Tenczyn Castle

The Tenczyn Castle, called the Little Wawel, towers above the village of Rudno in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. The impressive ruins are made available to tourists. From the Nawojowa tower visitors can enjoy the view of the castle and the panorama of the area. The mighty walls and courtyard remind of the magnificent seat of the family of Tenczyn in the 14th-17th centuries.

Built in the 14th century, the Tenczyn castle was the family residence of Tenczyński family, one of the most important magnate families in Lesser Poland. At first, building had defensive character, however it was rebuilt in the 16th century into a magnificent Renaissance residence, which was compared even with the royal Wawel. The courtyard was surrounded by multi-storey cloisters over which were the decorated attics. Mikołaj Rej and Jan Kochanowski had been visiting the castle.

After the Swedish Deluge, the castle fell into ruin. Walls started to tumble down in the 20th century. Only in 2010 the castle was secured. Currently, it is possible to visit with a guide the barbican, the courtyards of the upper and lower castle, the defensive corridor, and the Nawojowa tower. In good weather, the Tatras can be seen from its terrace.