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Siewierz - Castle of the Bishops of Krakow

T. Koścuszki
42-470 Siewierz

579 470 112 mgcksit.siewierz.pl

Outdoors
Easy maneuvering with a stroller
Parking

The ruins of the castle in Siewierz are a beautiful place with a fascinating history and the legend of the Black Lady. Did you know that this fortress was not ruled by kings or princes, but by bishops? In Siewierz, by the Czarna Przemsza River, the bishops created their own state, independent from the Kingdom of Poland. The castle also has one of the few working drawbridges in Poland.

Castle of the Bishops of Krakow in Siewierz

Visiting the castle ruins in Siewierz

Today, only picturesque ruins remain of the former seat of the Bishops of Krakow. They are surrounded by earth ramparts and an old moat, which is now dry. After restoration, the ruins were opened to visitors. You can enter the large castle courtyard and walk around the fortress walls.

Siewierz Castle and the legend of the Black Lady

The Duchy of Siewierz was famous for very strict laws. The local court could give the death penalty even for small crimes. People even used to say: "Fight, steal, kill, but stay away from Siewierz."

Even the starosta of Siewierz, the bishop's governor, learned how harsh these punishments could be. He had a romance with a beautiful dark-haired townswoman. For offending the dignity of his office, he was sentenced to exile, and his beloved was walled up alive in the castle. According to the legend, her ghost still walks here as the Black Lady and mourns her unfair fate.

Can you enter the tower of Siewierz Castle?

When staff from the local cultural center are on duty, it is also possible to enter the castle tower above the entrance gate.

Siewierz Castle - the Łodzia coat of arms with bishop symbols

What did Siewierz Castle look like?

The defensive fortress in the bend of the Czarna Przemsza River changed its look and owners many times. Its history goes back to the 14th century, when it had a typical Gothic tower used as a last line of defense, surrounded by walls. Later owners expanded the castle by adding new buildings, including Renaissance and Baroque residence elements. You can find a lot of information about the history of this place on information boards near the entrance and in the courtyard.

Castle ruins in Siewierz - practical information

Large free parking areas are located both on Krakowska Street and near the town center on T. Kościuszki Street.
On the Kościuszki Street side, there is a recreation area with a large playground.
Entry to the castle is free.
Dogs are not allowed inside the castle area.
For information about opening times and tower access, contact the Chamber of Tradition and Old Culture in Siewierz, ul. Kościuszki 5.

What else is worth seeing in Siewierz?

If you come to Siewierz to visit the ruins of the castle of the Bishops of Krakow, it is also worth visiting the Market Square, the historic Church of St. Maciej, and the regional chamber, which is currently being reorganized.