Tropsztyn Castle in the Czchów commune
Model by: Atlas 3D – Photogrammetry Poland
Tropsztyn Castle: Guardian of the Dunajec and the Legend of the Incas
Rising on a steep, rocky peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the waters of Lake Czchów – an artificial reservoir created after the construction of a dam in 1938–1948 – Tropsztyn Castle is one of the most picturesque landmarks in Lesser Poland. It is one of the fortresses whose name does not match the name of the locality (similar to Niedzica or Ogrodzieniec). Tropsztyn is a place of striking contrasts: a medieval guardian of the Sącz Gate, a romantic ruin, a stage for an international legend of Inca treasure, and – most importantly – a battlefield of ideas between conservation and reconstruction.
Stone Guardian: Origins of the Fortress (13th–14th c.)
At its dawn, Tropsztyn Castle served as an instrument of power and control over the Sącz Gate – a strategic passage along a trade route linking the Kingdom of Poland with Upper Hungary (today’s Slovakia). The earliest hypothetical mention of the castle dates back to 1231, naming Dobrosław, son of Wojsław of the Ośmioróg family; however, some historians believe the document is a later interpolation. The castle is undisputedly mentioned only in 1390 (castrum Tropsztyn), when it already belonged to Knight Chebda of the Starykoń coat of arms.
Initially, like many defensive residences of the 13th century, it was probably a timber-and-earth stronghold. The stone phase is dated to the first half of the 14th century; the first description of Gothic walls and a tower dates to 1382. Tropsztyn was not built to embellish the landscape, but as a tool of geopolitics, carved in stone to secure the interests of the state on a restless borderland.
Turbulent History: Owners, Robbers, and Ruin (14th–17th c.)
In 1390, the castle passed into the hands of Knight Chebda, beginning the most infamous period in its history. Under the Chebda family, who held the fortress for over a century, Tropsztyn gained the reputation of a “robber’s nest.” Instead of protecting merchants, its lords attacked rafts transporting goods down the Dunajec River. During this period, a Gothic residential building and a five-storey defensive tower – still dominating the castle’s silhouette today – were built.
In 1521, King Sigismund I the Old confiscated Tropsztyn for military disobedience; the Chebda family later bought it back. In 1535, Prokop Chebda sold the castle to Piotr Kmita of Wiśnicz. The fortress later passed to the Robkowski family (from 1541) and the Gabański family (from 1556).
The final blow came in 1574, when the castle was burned down by an armed force from nearby Rożnów, supported by the starost of Nowy Sącz. In 1608, a bishop’s visitation described Tropsztyn as a ruin. In the following centuries, it belonged to the Stadnicki family (1615), the Zborowski family (1624), and various other owners until the 19th century.
Chronology of Owners and Key Events of Tropsztyn Castle (1231?–1970)
The Inca Legacy: Treasure and Curse
Had Tropsztyn’s story ended in ruin, it would today be just another forgotten castle. However, in the 20th century, a legend of Inca treasure emerged. Its roots go back to 18th-century Peru, where Sebastian Berzewiczy married an Inca noblewoman. Their son Antonio settled in Niedzica, bringing with him the family’s secrets.
In 1946, Andrzej Benesz – a politician and descendant of the Berzewiczy family – discovered a lead tube containing a quipu (Inca knot writing) in the threshold of Niedzica Castle. The document allegedly indicated Tropsztyn as one of the hiding places for the treasure. Benesz purchased the ruin in 1970 as a family mission. His death in a car accident in 1976 became part of the myth of the “Inca curse.”
From Ruin to Reconstruction
After Benesz’s death, the ruins passed to his relatives, who in 1990 established the Tropsztyn Castle Reconstruction Foundation. Work began in 1995 under engineer Andrzej Witkowicz (Polinar SA). About 20% of the original walls survived; the rest was rebuilt in stone, steel, concrete, and reinforced concrete. A thick red line clearly separates the preserved relic from the modern superstructure, marking the dispute with conservators. A temporary helipad was also added on the castle walls.
Tropsztyn Today
Today, the castle is a seasonal attraction (July–August). Visitors can explore the viewing tower, cellars, an exhibition on the Inca treasure, and entrances to legendary tunnels. The walls offer panoramic views over Lake Czchów and the Rożnów Foothills. Regular admission: 20 PLN.
Summary
Tropsztyn’s extraordinary journey – from trade route guardian, through ruin, to the hero of legend and a controversial reconstruction – makes it unique. It is an example of how private passion can revive heritage.
3D Model
I created a photogrammetric model of the castle from approximately 700 drone and camera photos. The model is available on the Atlas 3D website as part of my project to digitize Polish monuments and architecture.