifications, creating an almost impenetrable line of defense when manned effectively.

Today, the site attracts climbers and treasure hunters alike, thanks to its association with the legendary robber knight Mikołaj Kornicz, known as Siestrzeniec.

Local lore suggests that Siestrzeniec hid a vast treasure near the watchtower, guarded by his ghost to this day.

Together, these historic watchtowers offer a fascinating blend of medieval history, natural beauty and folklore, making them compelling destinations for adventurers and history enthusiasts.

Ruins of Ostrężnik Castle

Hidden deep within dense forests, the ruins of Ostrężnik Castle are among the region's most enigmatic. Believed to have been built in the late 14th century, the castle’s purpose and history remain shrouded in mystery.

Its architecture, though largely reduced to rubble, suggests it was a small but well-fortified structure, blending seamlessly with the rocky landscape.

The lack of cultural layers older than the 14th century suggests that the castle may not have been completed or was in use for a very short time.

Another possibility is that it served as a prison for the magnates and all information about it was kept secret, or that it was the seat of robber knights.

The castle is located near the beautiful valley of Złoty Potok, where you can find multiple caves and natural springs. Another intriguing site is an early medieval mound.

Dating back to the 8th–9th century, this impressive site—comparable in size to Poland’s largest tribal and early Piast-period fortifications—was inhabited until the 12th century.

Although its exact historical significance remains a matter of speculation, the stronghold is believed to have been built by the Wiślanie tribe or during the region’s annexation by Great Moravia or Bohemia.

The settlement featured triple ramparts of earth, stone and wood, which are still visible today. A smaller, heavily fortified structure on the hilltop served as the seat of the territorial ruler. Nearby, to the west of the ponds, lies the site of a related village.

This archaeological treasure offers a glimpse into the region’s tribal past and the architectural ingenuity of its time.

Ruins of Olsztyn Castle near Częstochowa

Towering above the surrounding countryside on a rocky hill called Sunny Rocks, the ruins of Olsztyn Castle are among the most impressive in the region, right after Ogrodzieniec Castle.

Archaeological evidence traces its origins to an 11th-century wooden settlement, replaced by a watchtower around 1306.

By 1356, under King Casimir III the Great, the watchtower was rebuilt into a fortified stone castle, incorporating natural caves and limestone cliffs into its structure. Its name likely derives from the Polonized German “Holstein,” meaning hollow rock.

The upper castle featured a 35-meter-high tower with an elevated entrance and a starvation dungeon below. In 1358, Maćko Borkowic, a rebel leader, famously perished in this dungeon.

Over the centuries, Olsztyn Castle changed hands multiple times. In 1370, it became a fief under Władysław Opolczyk but returned to the Polish Crown after King Władysław II Jagiełło’s siege in 1396. Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as a vital defense post.

Olsztyn faced numerous attacks, including a tragic siege in 1587 by Archduke Maximilian I of Austria, which left the fortress heavily damaged.

It was further dismantled in the 17th century and suffered during the Swedish invasion of 1656. By the 18th century, it had fallen into ruin, with stones repurposed for other buildings.

Today, the castle remains a preserved ruin with a striking cylindrical stone tower. Visitors can explore remnants of the entrance gate, carved rock steps and the Starościańska Tower, which guarded a secondary gate.

Conservation efforts in the 1960s secured its status as a historical site, showcasing its rich medieval past amidst the scenic Jura landscape.

The castle is associated with the heartwarming tale of a loyal dog who, after his master’s death, refused to leave the castle. The dog’s unwavering loyalty earned it a place in local legend, and it was buried with honors upon its death.

Today, visitors claim to see the ghostly silhouette of a dog patrolling the grounds, as if still watching over its master’s home.

A journey through history and legend

Exploring these castles and watchtowers offers more than just a historical journey—it’s an immersion into the legends and folklore that breathe life into the stones.

From the romantic tale of the White Lady of Mirów to the haunting loyalty of the dog at Olsztyn, each site has a story waiting to be discovered.

Next week we will reach the end of the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests at the slopes of Jasna Góra Fortress, the religious capital of Poland.