Monuments to visit Carpathians

Built in 1325, this Gothic castle faces Czorsztyn Castle. The interiors are of little interest, but from the upper terrace there's a superb view of the Pieniny National Park, the man-made lake and its dam, and the ruins of Czorsztyn Castle. At the entrance to Niedzica Castle, a sign warns of the danger of ghosts... This medieval castle was used as a set for the filming of The Witcher series.

At the bottom of Krupówki Street, after the crossroads with Kościeliska Street, you'll find Zakopane's big market. Honey, fruit juices and jams, wooden objects, woollen sweaters, mittens and hats, and above all the famous oscypek sheep's cheese. Another market worth visiting is in Nowy Targ, some 20 km north of Zakopane. Twice a week, on Thursdays and Saturdays, since 1487, merchants have gathered on Targowy Square, east of the Rynek, to sell the region's specialities at more than reasonable prices.

The architectural gem that was the Dworek Gościnny at the time of its creation in 1884 is shining again. Destroyed in a fire in 1962, the Thermaleo Group rebuilt it on its original foundation. The exterior is a work of respect for the quality of the architecture and craftsmanship of yesteryear, rebuilt from the memories of the locals: there were no photos that existed of the interior.

To know: in the evening, the Jazz Bar at Dworek Gościnny is an unusual place to listen to live music and enjoy a good whiskey.

Built in the 18th century, this baroque tower offers a beautiful view of the city. It houses the Museum of Bells and Pipes (Muzeum Dzwonów i Fajek), which, on seven floors, presents two types of traditional crafts, still active in Przemyśl: bells and pipes. The bell collection covers the 17th-20th centuries and includes the old Town Hall bell from 1740. The oldest pipes date back to the 17th century.

This beautiful castle, which successfully combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of architecture, is a former residence of the Kmita and Lubomirski families of the high nobility of Lesser Poland. Today it is a harmonious blend of military and residential architecture. The natural wooded and hilly scenery contributes to the castle's enchanting silhouette. The castle houses an exhibition dedicated to its history.

Built in the 14th century in the northern part of the city, this building, which housed Polish monarchs during their visits to the region, was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1616, and today only the Kowalska tower (Baszta Kowalska) remains. The castle was occupied by the Austrian authorities, who turned it into a barracks and a prison. It was partially renovated after Poland's independence and became a museum of the region, and during the German occupation, the castle was transformed into a military barracks and arms depot.

Originally a small wooden fortress that tradition associates with a valiant Polish crusader knight, its stone version dates back to a project by Casimir the Great (again and again) in the 13th century. Seat of several conflicts, it took part in many fights before falling into ruin after a fire in 1790. Still undergoing rehabilitation and open to the public since 1996, the castle is open to the public. The visit is worthwhile especially for the magnificent panorama which offers a view on the lake below as well as on the Tatras and the Pieniny.