Castle in Żywiec
The Old Castle is located in the center of Żywiec, near the palace and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the entrance to the magnificent historic castle park, also called the Habsburg Park. The castle is called the Old Castle, because in front of it stands the so-called New Castle, or the Habsburg Palace.
History of the castle in Żywiec
The oldest Gothic castle in Żywiec was built in the 15th century and consisted of a residential tower, wooden buildings and a shallow moat. Later, in the same century, during the Komorowski era, the building became a defensive fortress, with four residential towers, a courtyard and defensive walls with corner towers. At the end of the 16th century, the stronghold was rebuilt and acquired the features of a Renaissance residence with cloisters and attics. Subsequent reconstructions in the style of an elegant residence were carried out by the Wielopolskis (in the Baroque style) and the Habsburgs, who gave the castle its present shape.
During the war, the castle was taken over by the Germans, and after its end, the castle was in the hands of the city. It was not the best time for this building, only since 2005 it has been the seat of the Municipal Museum.
Visiting the castle in Żywiec
To this day, the castle in Żywiec is open to tourists in the form of the Municipal Museum, the monument is thoroughly renovated and looks fantastic, and the castle courtyard with beautiful cloisters is a gem. From the courtyard you enter the ground floor and the romantic café "Rycerska", and in the interiors there are exhibitions where you can see finds from archaeological excavations or tools of torture, as well as learn about the history of the city. And all this at several exhibitions, for which you can buy a combined ticket or separate tickets.
Exhibitions at the castle in Żywiec
- History and Tradition of the City of Żywiec
- Folk Culture of the Żywiec Region
- Confessies, i.e. Courts,
Sentences and Torture in Żywiec - Birds and Mammals of Nutrition
- Archaeological
- Sacred Art of the Żywiec Region
- Temporary Exhibition/Gallery/
Castle Park in Żywiec
The castle and the palace are surrounded by a beautiful historic Palace Park, hiding an interesting Chinese Cottage, the Municipal Stable and the Mini Zoo, the currently closed Miniature Park and other attractions. Since 2012, the bench of Princess Alice of Habsburg has also been standing here
Film about Żywiec
Watch the video about Żywiec, in which the castle was ranked 2nd among the most beautiful attractions of this city.
Accommodation
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Practical information
Exhibitions in the castle are open all year round, every day:
Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00
sb-nd 10.00-17.00
Every Monday the temporary exhibition in the Gallery is closed
Tickets for all exhibitions: normal PLN 24, reduced PLN 18, family PLN 50
You can also buy cheaper tickets for individual exhibitions
The courtyard is available free of charge
Current visiting hours and ticket prices are available at: www.muzeum-zywiec.pl
Stary Zamek - City Museum
ul. Zamkowa 2, Żywiec
tel. 33/ 861-21-24, 609-014-555
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What's worth seeing in the area?
If you have already visited this attraction, it is also worth visiting several other interesting ones places nearby. Within a radius of 100 kilometers you will find many interesting places places that can diversify your stay in this part of Poland.
- Kapias Gardens in Goczałkowice Zdrój, distance: 33.9 km
- Gródek Park in Jaworzno, distance: 60.4 km
- Krakowskie valleys, distance: 66.4 km
- Kazimierz in Kraków, distance: 67.2 km
- Wieliczka Salt Mine, distance: 69.6 km
- Ojców National Park, distance: 72.4 km
- Błędowska Desert, distance: 75.8 km
- Black Trout Adit in Tarnowskie Góry, distance: 86.8 km
- Eagle's Nest Trail, distance: 88.7 km
- Pławniowice Palace, distance: 93.1 km
