Castle in Sucha Beskidzka

The Castle in Sucha Beskidzka, located at the foot of Mount Jasień in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, is a Renaissance building from the 16th century, often called 'Little Wawel' due to its characteristic arcaded courtyard. It was built by Kasper Suski (Gaspare Castiglione), an Italian goldsmith from Krakow who gained nobility by purchasing the estate and marrying a local noblewoman. Over the centuries, the castle was home to the Komorowski, Wielopolski, Branicki, and Tarnowski families, and served as a hospital during wars. After World War II, it fell into disrepair, but recent revitalization has restored its former glory. Today, it houses a museum with permanent exhibitions on the castle's and town's history, a collection of paintings, furniture, and weapons from the Habsburgs of Żywiec, and an exhibition on the earliest settlement in the Skawa River valley. Highlights include the Chapel of St. Peter the Apostle with 17th-century polychromes and the Knight's Hall with an ornate fireplace. The revitalized park features walking paths, a pond, and stone bridges, while the restored orangery now houses a café. Guided tours are available, and facilities include a café and toilets. It is a destination for everyone, especially families interested in the history of Lesser Poland.