Renovation work at a historic castle in southern Poland has revealed previously unknown medieval stonework, believed to be part of the site’s 14th-century fortifications.
The discovery was made during earthworks at Żupny Castle in Wieliczka, home to the Krakow Saltworks Museum. Workers uncovered the remains of a substantial stone wall inside the southern part of the castle complex.
Architectural investigations have since revealed a section of well-preserved stone facing. Utility buildings once stood against the wall, and specialists believe the structure probably dates from the 14th century.
According to the museum, the newly discovered wall may have formed part of the castle’s medieval fortifications as well as the foundations of its southern section. Conservation authorities have ordered the remains to be protected, with the possibility that they could eventually be displayed to visitors.
The remains of a stone wall, believed to date from the 14th century, uncovered during renovation work at Żupny Castle in Wieliczka. Photo by Dariusz Kołakowski, Szymon Pawlikowski, courtesy Krakow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka.
Żupny Castle developed as the administrative centre of the Krakow Saltworks, which oversaw the valuable salt mines at Wieliczka and Bochnia. The castle complex was expanded and altered repeatedly over the centuries, leaving parts of its medieval development hidden beneath later construction.
The discovery was made during a major renovation of the museum complex. Work is continuing elsewhere despite the archaeological find, with the project eventually expected to increase exhibition space from around 400 to nearly 1,500 square metres.
Renovation of the southern wing began in July and is scheduled for completion late next year. The building will include new educational and workshop spaces, while the wider project will also create a new permanent exhibition entitled “The Salt Jewel in the Crown.”
Top Image: Żupny Castle in Wieliczka. Photo: Aktron / Wikimedia Commons
Renovation work at a historic castle in southern Poland has revealed previously unknown medieval stonework, believed to be part of the site’s 14th-century fortifications.
The discovery was made during earthworks at Żupny Castle in Wieliczka, home to the Krakow Saltworks Museum. Workers uncovered the remains of a substantial stone wall inside the southern part of the castle complex.
Architectural investigations have since revealed a section of well-preserved stone facing. Utility buildings once stood against the wall, and specialists believe the structure probably dates from the 14th century.
According to the museum, the newly discovered wall may have formed part of the castle’s medieval fortifications as well as the foundations of its southern section. Conservation authorities have ordered the remains to be protected, with the possibility that they could eventually be displayed to visitors.
Żupny Castle developed as the administrative centre of the Krakow Saltworks, which oversaw the valuable salt mines at Wieliczka and Bochnia. The castle complex was expanded and altered repeatedly over the centuries, leaving parts of its medieval development hidden beneath later construction.
The discovery was made during a major renovation of the museum complex. Work is continuing elsewhere despite the archaeological find, with the project eventually expected to increase exhibition space from around 400 to nearly 1,500 square metres.
Renovation of the southern wing began in July and is scheduled for completion late next year. The building will include new educational and workshop spaces, while the wider project will also create a new permanent exhibition entitled “The Salt Jewel in the Crown.”
Top Image: Żupny Castle in Wieliczka. Photo: Aktron / Wikimedia Commons
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