Zamek Krzyżtopór w Ujeździe
Ruins of one of the largest magnate residences of 17th-century Europe, a monument of history, with five visitor routes and a museum hall in a bastion.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Krzyżtopór Castle in Ujazd was built in 1621–1644 by Krzysztof Ossoliński, voivode of Sandomierz, as a residence of the palazzo in fortezza type. The palace, fortifications and garden were joined on a single axis, and the whole was set within the plan of a five-sided bastion fortress with five bastions. The designer is not known; the Italian architect Lorenzo Senes is named as the builder in 1633. The name combines a cross (krzyż) and an axe (topór), which were placed on the main gate.
After the founder’s death the castle passed to the Kalinowski, Denhoff, Morsztyn and Pac families. In 1655 the Swedes took it without a fight and carried off its furnishings. After the Bar Confederation in 1770 the residence was already an abandoned ruin. In the 19th century it belonged to the Łempicki family, and after the Second World War to the State Treasury. Securing works were carried out from the sixties, and in 2010–2013 a project co-financed by the European Union was completed. Since 2018 Krzyżtopór has been a monument of history.
Visitors can follow five routes: around the bastions, through the outbuilding and palace, to the spring and gardens, through the cellars, and a difficult route through a low vault. In the Smok (Dragon) bastion there is a museum hall and a small multimedia room. The castle also opens for night-time visits.
Highlights
- One of the largest magnate residences of 17th-century Europe
- Five visitor routes: bastions, palace, gardens and cellars
- Ballroom, dining hall and the octagonal tower
- Museum hall and multimedia room in the Smok bastion
- Night-time tours with the castle’s legends
Permanent exhibitions
- Trasy zwiedzania zamku – Five marked routes: around the bastions, through the outbuilding and palace, to the spring and gardens, through the cellars, and a difficult route through a low vault.
- Sala muzealna w bastionie „Smok” – Museum hall and a small multimedia room set up in the restored part of the fortifications.
- Founded
- 2008
- Operated by
- Instytucja Kultury Zamek Krzyżtopór w Ujeździe
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 22 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 19 złpupils and students up to age 26, pensioners, disability pensioners, people with disabilities, war veterans, employees of cultural institutions and museums |
| Groups (21+ people) | 18 zł per personAn organised group has more than 20 people. |
| Ticket for holders of the Karta Dużej Rodziny (on presentation of the card) | 17 zł |
| Local ticket for residents of the town and gmina of Iwaniska | 2 zł |
| Guide for a group of up to 10 people | 80 złFor larger groups PLN 10 is added for each started ten people; booking at least one day in advance. |
| Joining a guided group (individual visitors) | 8 zł |
The prices apply in the 2026 season. On the first Sunday of each month from April to October, individual visitors can join a free guided tour at 12:00 and 14:30 (an admission ticket is required).
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The castle is a permanent ruin with many stairs and uneven ground. Part of the site is closed to visitors because of securing works. Toilets are located in the Smok bastion, accessible from the main courtyard.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
Art workshops, history lessons and the quest “Szlakiem Krzyżtoporskich legend” are offered for children and groups.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
There is a small shop with souvenirs and publications at the castle; toilets are in the Smok bastion.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Detailed information is provided by the on-site guides, and publications about the castle are on sale in the shop. On one of the routes you need to bring a torch, because the cellars are poorly lit. The museum runs history lessons, art workshops and the quest “Szlakiem Krzyżtoporskich legend” (Along the Krzyżtopór Legends). |
