1. Introduction

Just a few minutes' walk from Młyn Jacka Hotel&SPA **** is a unique attraction – the ruins of the castle in Lanckorona. Located at the top of Lanckorońska Mountain (552 m above sea level), the sight of the walls and towers rising above the valley transports you to the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. It is an ideal place for a morning stroll or evening relaxation after a day full of spa treatments at the hotel. Thanks to its proximity, you can reach it on foot in 15–20 minutes by taking the blue trail from the center of Lanckorona, which will take you through trees and picturesque views.

2. History

• Construction and defensive function
  The castle was founded by King Casimir III the Great in the mid-14th century, serving as a guard post on the border between the Kraków lands and the Duchy of Oświęcim.

• Changing fortunes among families and wars
  Over the centuries, it changed owners – from the Lanckoroński family, Lelici, through the Zebrzydowski, Czartoryski, to the Wielopolski family. In the 17th century, it was destroyed during the Swedish Deluge and later, between 1768 and 1772, it played a key role in the Bar Confederation’s actions. Defenses against Russian troops were conducted by, among others, Kazimierz Pułaski – the siege in 1771 ended with the Russians' retreat, although the castle itself suffered damage.

• Decline and restoration
  After the first partition of Poland in 1772, the castle was converted into a prison and later blown up – in the 19th century most of the walls were dismantled. Until the 1960s, the area was neglected and overgrown with bushes until conservation works begun in 1963 uncovered the most interesting fragments of the buildings.

3. Architecture and spatial layout

• Plan and construction
  The castle was built on a displaced rectangular plan (24 × 37.5 m), constructed from broken stone and lime mortar. To the south stood two quadrangular towers (approx. 10 × 10 m), connected by a curtain wall, while to the north were the residential and utility wings surrounding the inner courtyard.

• Defensive elements
  The main entrance to the fortress was the eastern gate, over a dry moat – access was provided by a wooden bridge supported on high pillars. Additionally, during the Bar Confederation times, earth bastion-type fortifications were built around the castle, designed by French engineers.

• What you can see today
  Currently accessible to visitors are two vaulted towers, fragments of curtain walls, the ruins of the entrance gate, remains of residential and utility buildings, as well as remnants of the moat and earth fortifications.

4. Practical information for guests of Młyn Jacka

• Access and availability
  The entrance is from the market side in Lanckorona – marked with a blue trail about 600 m from the market square. Due to proximity, the castle can be reached on foot in about 15 minutes – an ideal short trip for hotel guests.

• Tours and routes
  The ruins are open year-round free of charge. For families, it is recommended to walk along Św. Jana and Podzamcze streets – an easy paved section, also suitable for strollers. Alternatively, a more picturesque forest path is available along the yellow or blue trail.

• Views and surroundings
  From the castle hill, impressive panoramas unfold – including the Sanctuary of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska (UNESCO), the Babia Góra massif, and the Skawinka valley. The castle area is protected as part of the UNESCO zone for Kalwaria Zebrzydowska .

5. Summary

Why is it worth visiting the castle ruins during your stay at **Młyn Jacka Hotel&SPA ****?

• Proximity – just 10–15 minutes' walk from the hotel, convenient route even after a relaxing breakfast or morning spa session.

• History and atmosphere – the castle is a witness to medieval borders, the Swedish Deluge, the Bar Confederation, and the Polish struggles for freedom.

• Views and space – peace, the charm of nature, picturesque views perfectly fitting the relaxing atmosphere of the hotel's surroundings.

• Accessibility – free, year-round, suitable for various age groups, with marked trails.

We encourage our guests to visit – the ruins of the castle in Lanckorona are an excellent suggestion for a short outing that combines history, nature, and relaxation. Upon returning to the hotel, the evening by the fireplace, a glass of wine, and deep regeneration in the spa will be the perfect conclusion.