The largest preserved Baroque fortified residence in Poland
The huge castle in Wiśnicz is visible from afar. This medieval building after alterations by Piotr Kmita in the 16th century was transformed into a renaissance residence. Further restructuring works were ordered by Stanislaus Lubomirski after the year 1615 when additional fortifications with five bastions were added to the castle. Also at this time, eighty cannons were placed on the new fortifications. As a result, Wiśnicz Castle became one of the most powerful strongholds in Poland. The castle in spite of its fortifications did not withstand the strength of the Swedish army which invaded Poland in the period now known as the “Potop” (flood). At that time one hundred and fifty wagonloads of booty were taken out of the castle. In the renovated interiors there is an exhibition recounting the history of the castle, a collection of copper vessels, and a collection of models of Polish castles plus a sarcophagus of Stanislaus Lubomirski.