Wołek Castle Ruins

The ruins of Wołek Castle lie in Kobiernice, on the slopes of Bujakowski Groń in the Little Beskids, on the left bank of the Soła, at an altitude of about 394 m above sea level. Of the former stronghold, the foundations of the walls, the moat and fragments of the outer gate tower remain.

A watchtower on the route to Hungary

The castle was built in the 14th century by Duke Jan I of Oświęcim as a border watchtower. It controlled the route through the Żywiec Basin leading to Hungary. The first mention dates from 1396. The castle stood on a levelled summit, surrounded by a double moat, and had its own well.

Extension and destruction

The complex had a semi-oval plan measuring about 35 by 45 metres, with two rings of stone walls. In the 15th century a second ring of walls, a communication tower and a gate tower were added. The castle suffered in 1477 during a seven-week siege by royal troops.

Monument and surroundings

The ruins were entered in the heritage register in 1934. Archaeological research was carried out in 1880 and in 1980-1985. In the area lie Lake Czaniec and the Zasolnica nature reserve.

Practical information

• Village: Kobiernice, Porąbka municipality.
• This is a ruin, not a site for looking around interiors. It is worth checking the route of approach and the state of the terrain before you set out.