The New Castle in Żywiec is a stately classicist palace with a fascinating aristocratic past — once the grand residence of the Habsburg archdukes, it sheltered remarkable art collections, nearly 500 kg of silverware, and a dazzling mirror-lined ballroom. A visit here feels like stepping into a world of faded imperial elegance.

The palace impresses with its refined classicist facade, crowned by a pediment bearing the Habsburg coat of arms — added during the last expansion in 1911. Nestled among greenery close to the Old Castle and the town park, it makes for a charming stop in any season, whether bathed in summer light or wrapped in autumn colours.

• Żywiec town centre — the palace is within easy walking distance of the Old Castle and the town park; flat, easy route suitable for all visitors.

• Listed as a protected heritage monument under number A-486 since 25 February 1987.
• The building housed a forestry and woodworking secondary school for several decades; the school relocated to Sporysz in September 2013.
• The Habsburg family has submitted a claim for the return of the property following the school's departure.

A touching historical footnote: Princess Maria Krystyna of Altenburg, daughter of Archduke Karl Albrecht, returned to her family's former residence in September 2001 and lived in one of the palace wings — where the old bowling alley once stood — until her passing in 2012.